By Sidra Shaikh

Pakistan is one of the countries that is most susceptible to climate change impacts. Sindh is the second largest province of Pakistan struggling through the worst health conditions from both the urban and rural sides especially when it comes to women`s health. Extreme heat exposure is one of the global health concerns nowadays particularly for pregnant women. Prolonged heat exposure to high temperatures can evaluate the maternal blood pressure and can be severely dangerous in the Second Trimester (20 weeks) while increasing the risk of developing preeclampsia. Whereas facing Extreme Heat exposure without access to cooling points, bearing and raising children along with, making family income, performing 24 hours care responsibilities and subsistence agriculture is the everyday activity of women in Shamu Patel Village Hyderabad. In which most of the work is unpaid and solely considered as women’s work” yet they continue with quiet resilience since they don’t have any other way to run their household expenses. And their only silent complaint is “what else can we do?” Summer’s sun is a daily burden which feels more when it comes to pregnancy and becomes even harsher and affects marginalized communities disproportionately. Bharti, a field laborer, told that:

“Village women are very strong but being pregnant in front of the burning sun feels like dying”

From An Anthropological Lens

From an Anthropological perspective her words are crucial to reveal heat exposure as a burden not just biologically but also a socially constructed one where physical and emotional Exhaustion, Malnutrition and the rigid gender norms combine to create dangerous conditions. Early age pregnancies and late pregnancies in women`s 40s further complicate their health reflecting a lack of family planning and high parity. These risks are compounded by discriminatory gender norms that force women to continue work under harsh conditions. Since their agriculture labor in these villages is 75% carried out by women of all ages they spend 10 to 11 hours of each day under scorching heat. As a result of this constant exhaustion many suffer from restless sleep or not enough sleep “Insomnia and Anemia” a condition affecting nearly 47% of Pakistan’s rural population 3, and has become a very common complaint. Unfortunately it’s not just the case of Shamo Patel Village; rather it’s a reality of the women of our 75% portion population in Pakistan.

Climate Justice and Maternal Health

According to the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) “If a pregnant woman’s body temperature rises above 39.2°C in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby has a slightly increased risk of having a birth defect.”4. However these women endure 50°C daily temperature as a result the Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Preeclampsia, Gestational hypertension, and poor birth outcome linked to maternal under-nutrition are common features of birth profile in Shamo Patel village. Where their child birth is not simply about bringing new life into the world but represents a cost that mothers pay in a poorly organized and inequitable health and social structure. In which their life as individual get compromised, as Shoni a young pregnant lady shared that:

“We ignore our thirst three to four times before finally drinking, since there is only one cooler to serve the 45 workers at a time. That is why the fainting spells happen on a regular basis as another participant shared that “fainting spells during field work is as common as just to feel dehydration and exhaustion”. While such incidences are normalized in the community and the consequences are overlooked so that the cycle of maternal malnutrition continues and antenatal care remains ignored since there is not even a single official dispensary by the government. No doubt that broader health policies exist, but the approach of one size fits all is a big neglect for marginalized populations like Shamo Patel where the basics of maternal care feels like a luxury. In fact the community remains excluded from programs such as the Benazir Nashunuma Program BNP. Unless maternal health initiatives are redesigned to address climate induced challenges such as extreme heat exposure and the prevention of malnutrition, women in villages like Shamo Patel will continue to sacrifice their health for the nation’s survival, maternal health justice is essential.

Read: Systemic Discrimination against Rural Women

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The writer is a recent Graduate from University of Sindh Jamshoro. She is working as Research Associate at Agha Khan University`s Matiari Research and Training Center.

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By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

When we imagine rural Sindh, the images that usually come to mind are of men working in the fields or sitting together in communal spaces engaged in conversation. But beyond this familiar picture lies a deeper truth that is often overlooked: the tireless role of rural Sindhi women. Their contribution extends far beyond the four walls of their homes, forming a vital foundation for the strength of both the rural economy and the social fabric. For centuries, their labor, patience, and resilience have been a source of support for households and communities alike.

These women are the silent heroines who, with daily effort and wisdom, help their families and society move forward. From economic activities to community welfare, rural life is incomplete without their contributions. This article sheds light on the economic, social, and educational roles of Sindhi women in villages and highlights just how significant and essential their efforts truly are.

An Indispensable Role in Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture is the backbone of Sindh’s economy and the most crucial part of rural livelihoods. Within this sphere, women play a fundamental role, sharing much of the burden of labor alongside men. While it is true that men often undertake the heavy work in fields, women remain equal partners in every stage, from seed selection to planting, cleaning crops, picking cotton, handling chillies or dates, and harvesting vegetables and fruits.

All of this work is carried out by women’s hands, and importantly, it is done without wages, purely to strengthen their family’s livelihood. Alongside agriculture, women are also central to livestock management, caring for cows, buffaloes, goats, and poultry. Daily responsibilities include feeding, watering, milking, and producing food items such as buttermilk, butter, desi ghee, and yogurt. These not only sustain the family’s diet but also generate income through sales, providing vital financial support.

Through their relentless efforts, women not only stabilize household economies but also contribute significantly to the broader rural economy, a contribution too often undervalued or ignored.

Skills in Handicrafts and Local Industries

Rural Sindhi women are not confined to the fields alone. They are also masters of handicrafts, showcasing their skills in local industries. Their expertise in weaving cloth by hand, crafting baskets, and creating jewelry and decorative items from beads and threads is remarkable.

