April 21, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was about the importance of counseling females of all age groups to build confidence and empowerment, and to equip them with the skills and information needed to be able to contribute equally at home, in their communities and for the country.
The key points of discussion included the need for counseling and capacity building trainings for women to highlight their potential, women involvement in community work, advocating women on their rights and duties, and business opportunities and the role of women in economic development. Furthermore, the program also highlighted the benefits of activity based learning for women, importance of disaster management training for them, and the role of women in countering gender discrimination.
The program was aired under the theme of “Da Ilam Ranra” (light of knowledge), on Thursday. Two social activists, Ms. Roohi Zahir Shah, President of Girls Guide Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Ms. Farah Tariq Qadeer, an activist from KP, were the guests on the show.
Report on ‘Girls’ Guide Association’ in Peshawar:
The special report aired on the show highlighted the prospective of Girl’s Guide, which is working under the platform of Girls’ Guide Association (GGA). The GGA provides opportunities to females to enhance their capacities and develop their skills.
Ms. Mehwish Gul, a GGA member, said, “We develop the skills of young girls and women by providing them an activity based platform to learn. We encourage them to take an active part in extra-curricular activities with a purpose of engaging them in their communities. They are also trained to handle natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, etc.”
Ms. Faiza Khan, a GGA member, said, “I have been trained to tackle situations like disasters, such as when a fire breaks out and when it is necessary to provide first aid to a victim.”
Ms. Sawera Akbar, a GGA Scout member, said, “We have undergone trainings for communication skills that have increased our level of confidence. We were trained on how to sew which has proven to be helpful for us in our houses to earn a living.”
Live Callers on the Show:
Two callers took part in the live show. They requested the government to focus on female counseling and promote extra-curricular activities in educational institutions for women.
The first caller, Ms. Nida Khan, said, “I have taken an active part in activities of the Girls Guide Association which were beneficial for me. I would request the government to increase such activities in different educational institutes so women throughout the province can benefit from this.”
The second caller, Mr. Hamid Khan, said, “Women in our society are deprived of their basic rights. We should empower them with their rights through proper counseling so they can fight against all odds in a society. Their inclusion in the community problems and decision making process is crucial for a developed society.”
Ms. Roohi Zahir Shah, President of Girls Guide Association, KP, said, “Our mission is to spread awareness among women regarding their fundamental rights and responsibilities. For this purpose, we provide training sessions that help them start their own business.”
Ms. Farah Tariq Qadeer, a social activist from KP, said, “There is a dire need of proper counseling and capacity building workshops for women in the region. Most of the women are confined to their homes. They are deprived of their basic rights which limit them from taking an active part in the society. Through this we can counter economic hardships and build a prosperous nation.”