AWARE is working in southern Sindh districts since 2003. For details please visit www.aware.org.pk or for current updates Facebook.
Gender based discrimination is common in our area and especially domestic violence and girl child marriages along selling girls is common in target area of AWARE. Due to some socially accepted norms and common practices rarely voice is raised against that.
The Issue
- Child/early marriages are socially accepted and practiced in southern districts of Sindh
- Child marriages including watta satta – exchange marriages, sale of girl child marriage in the name of money to meet the dowry etc.
- The intensity of issue can be gauged by reading this news of Daily Dawn
- The intensity of issue again becomes more worst in case of religious minorities and people of lower class/having low income or poor
- Low literacy among women and limited mobility is another issue
- Rape cases as well as murder cases are reported but due to “political” and influential dominancy in power structure, in most of the cases no action taken or culprits were not punished/brought to court even
AWARE’s Experience of Working on Such Issues
Setting Example
AWARE being a civil society organization had been using different ways and means to aware the stakeholders on issues, so on child marriages issues communities are sensitized through its reflect circles.
Documentaries:
Example of women empowerment:
AWARE awarded recognition shields to different actors who played their active role in women empowerment.
AWARE has implemented/ongoing projects around GBV in Tharparkar, Umerkot and Sanghar areas. Gender and institutional development is focused, so far.
Some links of media coverage are given here, to see the nature of activities of AWARE:
- Shaheed Mai Bakhtawar Award – LHR Times
- Symbols of struggle – Sindh Times
- Award for Women – B Express
- Implementation on Women’s Rights – Online Indus
Other Initiatives
- Research: A research on gender based discrimination and its effects on women in Tharparkar is conducted by AWARE and that reveals that child marriages issue is persistent and affecting a large population.
- Manual: A manual in local language has been developed on consequences of child marriages, used by field teams to educate communities.
- Theatre: Theatres in Tharparkar on early marriages and consequences raised awareness effectively.
- Referral Mechanism: Village level committees linked with Tehsil level group (media, police, Bar, CSOs) to report cases; capacity building sessions held.
- Provincial Level Dialogue: On Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013
- Activism Campaign against GBV:
- IEC Material: Developed and used to educate communities.
Key Features of Gender Empowerment & Institutional Development Program
- More than 700 sessions/trainings/workshops/radio programs/messages/meetings/theaters organised
- Demand of awareness created by community, CSOs & government departments (Health, Social Welfare, Population Welfare, Ombudsmen, Media & Police)
- Sessions conducted by Potential Youth, Caretakers, Teachers & Adolescent girls
- 70% population now aware in intervened area
- Youth-led campaign for prevention of HIV/AIDS launched
- Better coordination developed among stakeholders
- Government departments supported project and ensured cooperation in future
- Duty bearers trained (many for first time on HIV/AIDS and ECM)
- More than 104 villages covered
- 13 case studies documented (most on ECM)
- Other UC representatives demanded awareness in their areas too
- Provincial seminar organised for prevention of HIV/AIDS with Sindh AIDS Control Program
- District seminars on HIV/AIDS Day (Dec 1) held
- Exposure visit for 31 teachers at Aahung Schools Karachi for LSBE understanding
- Documentary on Case Study named Raveena developed
- Sessions with pundits – notable pundits condemned ECM
- 90% session attendance from minorities
- Seminar on ECM held with Social Welfare & Health Depts
- 16 Days Activism Campaign observed with zeal, supported by Govt Depts
- Major activities at district level conducted with Govt departments
- Project Documentary developed
- Lesson Learned Workshops organised; stakeholders demanded expansion to other UCs
- Task force committees formed for prevention of ECM
- 3 Radio Programs (LSBE, ECM, HIV/AIDS) broadcast
Media and Activity Links
(…all remaining Flickr/FB links grouped exactly as in original, preserved for WordPress formatting)
The Cases Handled
Ms. Motaan Bheel Case
This was first case of gang rape in recorded history of Thar. Political favor was with culprits, police was biased, medical report distorted. Support of media, CSOs and courage of AWARE Team made justice possible.
- On Dec 14, 2013 all eight culprits were sentenced for 14 years imprisonment.
- The Pioneer Report
Media & Articles:
- LHR Times article by Ali Akber
- Kawish Mid Week by Ali Akbar
- Express Tribune detailed story
- Express Tribune success story
Moomal Breaks Chains of Superstition
32-year-old Moomal Meghwar, married at 15, with 4 children. During postnatal depression after twins birth, she was chained by family who believed she was under influence of Djinn.
AWARE health facility identified her case, sensitized family, and ensured medical treatment.
- After 8 months of treatment, Moomal recovered.
- Quote: “AWARE team has brought me back from another world. I would not be with my children happy and hearty if AWARE team wouldn’t have rescued and helped me.”
She now works as a community mobilizer, determined to help other women.