Traditional crafts like Ajrak, Ralli quilts, embroidery, and pottery have for centuries reflected the creativity and patience of Sindhi women. These are more than just crafts, they are symbols of culture and artistry, providing not only cultural identity but also a source of income when sold in markets. This small-scale industry plays a significant role in empowering women economically.

Importantly, many rural women also pass these skills on to others, enabling more women to earn livelihoods. In addition, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often work with them to introduce modern designs and marketing techniques, helping expand their reach to larger markets. In this way, rural women not only preserve Sindh’s cultural identity but also generate income for themselves and their families.

Growing Role in Education and Healthcare

There was a time when rural Sindhi women were seen as suited only for domestic chores. But times are changing. Today, their growing participation in education and healthcare offers a ray of hope for rural society. Many young women, after completing their studies, now work in their villages as teachers, nurses, or Lady Health Workers (LHWs).

They provide education and healthcare to children and women, while also contributing to the creation of a more aware and responsible generation. Educated women inspire families to educate their daughters, as people see firsthand how a well-educated girl can become a role model for both her family and her community.

In healthcare, Lady Health Workers raise awareness among women and children about health issues, offering basic treatment and facilities. They serve as a bridge for improving community health, helping to control diseases and improve living conditions in villages.

Role in Social Decision-Making

Alongside their economic roles, rural women are also beginning to take part in decision-making processes. Though progress is slow, it is visible. Today, women contribute to household decisions about expenses, children’s education, and marriages. In some areas, they even participate in local committees formed to resolve community issues.

This emerging role is largely due to better access to education and information. With mobile phones and social media, women are now exposed to new ideas, expanding their awareness and helping them understand their rights. This shift is a positive step toward greater equality and justice in Sindhi society. When women are empowered to make decisions, the entire community benefits, since women often have a deeper understanding of household and family needs.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite these positive changes, rural Sindhi women continue to face many challenges. Lack of education, poor healthcare facilities, and cultural restrictions still limit their potential. In many areas, women are still denied the right to voice their opinions and are seen only as fit for domestic work.

To overcome these challenges, joint efforts by the government and social organizations are essential. Educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and vocational training centers should be expanded for rural women. They need not only education but also practical skills that enhance their economic independence. A woman who is self-reliant becomes stronger in decision-making as well.

Conclusion

In short, the role of women in rural Sindh is not secondary; it is the foundation of social progress. They are the backbone of both the economy and the social structure, strengthening and sustaining communities with their labor, sacrifice, and skills. Without seeking fame or recognition, they remain the pillars of rural households.

Through patience, resilience, and determination, rural Sindhi women uplift not only their families but also the broader economy and society. It is our responsibility to recognize their contributions and provide them with every possible opportunity to advance. With greater access to education and economic resources, these women can play a transformative role, not only in their households but in the development of all of Sindh.

A truly prosperous and developed Sindh can only be built when rural women are empowered, self-reliant, and given their rightful place in society.

Read: Merely Living and Living with Purpose

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Role of Women in Rural Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Women in rural areas are key agents. They play a catalytic role in achieving the transformational economic, environmental, and social changes required for sustainable development. However, limited access to credit, healthcare, and education are among the many challenges they face. These issues are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering women is essential—not only for the well-being of individuals, families, and rural communities but also for overall economic productivity, given women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.

With equal resources, women could contribute much more. It is estimated that if women farmers had the same access as men, agricultural output in 34 developing countries would rise by an average of up to 4 percent. This could significantly reduce the number of undernourished people in these countries, translating into fewer millions of hungry individuals.

Pakistan has inherited a very efficient and hardworking rural women labor force. While women’s participation is evident across every sector of the economy, it is heavily concentrated in agriculture. Rural women perform numerous labor-intensive jobs such as weeding, hoeing, grass-cutting, picking, cotton stick collection, and seed separation from fiber, among others. Women also collect wood from fields, which is a major fuel source for cooking.

Access to clean drinking water is another major problem in rural areas. Fetching water from remote areas is also women’s duty. Additionally, rural women are responsible for maintaining livestock and related activities such as milking, milk processing, and preparing butter and ghee. Livestock is primarily a subsistence activity to meet household food needs and supplement farm income. A majority of peasants own some livestock, and their livestock strength is influenced by various factors such as farm size, cropping patterns, and the availability of range land, fodder, and pasture.

It is a common practice in rural areas to include an animal as part of a woman’s dowry. The number of small ruminants (sheep and goats) per family is typically three. Studies reveal that rural women earn, on average, Rs. 8,780 annually from the sale of animals. They also clean animals, livestock sheds, water, and milk animals. Moreover, they are responsible for collecting cow dung and preparing dung cakes, activities that also contribute to the income of poor families.

Evidently, rural women are involved in almost all livestock-related activities. The Labour Survey of Pakistan (2006-07) revealed that 31 percent of animal feeding is done by women; they also carry out 58 percent of milking and milk processing, and 90 percent of dung cake preparation. Nearly 90 percent of women are involved in shed cleaning, and 85 percent in collecting farmyard manure. Watering duties are performed by 69 percent of women. Men, however, share responsibilities such as caring for sick animals.

