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Women's Rights and Livelihoods Education Program
PODA holds Candle Light Vigil for the woman killed in Dar-ul-Aman Chakwal
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 CHAKWAL,
25 Nov 2011: For the first time in the history of Chakwal city, a
candle light vigil was done for a woman victim of honor killing who
was killed by her own real brother outside the government run shelter
for women known as “Dar-ul-Amman meaning ‘house of peace’.
PODA organized this candle light vigil a day after this heinous murder
and lit candles for the woman victim. Over 20 protesters held a silent
vigil and demanded that the government should arrest the killer
brother and his friend who lied to the shelter home staff and were
able to get into the shelter where the brother shot the sister. The
sister had chosen to marry a man of her own choice that was not
acceptable to the brother. This is the third such case in less than
six months in Chakwal. PODA regional director Ms. Naheeda Abbasi who
organize the vigil said unless the government takes swift action to
arrest the killer brother the women of the district will feel insecure
and unsafe. She demanded an inquiry into how the brother was able to
get into the shelter while two guards were on duty. PODA along with a
network of human rights groups (IHI) in the capital city Islamabad
also issued the following statement on this case:
Insani Huqooq Itehad (IHI) network Press Release – 18 November 2011
 ISLAMABAD:
The civil society representatives have said that incident of girl’s
death in state run DarulAman in Chakwal district reflects lack of
collaborative and integrated service delivery approach across state
interventions to protect women against the threats that arise after
raising their voices against the violations that they face at the
hands of the family, relatives and society.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the CSO representatives have
condemned yet another security lapse at the DarulAman Chakwal which
has resulted in costing a girl’s life and allowing the killer to walk
away. They said that this incident puts forth some serious questions
for the authorities and government department responsible for looking
after these institutions which in letter and spirit are suppose to
provide protection to women being victimized in society. They said
that support services for women survivors of violence are already very
limited and without any proper resources to perform tasks assigned to
them. Incidences like these further limits the spaces for women to
seek protection from the violations committed with them at the level
of family and society.
They pointed out that instead of utilizing the existing structures
(women centers and DarulAman) and increasing coordination among them
the few institutions that stand also fear of, closing down in Punjab.
The argument of the Punjab Government that the Darul Aman and Crisis
centers perform the same task are proved wrong by this very incident.
Authorities have to separate the two functions of providing protection
(shelter) from other roles i.e arranging the meeting, reconciliation
efforts etc. There should be limited access to the shelter facility
and meeting should only be arranged by arranging appropriate security
measures and seeking the consent of the women. They were of the view
that many times we criticize institutions like DarulAman but often
forget the scenarios the staff has to work through with limited
resources, training and support from the government.
They noted that the larger burden of the incident should be taken by
the government itself rather than holding inquiries within the shelter
because it points to larger questions of having appropriate systems
and procedures which outline protection for the staff and the women
residents who come to seek protection. They further highlighted that
its critical time for the social welfare department to outline a
framework for monitoring the actual implementation of the endorsed
SOPs and to outline a follow up plan on the issues that emerge during
that process. They questioned that why the institutions of protection
like DarulAman are the least resourced and with, out dated security
systems and why isn’t the security at institutions like these is high
priority. They demanded that high priority should be given to the
Darul Aman facility and by saying this it does not mean that the for
doing so they need to be reduced to mini jails or restrict women
mobility. They said that several private practices like DASTAK and
PANNAH who successfully deal with high risk cases and yet allow the
freedom of movement to the women coming to seek protection in these
institutions can be seen as best practices for the learning purposes.
