February 16, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was on the regional review of the role of female representatives of the local governments (LG) in KP and FATA. The program covered their role in resolving women issues, revival of literacy, and music gatherings in Hujra (community centers) to sustain and promote peace in the region. Issues such as cultural barriers and problems faced by the female police officers of KP and FATA were highlighted.
The program, under the theme of “Da Simi Jaaj” (regional review), was aired on Tuesday. Ms. Ceena Naeem, a journalist from KP, participated as a guest.
The program shared four reports on the views of the LG representatives, female police officers, and the general public about the aforementioned themes of the program.
The first report accentuated the problems of female police officers and their role in providing safety and security to the public. Ms. Suriya Khan, in charge of City Women Police Center in Charsadda, KP, said, “We have a limited number of female officers due to which we are always overburdened. We handle emergencies and perform the same duties as male officers, but in return we do not receive any special allowance. Cultural bariers are a big issue, which leads to a public sentiment that centers around contempt for us, rather than compassion.” Another female police officer, Mrs. Toseef, said, “It is a full time job, even if we are at home, we receive a call to handle the emergencies. In that case our household chores suffer. We are not fully equipped which always put us through tough times. The government should facilitate us and provide us capacity building trainings to enhance our skills to better perform our responsibilities.”
The second report shared the views of the female representatives from the LG Kata. They are still facing hurdles in acquiring funds from the government, which is why they are not able to work on developmental schemes. Ms. Fareeda Begum, advocate and district member Kohat, said, “I have a list of problems, but I am not able to work on them because of the lack of funds. I have requested for female entrepreneurship schemes, but so far, I have not received any positive response from the government.” Another female LG representative, Ms. Sameena Mumtaz, said, “Female education is a major challenge in my area. I have included it in the annual development program’s budget. I hope the local government will soon allocate funds for it, and then I will be able to tackle the problem.”
The third report highlighted the role of women in politics and LG representatives to resolve issues faced by females in the region of Swat, KP, and the hurdles they are facing in carrying out their activities. Ms. Rehana Khan, district member, said, “Women participation in politics is very crucial because women can better understand issues being faced by other women. Being a member of the local government, I have the platform to discuss female issues and motivate them to articulate their views about their community issues.” Ms. Begum Shahab, female councilor, said, “In the LG system, we are only equipped with an identity card but we don’t have the funds and authority to solve our issues.” Ms. Sajida Khan, female councilor Saidu Shareef Swat, said, “The government should work on enhancing our skills through capacity building trainings, because the majority of us have no idea about the rules of business and performing the responsibilities.”
The last report emphasized the importance of the literary and musical gathering in Hujras to promote and sustain peace in Bajour Agency, FATA. Mr. Muhammad Ali, a local elder, said, “The revival of literary and musical gatherings is a sign of peace in the region. During the Talibanization and also after, we stopped gathering in our Hujras because of extremism.” Mr. Nor Muhammad, a local musician, said, “People love music and it provides a platform for them coming together. Such gatherings will help unite us, as well as promote and sustain peace in the region.”
Ms. Ceena Naeem, a journalist from KP
“Participation of women in politics and police forces should be encouraged by the public. It is time to change the narrative that limits women to household chores only, because the world is developing quickly and we are still stuck in outdated customs and traditions.”