Poultry farming is another major source of rural income, and women’s participation at the household level plays a central role. Despite not necessarily using modern management techniques like vaccination and improved feed, their enterprise in this sector is impressive, and annual income from poultry farming continues to increase.

Traditionally, cotton picking is an activity exclusively performed by women. According to the labor survey, 89 percent of women participate in cotton picking. They are also extensively involved in other activities, such as hoeing (30 percent) and weeding (22 percent).

A rural woman’s day begins at dawn and ends at dusk. Her routine includes house cleaning, fetching drinking water, dish-washing, laundry, and preparing food for the family, caring for children, tailoring, and sewing clothes. She manages these activities very efficiently.

Although rural women supply half of the country’s food production, their own food security remains at risk. Most poor rural women suffer from malnutrition and have poor health. Women farmers are often ignored in development strategies and policies. Despite their extensive involvement, their social, economic, and political status remains low.

For improving their situation and recognizing their contributions to agriculture and allied fields, the following recommendations are proposed:

The roles of women in the rural economy and informal sectors should be formally recognized, and their labor contributions should be accounted for in monetary terms.

Steps should be taken to ensure poor rural women have access to land, agricultural and livestock extension services, and support mechanisms.

Easier access to micro-credit should be provided to women.

Urgent measures should be implemented to enhance female literacy and improve their educational levels. A separate education policy for women may be beneficial.

Laws and policies should be framed to eliminate negative customary practices, and access to justice should be improved.

Since many of the poorest people in the world are women, eradicating poverty is a key challenge for rural women.

Food security, which has four main components—availability, access, utilization, and stability—will improve if women have access to necessary assets, resources, and a voice in decision-making impacting their households and communities.

Read: Depleting, Polluted Aquifers in Thar Desert

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Systemic Discrimination against Rural Women first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo

We have largely ignored womenfolk in Pakistan however, the fact is that women in Pakistan make up around 49 percent of the total population, but their participation in the labor force is less than 20 percent. This stark disparity highlights a significant issue that has yet to be adequately addressed. In developed countries, women are recognized as a vital driving force behind economic growth, and the idea of strengthening the economy without their active participation is inconceivable.

In developed countries, women grapple with issues such as the wage gap, equal representation in leadership positions, and flexible working hours. Conversely, in developing countries like Pakistan, women are still engaged in a struggle for their fundamental human rights, including the right to life, the right to education, and the right to freedom. These basic rights are among the critical issues that women in our country are fighting to attain.

Women in rural Pakistan primarily work on family-owned agricultural farms without compensation. They also perform twice as much domestic work as men. If compensated for their contributions, women could significantly boost global GDP by 10-40 percent.

Increasing opportunities for women, especially in politics, is crucial. Women’s political representation can empower them to challenge patriarchal norms and drive policy changes that create safer environments. For instance, when Pervez Musharraf raised women’s political quotas, Pakistan’s Gender Gap Index ranking improved. To combat inequality effectively, we must elevate women’s roles across all sectors.

Read: ‘Women peasants in rural Sindh face multiple challenges’

Women constitute approximately 49% of Pakistan’s total population, yet their representation in the labor force is significantly low, standing at only 20% (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2022). This disparity highlights systemic barriers that limit women’s economic participation. In contrast, developed nations view women as essential contributors to economic growth, recognizing their role in innovation, productivity, and financial stability.

In industrialized countries, the discourse surrounding women’s economic involvement revolves around issues such as the wage gap, equal representation in leadership roles, and flexible working conditions. However, in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, women are still struggling for fundamental human rights, including access to education, freedom of mobility, and economic independence (UNDP Pakistan, 2021).

Rural Women’s Economic Contributions

In the agricultural sector, rural women play a crucial role in farming and livestock management, often working on family-owned land without formal compensation. Research indicates that women in these regions contribute twice as much labor to domestic tasks compared to men (World Bank, 2020). If domestic labor were monetized, estimates suggest that it could add between 10% and 40% growth to the global GDP (ILO, 2019).

Greater participation of women in governance and policymaking is vital in addressing systemic inequalities. Historical reforms, such as the quota expansion under President Pervez Musharraf, led to an improved ranking for Pakistan in the Gender Gap Index (World Economic Forum, 2008). Women’s inclusion in political institutions allows for policy reforms that prioritize female entrepreneurship, workplace protections, and equal access to financial resources.

Strategies for Enhancing Women’s Economic Participation

Agricultural Innovation: Training programs focused on modern farming techniques can improve productivity among female agricultural workers.

Entrepreneurial Support: Expanding access to microfinance and market connectivity can empower women to turn traditional skills, such as embroidery and handicrafts, into sustainable businesses.

Educational Advancement: Increased investment in literacy programs and vocational training can equip rural women with diverse economic opportunities.

Digital and Financial Inclusion: Mobile banking and digital marketplaces can facilitate remote economic engagement for women, especially in isolated communities.

The Role of Men in Women’s Empowerment

Male family members, fathers, brothers, and husbands play a crucial role in supporting female education and professional development. Active encouragement of schooling, financial investment in women’s education, and advocacy against restrictive cultural norms can significantly improve gender equity in economic participation (UNESCO Pakistan, 2020).

Village women in Sindh, Pakistan, have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the national economy. Institutional reforms, grassroots initiatives, and evolving social attitudes collectively shape opportunities for women’s empowerment. Economic stability and gender inclusion are interconnected; addressing systemic barriers will not only benefit individual women but also enhance national economic growth.

