Community Dialogue on Women Empowerment through Awareness of their Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation in Decision-Making Haripur District Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Event: Community Dialogue on Women Empowerment through Awareness of their Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation in Decision-Making
Venue: Haripur District Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Day & Date: Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Transparency International Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan Workers Federation District Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) organized a Community Dialogue on Tuesday, 14 November 2023.
The goal of the dialogue was to make communities aware about gender issues, inequalities between men and women and to support women’s rights by promoting their involvement in political decision making. More than 55 community women, lady health workers, elected councilors, came together for the event.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Ms. Nasreen Memon, Gender Resource Person TI Pakistan warmly welcomed the participants. She highlighted Transparency International Pakistan’s dedication to fighting corruption, tackling gender discrimination, and advocating for justice for everyone. Ms. Memon explained how corruption is closely linked to gender issues, pointing out that it can prevent women’s access to vital government services and deny them their rights. She emphasized the significance of women knowing their rights and actively engaging in the political process.
Ms. Iqbal Bano, a community activist, highlighted that in District Haripur, the literacy ratio for women is commendable, indicating progress in women’s education and empowerment. However, she emphasized a significant challenge: despite their educational achievements, women often lack decision-making power in choosing the best job opportunities outside the city. Parents, while supportive of their daughters’ work, may limit them to specific jobs. For instance, even those with MSc degrees may find themselves working as polio workers or private teachers. This underscores the need for broader empowerment that extends beyond education to include increased agency in career choices for women in the region.
Ms. Perveen, a housewife, shared her experiences regarding cultural barriers that prevent women from owning or inheriting property. She talked about the challenges women face, pointing out the rules and customs that make it hard for them to have property rights. She highlighted how the barriers are widespread, and it’s important to address them for gender equality in property ownership and inheritance.
Ms. Nosheen, a lady health worker, said that Women have the right to enjoy the highest standard of health without discrimination based on factors such as gender, age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other grounds . Women should easily get good healthcare. This includes help with having babies, family planning, and treatment when they’re sick. Women should also have access to information about their reproductive health.
Ms. Nasreen shared that women have the right to live free from gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and harmful practices child marriage, which can have severe implications for their physical and mental health.
Moving On, Mr. Zaryab, Chairman Tehsil Municipal Officer, Haripur thanked TI Pakistan team member for the chance to talk about voter education and women’s involvement in politics. He stressed the crucial role women play in society and urged them to use their voting rights to influence their communities and the nation. Mr. Zaryab emphasized the need for well-informed voting decisions, encouraging people to research candidates, understand their policies, and consider their track records. He also highlighted the importance of voter registration, urging everyone to verify their details on voter lists and know their polling station locations for the upcoming elections. He also encouraged women to actually come out on the day of the election and participate in the electoral process by exercising their right to vote. Participants were also briefed in terms of how they can check their constituencies and the process of acquiring national identity cards (CNICs) which is mandatory for voting.
Ms. Nasreen Memon concluded the session by reinforcing the importance of women’s engagement in the electoral process. She encouraged women to stay informed and actively participate, emphasizing that their voices could bring positive change to their communities and the nation. Ms. Nasreen also mentioned that TI Pakistan’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre offers free guidance on matters related to voter registration during elections and obtaining CNICs, including obtaining free legal advice.
Ms. Asima, a member of the Pakistan Workers Federation in Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the community women conveyed her sincere appreciation to TI Pakistan for organizing a community dialogue. They acknowledged it as a significant platform for fostering awareness about women’s rights and affirmed their collective determination to address gender-based violations and inequalities. This commitment underscores community’s shared dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering women within their local communities.