They demanded that protection of the staff that works in these
institutions and the women who come here needs to be addressed at
policy level. They also called upon the state authorities to provide
adequate resources and train the staff of such institutions to be able
to work in line with ethical and human rights principles so that such
incidents are minimized. |
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Building the Capacity of Rural Women Teachers:
 Teachers
are one of the main pillars of a sound and progressive society and play a
vital role in its development. PODA has been working effectively with rural
women teachers to build their capacity in order to encourage and support the
development of rural education system. In this implication, a Rural Women
Teachers Network was established in District Chakwal. PODA approached 275
rural women teachers directly and 725 rural women teachers indirectly from
around 50 rural villages including three Tehsils. The network not only
provided the opportunity to implement activities that promote active
learning but also introduced a process, enabling teachers to identify and
analyze their problems. It served as a platform where they shared their
professional as well as individual concerns. During regular meetings
organized by the network, training sessions were organized at UC level in
Balkasser, Miani, Dhodial, Dohman, Chakora Complex Chakwal and PODA regional
office Chakwal. In collaboration with District education department, PODA
conducted training sessions on skills development, new teaching
methodologies and anti sexual
harassment law.
•
Projects:
•
Women have the right to a life free from
violence (Chakwal, Jehlum, Rawalpindi)
•
Rural Women Day (15th October)
Annual Conference
•
Legal literacy and protection from sexual
harassment ( Mardan, Multan, Hyderabad
•
Building the capacity of rural women
artisans ( Chakwal, Hunza-Gojal, Rawalpindi)
•
Model Community Agriculture Farm (Chakwal)
Activities under the women and agriculture
projects include:
1. Awareness raising about
sustainable agricultural practices.
2.
Formation of women farmers
groups & women open schools
3.
Training in Kitchen
Gardening, Vegetable Farming & Fruit Trees plantation to women and rural
youth
4.
Training in animal care,
livestock restocking and poultry
5.
Education of farmers about
seed preservation and seed banks
6.
Facilitating links between
farmers & government agencies and advocating for acknowledgement of women
farmers’ contribution to agricultural by recording and promotion gender
specific data of agricultural activities at UC level and ensuring 10 %
required government quota for women seats in agriculture department at
district, provincial and national level institutions.
7.
Organizing 2-day national
conference annually on Rural Women Day (15th October) and World
Food Day (16th October) to bring together women farmers groups
from all over Pakistan to share information, knowledge exchange, strategy
development, visits to NARC and media presentations. Sharing farmer to
farmer knowledge across provinces
and facilitating links with all relevant stakeholders.
8.
Teaching rural women about
preservation of fruits and vegetable and teaching rural women about
nutrition in food
9.
Facilitating women farmers
to empower each other by utilizing extreme weather conditions (brining women
from Hunza in winter to Punjab to teach vegetable and fruit drying and
bringing women from Punjab to KP-K in summer to teach pickle making, Jam and
Ketchup making techniques.
10.
Advocating for better budget
allocations, services and access of raining for rural women by district
extension departments, governmental institutions, INGOs, agricultural
universities and the UN agencies to ensure gender equality.
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Program Implementation Updates
Rural women learn kitchen gardening skills for food security
 30th
July 2011 (Islamabad): ‘ The problem of food insecurity and rising
prices of food cannot be addressed without involving women in
planning, resource allocation and decision-making about food”, said
Sameena Nazir, Director PODA at the start of a week-long ‘Kitchen
Gardening Training’ for a group of 25 rural women from five districts
of Pakistan.
The weeklong hands-on training workshop on ‘Kitchen Gardening’ held
from 25th to 30th July 2011 was jointly
organized by Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA) and
Green Circle Organisation (GCO) in collaboration with Quaid-i-Azam
University (QAU) and National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC)
Islamabad. The workshop was attended by 22 rural women and 3 men
from rain-fed areas district of Chakwal and Rawalpindi and flood
affected regions of Mardan and Nowshehra. The main objective of the
workshop was to develop a group of Master Trainers who can provide
week long practical training to rural women and youth all over
Pakistan on how to utilize small spaces at home or in local
neighborhoods to grow low cost, high nutritious value vegetables for
household use. The workshop was also designed to teach women how to
get products out of per square available space to grow vegetables,
herbs and some fruits for income generation and how to organize
women’s cooperatives to provide trainings in drying vegetables and
making jams and pickles.
Dr. Farooq-e-Azam from NARC taught the participants about the
costs, benefits and utility of organic farming and their relevance for
human health and nutrition, dietary value of vegetables. He also gave
practical demonstration on preparing compost from leafs, grasses,
vegetable waste and animal dung. Each participant was taught how to
make a calendar of season vegetables and prepare a one-marla kitchen
gardening model.