Women in Sindh, Pakistan, face a mix of challenges and progress. The Women Development Department (WDD) Sindh is actively working on empowerment initiatives, including legal assistance, economic support, and social awareness programs. They provide services like safe houses, day care centers, and complaint cells to support women in distress.

However, Sindh still struggles with tribal customs, low literacy rates, and patriarchal structures, which hinder women’s full participation in society. While some women have made strides in education, employment, and politics, many still face barriers in healthcare, property rights, and physical security.

For a broader national perspective, the UN Women Pakistan report highlights gaps in gender equality, particularly in economic empowerment and protection against violence. Efforts are ongoing to improve policies and access to resources.

Women’s status in Sindh varies compared to other provinces in Pakistan, with some progress in legal protections but persistent challenges in economic and social inclusion.

Punjab ranks higher in women’s empowerment, with better access to education and employment. It has the highest Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Index score among provinces, reflecting stronger gender inclusion.

Sindh has some legal protections for women in agriculture, but female employment rates remain low, similar to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Women in rural Sindh often work in agriculture but are more likely to be unpaid family workers.

Balochistan ranks lowest in human development and gender inclusion, with high poverty rates and limited access to education and healthcare. Women’s participation in the workforce is among the lowest in the country.

KPK has seen some improvements in economic conditions, but cultural restrictions still limit women’s mobility and employment opportunities.

Sindh has urban centers like Karachi, where women have better access to education and employment, but rural areas still face deep-rooted patriarchal norms.

Read: Deterioration of Education in Sindh

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Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is a retired professor, ex: chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, ex-advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor, SAU Tandojam. Email: Email: abdullaharijo@gmail.com 

The post Village Women’s Role in National Economy first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Umerkot, Sindh

Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Sub Campus Umerkot, in collaboration with the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), has introduced an initiative to sensitize women and girls from rural area about the value and commercial potential of kitchen gardens. This collaborative effort included a practical demonstration and on-job session on kitchen gardening, with the participation of 35 women, including five young girls.

The purpose of joint initiative was to empower women by providing them with the enough knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain kitchen gardens, which can serve as a sustainable source of food and income for one family. The kitchen garden practice is designed to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support the economic empowerment of women in the Umerkot region.

The SPO and SAU teams organized a visit to a designated location of Ramji kolhi, Umerkot for a hands-on demonstration of kitchen gardening and how to grow successful KG model. This practical demonstration provided the women with visions, efforts into the establishment and maintenance of a kitchen garden.

Sindh Agriculture University Sub Campus Umerkot supported to Strengthening Participatory Organization the initiative by providing transportation point (bus service) free of cost, including fuel. Additionally, the university’s experts assisted in the demarcation, leveling, and preparation of the kitchen garden plot.

During the visit, the women received comprehensive on-job, physical demonstration on various aspects of kitchen gardening and fruit bearing plant. This included instructions on sowing seeds, preparing the soil, and creating a commercially viable kitchen garden. The SPO and SAU teams sensitized the women about the benefits of kitchen gardening, both for personal consumption to fulfill the nutrition need and commercial purposes.

By involving women and young girls in this joint initiative, the action targets to promote gender equality and ensure that women have a voice in climate adaptation strategies. The knowledge and skills gained from this practical demonstration will enable the women and girls to contribute to their communities’ resilience against climate change.

Saleem Chang, representative from Sindh Agriculture University, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Empowering women through sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for achieving food security and economic stability in our Umerkot.

Amjad Baloch Regional Coordinator from SPO added, “SPO’s collaboration with SAU is a significant step towards inclusive climate action. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are nurturing a more resilient and self-sufficient community.”

Resham from Ramji Kolhi shared, “With dedicated effort and hard work, we can secure the future of our family. This kitchen garden helped me fulfill my nutritional and economic needs. My husband and I are earning 2000 daily, and our children and we are happy. We also learned to grow seasonal vegetables, which will support us economically throughout the year. (PR)

Read: Experts suggest Hydroponic Farming in Pakistan

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Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh 

Sindh Microfinance Bank Limited (SMFBL) and Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) have launched a joint initiative for empowering women entrepreneurs in the rural areas of the province.

An event in this regard was organized on Thursday in Tando Muhammad Khan to showcase the unique collaboration between the two organizations for provision of subsidized credit to women entrepreneurs in Sindh.

The initiative will provide financing facility for deserving women entrepreneurs in various sectors including tailoring, livestock, stitching and embroidery, enabling them to expand their businesses and achieve financial independence.

Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to CM Sindh for Investment Department & PPP Projects, Khizar Pervaiz, CEO-SEDF, and Shoaib Arif, CEO-SMFBL, joined the occasion along with several other stakeholders of the rural economy of Sindh. Recognizing the pivotal role played by women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and social development, this event sought to provide support and resources to aspiring women entrepreneurs in rural Sindh. SEDF’s financial support enabled these dynamic women to fuel their businesses and unlock their potential.

Speaking at the event, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar emphasized the Sindh government’s commitment to empower women and foster entrepreneurship in Sindh. He applauded the joint efforts of SEDF and SMFBL for financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs, enabling them to contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities.

