Introduction
Institute for Development Studies and Practices Institute (IDSP-Pakistan) conceptualized and conducted theory and practice based course on “Mainstreaming Gender and Development in Balochistan since 2003. This was an innovative experience of engaging 220 young women of Balochistan from six districts. Their theory and practices generated themes, which includes political education, social organizing, understanding and working on cultural and religious issues, understanding the political education, understanding the various movements on gender and contextualizing their role in family, community and local government. It was an effort to mainstream gender at self, family, community and local government level. These groups of young women developed their conceptual understanding on self growth, gender and development, culture and patriarchy, political structures and socio-economic development. Trainings and courses on skills regarding Information Technology and publications are also conducted.
Project Objectives:
- To develop the capacity of and leadership skills of young women in Balochistan and educate them about democracy, human rights, and development issues; and
- To encourage women to participate in local politics and to seek out leadership positions in their communities to ensure that women’s voices are heard in decision-making bodies.
Project Locations:
- Khuzdar
- Pishin
- Quetta
- Sibi
- Mastung
Achievements
- More than 220 young women have been graduated from this program in six districts of Balochistan
- Five district based campuses have been established in Balochistan. These campuses are managed and led by young women graduates of the course
- New and sustainable examples of public private partnership have been introduced in development sector
- A new trail of activism is introduced through self confidence and engagement of community and family
- Program has received recognition from the Government of Balochistan and considered as potential case study from Balochistan on gender parity
- Many of the course graduates are writing for local newspapers and magazines
Project Documents:
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