Community Dialogue: Women Empowerment through Awareness of their Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation in Decision-Making

Community Dialogue: Women Empowerment through Awareness of their Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation in Decision-Making
Venue: UC-65, Sheikhupura – Punjab
Day & Date: Friday, 22nd September 2023

Transparency International Pakistan, in collaboration with Al-Mustafa Welfare Society Organization Sheikhupura – Punjab, organized a Community Dialogue in UC-65, Sheikhupura-Punjab, on Friday, 22nd September 2023. The aim of the dialogue was to foster awareness about gender issues, address gender inequalities, advocate for women’s rights, and encourage active participation in political decision-making. The event brought together over 65 community women, lady health workers, elected councilors, and civil society representatives.

The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Ms. Nasreen Memon, Gender Resource Person TI Pakistan extended a warm welcome to the participants. She emphasized that Transparency International Pakistan is committed to combatting corruption, addressing gender discrimination, and promoting justice for all. Ms. Memon discussed the intricate connection between corruption and gender, shedding light on how corruption can hinder women’s access to essential government services and deprive them of their rights. She stressed the importance of women understanding their rights and becoming active participants in the political process.

During the dialogue, Ms. Fatima, an elder woman, shared a distressing incident from their village involving a vulnerable woman who had committed suicide due to her husband’s divorce, leaving behind three children without financial support. Ms. Fatima underscored the urgent need to raise awareness about women’s rights in such dire situations.

Ms. Ameena, a young woman, raised concerns about verbal contract marriages which often lack legal documentation to safeguard the rights of both spouses. Ms. Nasreen emphasized the significance of the marriage contract document (Nikahnama) as one of the most important documents a Pakistani woman will ever sign. She stressed the need for women to fully understand and assert their rights when entering into marriages, especially in cases of abusive relationships.

Mr. Farzaz Ahmed, Coordinator of Sungi Foundation Sheikhupura, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss voter education and the political participation of women. He highlighted the pivotal role women play in society and urged them to exercise their voting rights to shape their communities and the nation. Mr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of informed voting decisions, encouraging attendees to research candidates, their policies, and their track records. He also stressed the significance of voter registration and the necessity to verify voter lists and polling station locations.

Mr. Majid Shurabi concluded the session by reinforcing the importance of women’s engagement in the electoral process. He 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 briefed the participants about TI Pakistan’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre, offering free guidance on matters related to voter registration during elections and obtaining CNICs.

At the end of the event, both the Al-Mustafa Welfare Society Organization and the community women expressed their heartfelt gratitude to TI Pakistan for organizing the dialogue. They recognized it as a valuable platform for raising awareness about women’s rights and pledged to work collectively to combat gender-based violations and inequalities. This commitment reflects their shared dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women in their local communities.