The event received enthusiastic response as the women entrepreneurs expressed their gratitude for the support extended to them. They shared their success stories, highlighting how access to finance and business development services have positively impacted their lives and allowed them to create employment opportunities within their communities.

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The post Markup Subsidy Scheme Launched for Rural Women Entrepreneurs of Sindh first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Islamabad

Rural women working in agricultural fields are the largest contributors to the informal economy in Pakistan, but they are not acknowledged, counted and protected.

“These women have same rights as working women in cities but in remote areas there is no recognition of their contribution and rights,” these thoughts were expressed by Kashmala Tariq, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at the national launch of study on women agricultural workers rights organized by Awaz-CDS Pakistan on Friday.

She said that there is a strong need to implement laws already in place for women agricultural workers’ rights as they often earn less than men and are deprived of basic rights and protection. She stressed on the need of creating awareness among Women Agricultural Workers (WAWs) through mass media and effective role of local governments in addressing these issues.

The study titled “The Hands That Feed Us: Struggles of Women Agricultural Workers in Pakistan” was conducted by AwazCDS-Pakistan in collaboration with Forum Asia and Bread for the World in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Executive AwazCDS-Pakistan Zia-ur-Rehman highlighted in his address that women agricultural workers (WAWs) often earn less than 50 percent of men wages. WAWs traditionally face malnutrition, discrimination, violence, and ill-treatment by their partners, including exploitation and sexual harassment. Most of them are married in early age and forced to work in fields on behalf of in-law families as bonded laborers.

Highlighting the need to carry out this study, Rehman said that “There are several women empowerment studies but limited research is available on the measurement of empowerment in the agricultural context. Therefore, it was decided to carry out a study to assess, identify and articulate the contributing factors associated with socio-economic, legal, gender and political empowerment of Women Agriculture Workers in Sindh and Punjab Provinces of Pakistan”

The event centered a panel discussion moderated by Zia-ur-Rehman and Maryam Amjad, Program Manager AwazCDS-Pakistan about the issues brought up within the study. The speakers included Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Chairperson Women Parliamentary Caucus, Ms. Shandana Gulzar, Ex-Convener Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Chairperson Common Wealth Women Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Mardiya Sultana Member National Commission for Status of Women, Ms. Mahwish Afridi, Head of SDG Program, Hashoo Foundation.

Mr. Chaundry Imtiaz Ahmed, Director Agriculture Rahim Yar Khan, Ms. Sameena Nazeer, Executive Director PODA, Aftab Alam Khan, Chief Executive Resilient Future International threw light on the situation of rural women rights and how they are deprived of their basic rights.

The study findings suggested appropriate measures and recommendations to address identified policy and practice level gaps. The study findings and recommendations also highlight the WAWs right to work, right to safe and secure working conditions, rights of assembly and association, right to social security and right to a healthy environment.

Shandana Gulzar, Ex-Convener Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Chairperson Common Wealth Women Parliamentary Forum said WAW rights are not an issue of social welfare, it is about basic human rights. She threw light on the situation of rural women rights and how they are deprived of their basic rights.

Mahwish Afridi, Head of SDG Program, Hashoo Foundation said that there is a need to empower women agricultural workers by imparting them with required technical skills to make linkages with the market. They should be aware of their rights and the facilities to acquire and utilize microfinance.

Maryam Amjad, Program Manager AwazCDS Pakistan shared the method, findings and recommendations from the study. She recommended that provincial ministries, district departments, UN and Trade Unions must be involved in ensuring WAW rights by building their capacities and raising their awareness. In the end Debendra Adhikari Head of South Asia Program Forum Asia thanked the Participants for their great contributions. (PR)

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The post Rights of rural women are not protected in Pakistan – Study first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Meher Noshriwani

Climate Change is a global challenge and the nexus between Gender and Climate Change is still being explored. Within the discourse of gender and climate change over the last 20 years the linkages between women and environment have changed considerably with climate change emphasizing all the environmental issues of the last two decades, and simultaneously the relationships between men and women have become increasingly complex. As global climatic conditions change, its impact on people and the way in which they adapt and cope with these changes have specific gender dimensions, which need to be understood at the local level. It has now been recognized that women are the managers of the natural resource by virtue of being primarily responsible for the household, and that environmental degradation has a direct impact on women. Over the last two decades as the focus on women within the environmental arena has grown, gender has been incorporated into national policies, project planning and development issues. And as the focus changed from Women in Development (WID) to Gender and Development (GAD) and more emphasis was placed on recognizing women’s role in all sectors, a greater understanding of women’s relationship with the natural resource, and within the debate on sustainable development has been developed.

However, the complex relationship between women and climate change is still being explored. Existing studies and research on gender and environment have focused on specific issues such as gender roles in water management, forests etc. but the analytical frameworks to understand the nexus between gender and climate change are still limited. Policy measurers at global and national level have recently recognized that gender equality is essential to achieving climate change goals. And since 2008, several references to gender have entered the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiation text. It is also argued that although climate change affects everyone, it is not gender neutral, since the majority of the poor in the world are women, the impact of climate change is more severe for women than men. So because the impact of climate change on men and women is different, a gender equality perspective is essential for policy, and for strategies of adaptation and mitigation. In this context, women should also be seen as “powerful agents of change” whose participation in planning processes is necessary if the impact of climate change is to be addressed. Thus, women’s issues and problems at the local level must be considered in the wider context of women’s empowerment, their social status, access to resources and opportunities, control over assets, and their social vulnerability, to understand the relationship between gender and climate change.

