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News from the Field: Democracy for women’s rights in Sindh, Pakistan

In the Sindhi Districts of Thatta, Tando Mohd Khan and Badin, fewer than 75 per cent of eligible women are registered voters. In the past two election rounds -- district, provincial and national -- women’s voter turnout was below 25 per cent. And while the Constitution of Pakistan spells out their freedom to vote, women are often forced to cast their vote for the candidate chosen by their father, husband or brother.

This is why the Aasthan Latif Welfare Society launched its UNDEF-backed initiative “Democracy for Women’s Rights”. The project aims to educate rural women about their basic constitutional rights, the role and value of democracy, and the power of their votes.

The Society’s team of volunteers works to build awareness among women in rural communities about their fundamental constitutional rights; mobilize and motivate women in 680 villages to participate in political life for their own welfare and development; and organize and build capacity through meetings and training to empower women to take collective efforts for protection of their rights.

Given the traditional and cultural background of these districts, this mission can be achieved only by also building awareness, motivation and mobilization among men. Thus, the Society organizes separate meetings for men and women. By mid-March 2009, more than 700 such meetings had been conducted in more than 300 villages, complemented by a media campaign through FM radio and print.

 

 

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