Over many decades, cultural and social practices in the newly merged areas of Pakistan has had negative consequences for female gender. Either directly through, forced marriages, honour killings, lack of right to ownership of property or the loss bread winners over land disputes, or terrorism. Although the frequency of these practices have reduced in recent times, still the stigma is still being carried around by tribes’ men and women from these
areas. So much so that, the term “tribal-areas” is strongly linked to conflict, unwillingness to learn, change or grow. For women from these parts, it has been more challenging as they have often been perceived as conservative, tamed and uncultured before given any opportunity to make independent impressions of themselves. However, a deeper dive into the culture and people of the Tribal Areas will show that not on are the women from these parts strong, but theyhave shown resilience despite societal perception and stigma. Contrary to popular believe, many women from the Merged Areas ofPakistan have excelled in their chosen careers, raised their voices to fight for women’s right on governance and societal issues in their communities 1 . Some others have taken up appointments in government setting trends and
leading initiatives and becoming role models to the younger generation 2 .
The government of Khyber Paktunkhwa hassince the merger in May, 2018 supported processes and initiatives that aid the transition of communities and people from the seven tribal districts (Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Mohmand, Bajaur North and South Waziristan) of the Merged Areas. Some of these initiatives include community outreach and sensitization activities
via radio shows, entertainment education, community dialogue initiatives amongst many others. These activities were done in an attempt to ensure that communities are informed about new governance systems and the implications for the growth and the development of their communities.
The District Governments of Khyber and Kurram districts in a historic step officially proposed the first ever District Committees on the Status of Women (DCSW) 3 in 2021. This committees were organized and trained pursuant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) Act 2016, with the mandate to oversee the implementation of laws, policies and programs affecting women and to propose new measures where gaps exist in the districts. In brief, these committees serve as a go between the government and communities, supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the grassroots. Programme collaborated on the training of members of the district committees of Kurram and Khyber. The aim focus of the training was the roles and responsibilities of members of the Committees on the assumption of office. The training also covered topics like, Womens’ right under the 1973 constitution of Pakistan, the concept of gender and gender equality, Sustainable Development Goals -SDG 5 as well as communication and interpersonal skills in the performance of their duties. Other topics covered included:
– Importance of the committees in the Merged Districts.
– Elements and objectives of good communication
– Tools available to the Committee in the performance of their duties and
– Dos and Don’ts in Communication
During the training, discussions circled on the dilemma of members of the committee in balancing communal expectations while navigating age-long traditions and cultural norms. Committee members expressed their
concerns on getting the support needed to effectively perform their functions and establish the legitimacy of their office which is necessary
for the success of their goals. The Chairperson KPCSW Dr. Riffat Sadar in an interview stated “The appointment of the District Committees on
the status of Women in the merged areas creates a rare opportunity for both government and the international community to support women in governance in the Merged Areas.” She further stated that “to achieve well functioning communities the role of women in governance cannot be understated.” The District governments have taken a bold step
in the organization of these committees, but more is needed to ensure that these committees are able to effectively perform the functions of
their office. These committees by virtue of their existence have created access through which sensitization and support to Women in the
Merged Areas can be achieved. Hence, the onus lies on the government and development partners working in the Merged Areas to provide
support to these nouveau structures to ensure that they succeed.