In Pakistan, the effects of climate change are being felt in many parts of the country, particularly in the rural areas, and along the coast, where the vulnerability of poor communities is increasing and women in particular have to deal with the impact of a rapidly changing climate. Access to food, water and the depleting natural resource has led to a deterioration in the quality of life and a loss of livelihoods.

In 2014, the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) conducted a Research study to investigate gender dimensions of social vulnerability to climate change among rural communities, and to assess the adaptive capacity of men and women at community level and the social capital available to them.   Focus Group Discussions were conducted with men and women in four districts of Sindh, and as part of a team of researchers conducting this research, in June 2014, with temperatures at almost 50 degrees Celsius, and fearing a real possibility of heatstroke, I remember concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other to reach the hut in the distance, in the sandy desert of Tharparkar located in the Thar desert which lies on the eastern border of Sindh, where a Focus Group Discussion with women was being conducted.

There were about ten women in a thatched hut sitting in a circle, who spoke about the extreme heat, changing weather patterns, and compared the rain cycle in the past when the rain was regular, and they could depend on it, to the present when the rainfall is irregular, and accompanied with high winds. The women told us that it had rained earlier that summer, and some weeks ago there were heavy rains with hailstones, an unusual event and high winds, which affected their crops and damaged the land. They also said that the intensity of heat in summer and the cold in winter had increased, and these women perceived climate in terms of changes in weather. To them winter or summer, heat or cold, rainfall, drought, or high winds the weather they experienced and lived on a daily basis was their climate.

As the women spoke, some of them entered the hut or left the group depending on the time they could spare to share their perceptions about climate change with us. I admired their resilience to carry on tending to livestock, and caring for their children in this extreme heat. I hesitantly took out a bottle of water to sip and prevent dehydration, when one woman looked at me and asked; sweet water?

Tharparkar experiences drought every year, and every drop of water is precious. And yet, these men and women cope and adapt to changes in the weather they cannot understand, and have no control over, but have to find ways to survive in conditions which are becoming more severe each year. Climate change was also perceived as changes in seasons, such as summer and winter whose duration has also changed. The summer had become extremely hot, with high rises in temperature, and the winter was not as cold as it was 20 years ago, but its duration has increased. According to one woman:

“Now the winter months last till February, and as a result spring arrives later, and in the intense heat it is very difficult to work, especially since each year the temperature continues to rise. We have no electricity, and there is an acute water shortage. We feel sick, drowsy, and uncomfortable, but we have to carry on with our daily domestic work, despite the heat.”

This rise in temperature and shifting seasons should also be viewed as factors that increase the vulnerability of a community. Temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius, are extremely harsh and cause great discomfort and distress to the villagers. Seasonal changes also means a disruption in familiar routines, and for the women in particular this means coping with environmental changes without knowledge, information or support to deal with these new conditions.

As stated in a recent report, ‘’ as global average temperatures rise, scientific models indicate that human society will suffer increased heat related illness and death, food insecurity, water stress and spread of infectious diseases.’’ For women this means greater responsibilities, more physical and emotional stress, which makes them more vulnerable and unable to cope with this emerging situation.  Erratic rainfall, and long periods of drought, has also led to a reduction in the biodiversity and wildlife of the area. Changes in grass cover, were also mentioned, particularly in the context of livestock, as grass is the main source of fodder for the animals.

In Dadu, another district located in the south-west of Sindh, in the field sites women were unable to recall what the climate was 20 years ago, but they did remember green and fertile fields, where wheat, and vegetables were grown, where livestock was kept by every family and water was easily available. The fact that women were unable to recall what the climate was in the past, shows how little weather affected their lives 20 years ago. There was a consistency in the seasons and the rhythm of their lives remained constant. In recent years, with the increase in frequency and intensity of natural disasters, and changing weather, the women were much more aware of changes in temperatures and rainfall. This awareness was again evident when female respondents spoke of the heavy rainfall in 2011, which destroyed their crops, and since the weather had changed to extreme heat in summer and longer winters, this had led to a change in the daily living and work patterns for both men and women. For instance, women said, that the intense heat in summer prevents them from staying outdoors for long hours, and in winter the men begin work in the fields later in the day than usual, when it becomes a bit warmer. These minor adjustments to changes in weather patterns have been made by the community in response to what they believe is necessary to cope with the unpredictable new weather patterns.

And so the story continues; once again in Badin a district located in the southern part of Sindh, the main issue raised by both male and female respondents was the increase in water logging and salinity in the last 15 years. Sea intrusion, was believed to be the main cause, which had led to the land becoming uncultivable due to water logging, saline ground water, and greater humidity in the atmosphere. All these factors led to a decrease in agriculture, and an impact on the livelihoods of the villagers. “Due to water logging, the land gives us less and has lost its strength, and the rise in sea level has raised the level of water in the wells, from 50 to 20 feet,” lamented an old woman. Sea intrusion had brought the saline water level up to a depth of 4 feet and the water is very bitter. Hence, they were unable to dig wells anymore, because with changing rainfall patterns, the ground water remained saline. According to the same old women regular rains always diluted the saline water, but now since the rains are not as frequent the salinity remained high.