President GCO, Mr. Rana Shafiq-ur-Rehman announced the formation of a
Kitchen Gardening Club in Islamabad and said that local kitchen
gardening clubs can held to
solve the problem of food insecurity and need to be created at Mohalla,
UC, Tehsil and District levels. He observed that the food crisis in
the new millennium is the bitter fruit of years of underfunding,
political neglect and failed free market policies. PODA director
Sameena Nazir said that NGOs like PODA and GCO are working together to
link national educational institutions like NARC and QAU with farmers
to promote home gardening and urban agriculture because the current
extension models is not working well in Pakistan. Director Botanical
Garden of Quaid-i-Azam University Dr. Mumtaz Samad and Dr. Javed Fateh
from NARC also worked with the participants to address technical
questions on how to protect different vegetables from diseases and
highlighted the use of non-chemical medicines like use of garlic and
Neem trees.
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“Anti-Sexual Harassment Training Sessions come to Hyderabad”
 July
2nd 2011, Hyderabad: PODA has been raising awareness on
anti-sexual harassment for some time now, it is only natural that the
sessions would trickle down all over Pakistan in raising people’s
awareness with regard to their legal rights. Ms. Sumaira Ishfaq (PODA
Regional Manager, Hyderabad) delivered an empowering yet eye opening
training session on this issue to the district government officials in
the region. The session was held at the EDO’s office in the Community
Development Department during which there were a total of 20
attendees, 19 of whom were male and 1 female.
The participants were engaged with the issue at hand by being asked to
give their opinion on what qualifies as sexual harassment. The answers
varied but generally a recurring theme was noted “any form of physical
or mental sexual innuendos or conduct”. The outcome was pleasing since
the attendees already seemed to have somewhat of basic grasp over what
kind of behavior is not excusable.
 Myths
relating to this issue were also discussed in great detail, these
points ranged from “women provoke sexual harassment” to “if you ignore
sexual harassment it will go away”. The reality is (as discussed)
keeping quiet about the topic at hand or blaming a singular party for
their behavior leading to lapse in the peoples actions around them are
totally wrong. Solutions were then discussed which made it easier for
people to talk about their problems rather than holding them in, now
even more so that there are legal remedies in place.
After this exercise, Ms. Sumaira Ishfaq shared that the government has
passed 2 laws against Sexual Harassment in the start of 2010; the
first is “The Amendment in the Pakistan Penal Code, section 509”
9commonly known as PPC-509), to include the definition of Sexual
Harassment and make it a criminal offense at home, on streets and the
workplace; the second is the “Protection against harassment of women
at the workplace Act 2010”. The primary objective of passing these is
to provide an opportunity to all the REGIS organizations, public and
private to develop a self-regulatory mechanism whereby organizations
could handle the problems related to sexual harassment internally.
Adoption of this Code has become mandatory for all organizations.
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PODA
highlights population control
 ISLAMABAD,
July 11: The United Nations’ (UN) World Population Day was observed in
Pakistan on July 11. PODA organized a number of activities to
highlight the importance of World Population Day with the aim to draw
attention to the plight of mothers in Pakistan.
In Chakwal PODA organized a medical camp for rural community members
in village Nara Mughlan. The camp facilitated 105 rural women to get
information about family planning. Lady health workers spoke at the
event and emphasized small families.
PODA Human Rights Defenders Network organized a rally in Talagang
Union Council and joined District Population Welfare rally from
Mundial Chowk to City Hospital. They demanded more resources for
family planning services in rural areas.
 In
Mardan, PODA organized a seminar
about the importance of the World Population Day and shared that
healthy population plays vital role in the development of the country.
PODA Regional Manager Mr. Tahir Safi said that the fight against
hunger and poverty would be possible only with long term policies at
national and regional level for population control. PODA organized the
day in collaboration of 3 local organizations of Mardan.
