The latest episode of Sabawoon, flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), focused on the women’s rights, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Our special guest for the program was Her Excellency Margaret Adamson, the Australian High Commissioner (AHC) in Pakistan.
The key discussion points included women rights, problems faced by women in KP and FATA, importance of education and freedom for women, male predominance in society, role of women in economic development and prosperity, women protection and safety, hurdles faced by females due to internal displacement as a result of security operations, and inclusion of women in decision making and legislation. Moreover, the program also highlighted the steps taken by the AHC to promote gender equality, eliminate violence against women, and the launch of a toll free number to report domestic violence against women with the support of Australian government.
The program was aired under the theme of “Ranra” (light) on Thursday. In adition to the AHC, Ms. Nosheen Orakzai, representative of Takra Qabaili Khwendee (Capable Tribals Sisters) Peshawar, and THIRD GUEST, participated in the show as the studio guests.
Her excellency Ms. Margaret Adamson, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, said: “In collaboration with the KP government and a civil society organization, we have launched the helpline no. 0800-2227. This helpline is a platform for the people of KP to report and register the cases of domestic violence against women. Necessary help will be provided on timely basis both for emergency and routine cases. The helpline is initially launched in seven districts of KP but in the second phase it will be extended to the whole province.”
Her excellency added, “Education is fundamental for every person in society. But female education is key for a prosperous, productive, and harmonious society. For the development and economic prosperity of a country, women education plays a vital role because they are holding half of the sky. This is the reason that Australian High Commission in Pakistan is deigently investing in the education sector of Pakistan.”
Furthermore, her excellency discussed the importance of radio advocacy campaigns. She said: “I had a good experience about the effectiveness of radio advocacy campaigns when I was in Papua New Guinea. The same is the case here. Radio plays a significant role in mass awareness and public advocacy. In areas like KP and FATA, radio can be an important tool to inform people about current affairs, address local issues, support education, and provid a platform for critical discussion on local issues.”
Radio report:
A radio report was made part of the program. The program shed light on problems faced by women in FATA and the lack of women inclusion in decision making process and legislation at national level. Ms. Badam Zareen, a political activist from FATA, said: “The absence of education is the root cause leading to deprivation of women from their rights. The schools are destroyed due to war on terror and the government is not reconstruction these. Proper education of women and provision of health facilities are direly needed.”
Mr. Anwer Nigar, a FATA based social activist, said in the report: “Proper representation of women in legislation at both the federal and provincial level is important to overcome issues faced by them. We need to empower women to enable them take active part in every walk of life.”
Live callers on the show:
Three callers took part live in the program. They paid tribute to and welcomed Her Excellency Margaret Adamson and recommended the government and civil society to work on female rights in KP and FATA.
The first caller on the show, Mr. Khadim Hussain, said: “Unfortunately women are always deprived of their rights due to Pashtuns norms and traditions. Government should focus on proper legislation to end gender discrimination.”
The second caller on the show, Ms. Baji Gul, said: “We should focus on empowering our women and giving them their basic rights. Education is one of the fundamental ways to empower women.”
The third caller, Mr. Jahangir Khan, said: “It’s a great honor to have her excellency Ms. Margaret Adamson in the show. The toll free number is a great initiative to reduce domestic violence.” The caller requested to elaborate the way this toll free helpline number will help the public.