No matter where we went within Sindh, the situation was the same. In Thatta, which is located about 60 miles from Karachi, the inhabitants were fishermen and completely dependent on fishing for their livelihoods, there was no alternate source of income. And with the decline in fish stocks, and unsustainable fishing practices, the livelihoods of the fishermen and women had been severely affected. In other villages, where the main occupation was livestock rearing and agriculture, livelihood patterns had changed as well. Agriculture had declined, because of saline ground water, and with the loss of crops, farmers had to search for work in factories as wage labor. Livelihood sources had changed, which demanded different skills, and often meant resorting to manual labor, or migration in search of employment.

This Research study revealed the importance of rain in the lives of the people, and how the unpredictability in rainfall patterns has led to a change in the quality of land, ground water, crop yield, and has had an impact on their livelihoods. Basically, climate change was perceived as changes in weather, and manifested in the form of changes in rainfall patterns, seasons, winds, and quality of ground water. In most cases this meant that women have to manage the scarce water resource, and walk long distances in extreme temperatures to bring water for their household needs.

One of the challenges for this Research was to distinguish between the impact of climate change, and the impact of socio-economic issues or market forces. This is where more rigorous research and evidence from the grassroots is needed, and where IUCN with its scientific and social science experts within the Commissions, can increase the understanding of the complex relationship between climate change and gender. As a male respondent from village Mondro in Tharparkar said, “at night when the stars are very bright and the sky is clear, we lose hope of any rainfall’.

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Courtesy: IUCN (Published on August 19, 2016)

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Women have no social safety net in rural areas as well as in suburban areas of Sindh where they are bound by practices that affect their welfare. Women live under poverty and for them earning money through skills is a real bonus in life – Farzana Airy

Sindh Courier Feature

‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’ – this saying has been proved true very recently by a small group of persons – three females and two males, who launched a project on their own to impart adult education and skill training to the women of low-income groups of the society in ‘Khuda Ji Basti’ locality of Kotri town of Jamshoro district of Sindh province.

The group has established a training center – Sartiyoon Sikhyaa Center (SSC) in a rented building in Kotri. The idea of setting up such a center was conceived much earlier but it could only be materialized in January this year (2022) when they were able to move ahead with office setup. In February, the group hired some staff and kicked off training classes from March, when they observed World Day of Women by distributing clothes among women and around 500 books among children at a school in Khuda Ji Basti. On behalf of the Center, ration bags during the Holy month of Ramadan Eid gifts were also distributed.

“It was really a challenging job for all of us to establish a center without the help of government or any other donor agency, but we were determined to accept the challenge,” says Ms. Farzana Airy, the Executive Director of SSC, who had spent over a decade working for some government and non- government organizations in the rural areas like Kandhkot, Dadu and Thaparkar, in very difficult situations where a woman, especially a mother like her, cannot even imagine to work leaving the kids at home.

“Doing a job was my necessity to earn livelihood, but it offered me opportunity to observe the pathetic condition of rural women, who were illiterate and had no skill and guidance how to bring about change in their lives,” the Kotri-based social activist told.

“We are living in 21^st century but unfortunately the womenfolk are not treated well,” she said citing the examples of social status of rural women, closed schools, ghost schools dropouts of girls.

“I live in Kotri, an industrial city, but even in our surrounding areas, a large number of women are faced with issues similar to those far flung rural areas,” she said.

“We decided to take initiative for under-privileged women of Khuda ji Basti locality of Kotri,” Farzana told adding “For breaking the barriers the women face, we don’t have abundant resources but we have a vision and the courage to move forward.”

Sartiyoon Sikhyaa Centre provides free skills development training to empower women and to enhance their skills for self-employment and free education to ladies above 16 years of age. The women getting free education and skills trainings at SSC are mostly widows, divorced and belonging to the families of low-income groups.

“SSC is working to build the capacity of women through skill development to establish their own businesses and play desired role in their family and society,” Farzana said.

Sana Ali, SSC Management Committee member, who was also present, told, “Through Vocational Training and primary adult education we are developing valuable skills which are direly needed by the womenfolk.”

“Women’s economic empowerment is fundamental to strengthen women to fight for rights and to enable them to have control over their lives and exert influence in society,” said Rafay Rehman, another member of SSC Management Committee.

“Women no longer have to lower their head and wait for the man to tell them what to do – now we have to make our own decisions and share responsibilities with our parents and partners,” said Razia Khaskheli, a trainee student at SSC.

“Our self-less efforts are showing results and women are contacting us,” Naina Ali, also the member of Management Committee, said and told, “A pregnant woman (not to be named), whose husband is a daily wager, has 3 kids, came to the Centre with an unfulfilled desire to study and she began writing for the first time in her life. This is our big achievement.”

Sartiyoon Sikhyaa Centre’s training Program teaches underprivileged women the trade of Tailoring, Hand and Machine Embroidery, Beautician Courses.

“Women have no social safety net in rural areas as well as in suburban areas of Sindh where they are bound by practices that affect their welfare. Women live under poverty and for them earning money through skills is a real bonus in life,” Farzana explained.

“We still live in a society where being a woman is dangerous. Let’s remind ourselves that we have to create a world which the women around us deserve.”