Ms. Refaqat Baji, Chairperson, Amman Welfare Organization shared that
a survey conducted by their group in 5 union councils of district
Mardan and revealed that a survey on women issues in 5 union councils
of district Mardan and the most burning issue was that 27% of women
are victims of trafficking to the Punjab region and 47% women are
married at the age of 15 years or below. The survey also showed that
most women are often the victims of various diseases due to repeated
pregnancies and poverty that is why women are easily deceived by
trafficking mafia.
Ms. Rehana Shakeela, Chairperson of Labor Education Organization
shared that their work shows that in many cases, the husband are
forcing against the wishes of his wife for more children and women who
refuse to bear more children are forced out of their homes.
In Multan, PODA organized two gatherings in UCs Akbar Pur and Basti
Churey Walla which were attended by 100 men, women and children.
Addressing the gathering, Regional Manager PODA Mr. Barkat Ali Khan
and Program Coordinator Khadija Shaheen emphasized that Pakistan is
facing social and economic problems due to increase in population day
by day that results in shortage of basic necessities of life
especially in rural population.
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‘Women contributing 70% labour to agri sector’
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 ISLAMABAD:
Over 70 per cent labour in the agricultural sector is contributed by
women workers but hardly any recognition is given to women’s
contribution in the country, said Sameena Nazir, Director PODA.
She demanded that the national census must count the working hours
spent by rural women farmers and home based workers, says a press
release.
Addressing a gathering of rural women in Chakwal in connection with
May Day, Sameena Nazir welcomed the recent decision of the government
to ask an additional question in the current on-going census that asks
how many people of the household work and then specifies a column for
men and women. Earlier census did not specify the gender. “We hope
that the women’s actual contributions in the labour sector will now be
shown when the 2011 census completes,” added Sameena Nazir.
The Constitution addresses all the issues relating to male, female and
even children in working class about their working, contract of
employment, protection of young workers, labour courts, but the plight
of the workers is still unchanged and is miserable”, Sameena Nazir
said during addressing a gathering organised.
In Mardan, a public meeting was organised with community workers. Over
68 participants were present at a PODA event. They paid tributes to
the martyrs of Chicago, who laid their lives for the cause of
labourers. It was said that in Pakistan, the minimum wage has been set
at Rs7,000 per month, which is rarely available to all. In the private
sector, the wage varies, and mostly it is less than the minimum set.
An economist while working out monthly expenditures of a minimum wager
fails to solve the riddle how his family can pass a month with that
money.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=44514&Cat=2&dt=5/1/2011
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PODA demands review of Mukhtaran Mai gang rape case
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 The
acquittal of all but one accused in the gang rape was shocking for the
civil society. The Executive Director of PODA Ms. Sameena Nazir who
was present at the Supreme Court on the decision day to show
solidarity with Mukhtaran Mai said, “The outcome of Mukhtaran case
will discourage survivors of rape. We are proud of Mukhtaran Mai, who
stood bravely against all intimidation and harassment”.
Later in the day PODA participated in a rally to show solidarity with
Mukhtaran Mai. PODA also joined National Commission on the Status of
Women (NCSW) to issue a statement about the case development.
Click
here
for
full text of the civil societies statement.
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PODA demands attention to the needs of small farmers on
World Farmers Day – April 17
 ISLAMABAD,
April 17: “Farmers affected by the 2010 floods should be compensated for
their agricultural losses on priority basis so they can rebuild their lives
and livelihoods”, demanded Sameena Nazir, Executive Director PODA on the
occasion of World Farmers Day.
The World Farmers Day is celebrated on 17th April across the
world in to recognize the contributions of farmers and to highlight their
needs and priorities. PODA works primarily in rural areas of Pakistan and
organized events in Chakwal, Mardan, Multan and Hyderabad to observe 17th
April. “The government of Pakistan should also show solidarity with the
farmers on this day and announce special programs for farmers especially
women farmers”, demanded Sameena Nazir.
In Mardan, over 60 participants at a PODA event said since Pakistan is an
agrarian country and majority of farmers live in rural areas therefore the
government and civil society and the international community should give
incentives to small farmers and also award land ownership to small farmers.
They were badly affected by the policies of (WTO) in world community because
they have no access to advance facilities in agriculture field. This day
reminds us for the wellbeing of the rural farmers’ progress and remedy of
their problems, said participants. A similar gathering was held at PODA
office in Multan that was attended by 71 farmers from flood affected areas
of South Punjab. The participants highlighted that the local feudal own
large landholdings while the majority of rural population is landless farm
workers and agriculture laborers who do not have a source of livelihood of
their own. It is therefore, necessary that this poor class should be made
financially strong. It was demanded that land reform process should be
initiated along with the rehabilitation work for the flood affectees land
should be distributed among the flood victims to ensure sustainable
rehabilitation.
He told
to Participants that this day is celebrated as a Protest against the
irrational and groundless policies of the world Community against Farmers
and solidarity and sympathy towards Poor farmers of the rural areas where
they are suffering from various Social-economic problems. They were badly
affected by the policies of (WTO) in world Community because they have no
access to advance facilities in agriculture field. This day reminds and
inspires us for the wellbeing of the rural farmers Progress and remedy of
their problems.
In Hyderabad, PODA field office organized a meeting to highlight the issues
and problems faced by the farmers’ community. A total of 64 participants
including farmers, agriculturists and civil society representatives
supported the cause of small farmers especially women farmers. The
participants said the daily wages of farm workers should be increased from
Rs. 100 a day and women farmer workers should be paid equal for equal amount
of work. Currently women farmers do not get equal wages even though they
work the same hours as men. The speakers in Hyderabad, strongly supported
that farmers are the backbone of the nation and government should formulate
new policies in the agriculture sector in favor of agriculture laborers not
the big land owners. Capacity building of agriculture labor sector at
grassroots level was also considered important to promote new agricultural
practices.
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PODA Launches
Educational Poster on Pakistani Women’s Day
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12th
February 1983 marks an important milestone in the history of women’s
movement in Pakistan when women protested and successfully challenged
the promulgation of the Law of Evidence by the military dictator
Zia-ul Haq. Unfortunately, majority of the young people especially
women, are not aware of the significance of this special day and how
it relates to their rights and freedom today.
Realizing the
importance of this historic day, PODA took the initiative to design a
special poster (click here to
download poster) which was launched on Pakistani Women’s day 2011
in Islamabad. Relevant historical photographs for this poster
highlighting the struggle of women were selected after going through
the archives. The production was made possible through collaboration
with National Commission on the Status of Women and Aurat Foundation.
The write up for the poster message was carefully developed by PODA
narrating the long struggle of women activists which led to an
organized movement. The English and Urdu versions were knitted in the
design along with three selected photographs.
This educational
poster was launched on 11th February, 2011 at a mega event
held at Pakistan National Council of the Arts Auditorium which PODA
organized in collaboration with its partners to mark Pakistani Women’s
Day. The event was attended by over 500 women from urban and rural
areas, government and civil society representatives, and the media.
The poster captioned ‘Chale Chalo Ke Manzil Abhi Nahin Aai’ was
displayed and distributed during the event and was highly appreciated.
If you would like
to have a copy of this poster please contact
info@poda.org.pk |
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International Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD’s) Day.
PODA celebrated International Women Human Rights Defenders Day in Chakwal on
29th November, 2010. 28 WHRD’s from District Chakwal, District
Jehlum and District Mianwali participated in this event. 8 WHRD’s shared
their testimonies. They said that in spite of all hurdles, threats and
insecurity they took risk and were persistent in their efforts to help
victims to support and protection for victim’s rights.
PODA has organized training session on
UDHR and UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and consultative workshops
on “Issues and Strategies for protection of Human Rights Defenders” in
district Jehlum. Human Rights Defenders shared that they face many problems
during their work, especially when there is a case of women (Divorce,
Marriage, domestic violence or land rights) WHRD’s face threats and social
pressures to stop helping victims. Also the police and other government
institutions are not gender sensitive, so in spite of being helpful hey
create more problems for WHRD’s.
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