According to Ms. Farzana Airy, a 6-month tailoring course (March to August) is currently underway having enrollment of 15 female while ten women are enrolled in adult education class, where they are being taught basics of reading, writing and calculation. Moreover, seven girls are learning embroidery work.

“Work on setting up a parlor has also been initiated for launching formal training of beauticians with capacity of ten females at a time,” Farzana said.

“We don’t have any support from any of the government organizations. We offer all these courses free of charge and do not charge even a single rupee. On the contrary, the material required for training is also provided free of cost along with bags to carry the books and other material. And for all that some philanthropists, community members and friends have extended great help. And yes, we – the Management Committee members too use to contribute from our own pocket,” she told introducing the group members and their responsibilities that includes Khalid Kori (Managing Director), Miss Sana Ali (HR/Finance Officer), Rafay Rahman (Coordination/Logistics).

The staff consists of four Instructors – one each for Tailoring, Embroidery, Adult Education and the Beautician Course.

“The process of getting the Center registered with STEVTA and STBE is underway so that the women after having completed the training may seek any employment on the basis of the duly recognized training certificates,” Farzana Airy concluded.

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Aqif Usman Palijo |Rizwan Ali Memon

Sindh rural women, consisting of more than 85 percent, are deprived of basic education facility. There are so many factors behind this unwanted phenomenon. The main factors we can say are living in strict traditional culture – facing poverty and having not enough resources. The scenario becomes grimmer as a report reveals that 89 per cent of rural women do not have their own house and 96 per cent do not possess any land or other asset ownership, including income generating assets like livestock. The challenges do not end up here – for the years, strict patriarchal tradition and culture govern in rural areas of Sindh that lead to unprecedented challenges such as gender inequality, early marriages, lack of right to make decisions and so on. This discrimination does not seem to overcome as early before the 2070s for women to come up as today’s women are.

Rural women are victims of debt bondage, poverty, forced marriages, slavery, honor killings, domestic violence, child marriages and malnutrition. They are also deprived of basic health services and kept away from social, economic and political opportunities. As per Census (2017), Sindh’s total population was 47.884 million, of whom 22.959 million (48.2 per cent) were females, and literacy rate is 45 per cent in rural areas as compared to 80 per cent in urban areas. The low literacy rate in rural areas means most women and girls are not being sent to school, that means women being more poor as compared the men in terms of all dimensions.

Government’s “Ehsaas Kifalat Program” is the most widespread social safety program and largest unconditional cash transfer program operating in Pakistan. In terms of global experience sharing, the case of Pakistan provides useful lessons by running “Ehsaas Kifalat Program” for other countries that utilize unique personal identification systems with the individual beneficiary’s biometric verification. The whole process carries a simple route by combining phones, internet connectivity, national IDs and commercial payment systems – introducing a digital and innovative demand-based social protection system that subsidize those women who are in distress to seek social support.

To counter the social discriminatory treatment of women, which renders them stigmatized, Ehsaas Kifalat program presents two-pronged strategies: first the cash transfers have socio-economic outcomes and second it provides economic relief and fortifies women’s position within their community. It also strengthens the beneficiary to face long-term predicament and sustain her family’s livelihood. The initiative like “Ehsaas Kifalat Program” is working on the front lines to help establish women thinking to become an entrepreneur to generate their own income and play a part in their household earning.

Three in-depth interviews were conducted with women beneficiaries from district Hyderabad Tehsil rural, who had started their small businesses after receiving the Ehsaas payment. The beneficiary named Mrs. Juman – 36 years old, resident of village Qadir Bux Solangi, district Hyderabad Rural, said “I got 12000 rupees in April 2021. At the time my husband was unemployed due to lockdown situation across the country. I opened a small shop in my village. We survived as it became the main source of household income.”

Another beneficiary who has started livestock work is Mrs. Aziz Ahmed from village Hosri district Hyderabad. She said: “From the amount of Ehsaas, I purchased few goats about 5 months ago and sold them on about 30 percent profit and I am still doing same practice, as it offers economic support for my household.”

Third respondent who started work of sewing clothes, is Mrs. Wali Muhammad from village Qadir Bux Solangi, district Hyderabad. She said: “From the Ehsaas Kifalat payment I purchased sewing machine and started work, and within few months my daughter learned to sew the clothes and now we are jointly working and expanding our work. This change makes us more stable and valued in our homes.”

Being autonomous in economic decision-making, socially as well as economically, beneficiary woman is more independent in their spending (decision making), because of the transparency in process – individual self-biometric verification that offers insight ownership of receiving payment. Transfers have fetched transformation in the male mindsets, seeing woman as important member of the family who can make significant decisions. Bondage and honorary work appears to be decreasing as more Sindh Rural women involve themselves in small scale money making undertakings like small shops at local area or in houses, buy livestock and sewing clothes. It shows positive impact of Ehsaas disbursement on women who belong to conservative families.

This short study witnessed Ehsaas Kifalat program a fairly successful in countering the extreme vulnerability to poverty faced by poor women in Sindh Rural. Such initiative has translated into greater mobility, autonomy, enterprise, nutrition and health, and political participation, as well as decreased domestic violence. It is considered the social protection program with the greatest coverage operating across the Pakistan, thereby serving as a bastion of egalitarian practices by seeking to challenge gender inequality by targeting women as recipients of cash transfers.

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Aqif Usman Palijo is Assistant Director at Benazir Income Support Program (BISP)

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