Annual Report 2011

“Empowering women to overcome violence”

Talitha Kumi Welfare Society

Talitha Kumi Welfare Society Registered under Society Act. 1860, # 336

Compilation, consolidation and edited by Shunila Ruth Executive Director Azher Adil Communication Secretary

1

Greetings from

TALITHA KUMI, Pakistan

When we reflect upon 2011 it brings moments of extreme hardship and challenges. Nevertheless, in many ways it was a year of great achievement and success for many women beneficiaries of Talitha Kumi services. Although Pakistani women are still facing inequality, insecurity, insufficient healthcare and illiteracy, Talitha Kumi ’s target areas continue to show signs of development and opportunity. Unskilled women were empowered with skills so that they can earn a respectable living. Mother and child healthcare improved the quality of life of hundreds of women and children. Legal support and counseling brought victimized women from distress to happiness. The food distribution program gave food commodities to poor widows & families which gave them a sigh of relief from the escalating prices of food and fuel to care for other needs. Talitha Kumi with support from its local and international friends & partners continued its efforts to offer quality and sustainable development services for the uplift of poor women of Pakistan. Year 2011 was also the year for internal reflection. Talitha Kumi strengthened its commitment to quality and accountability, built the capacity of its staff, enhanced its organizational policies and improved the working environment. New air conditioners, tables, chairs and a laptop notebook were added to the office. Talitha Kumi is grateful for the support of its international and local partners and the communities which it serves. Without their help none of the achievements would have been possible.

Shunila Ruth Executive Director

2

Contents

Greetings from Talitha Kumi, Pakistan 1 Our humble achievement 3 Legal assistance 4 Economic empowerment 8 Awareness & Education 10 Food Assistance 12 Capacity Building 14 Health Program 15 Governance 18 Partners & Donors 21

3

Our humble achievements

The outcome of our activities

a) With the support of our Legal Assistance 31 women victims of violence were rescued and rehabilitated safely and respectfully. Our counseling services restored their self esteem and also built their confidence.

b) The Awareness Building Programs made another group of 500 men and women well informed about fundamental rights, sexual harassment and gender relations. They are now willing to share and speak about their problems and look for solutions.

c) Our Economic Development component built the capacity of 80 women by training them in locally marketable skills i.e. midwifery, stitching and embroidery and beauticians. Most of them have started earning a living and are contributing to the well being of their family. Hopefully, with the passage of time, they will be able to earn better and reduce the effects of poverty in their lives.

d) Medical camps organized with the assistance of well wishers and supporting organizations brought a sigh of relief for 1474 of poor members of the local communities. These patients were those who either could not afford a minimal treatment or who would have delayed their treatment just to wait for the moment when their lives were in crucial moments and it would have been very hard for the family; both fiscally and physically to reach the hospitals in time.

4

Legal Assistance

The foremost objective of Talitha kumi is to deliver legal service at the doorsteps of disadvantaged segment of the society especially for the oppressed, abused and marginalized women.

Legal Aid Program provides legal consultation and representation,

counseling, and dispute resolution services to women who are victims of any form of aggression.

The legal aid assistance program serves;

Women of all ages Women from lower social/income class Women both literate or not Women of any ethnic group Women of any religious belief especially minority women, who are most neglected,

isolated, weak and unprotected.

*The legal Aid program this year directly helped 31 women of which 24 cases were resolved successfully.

5

Discussing family dispute

Talitha Kumi Welfare Society tries settling down the family matters out of court.

“False Accusation of poisoning by a mother in law”

Ms. Nasreen did her midwifery training from Talitha Kumi in the year 2007. At the age of 5 she became an orphan. After completing her midwifery training, she got married to Mr. Faisal at a very young age. Being an orphan she could not bring dowry.

Therefore, Nasreen’s mother-in-law, Jamila always harassed her. She treated her like a house maid. Jamila wanted to get rid of Nasreen and also had an intention to bring another bride for her son. She plotted a false story and accused Nasreen for poisoning her.

Though Mr. Faisal loved his wife very much, but he thrashed and dragged her out of his house. Nasreen came to her guardian parents, who brought her to Talitha Kumi where our legal aid team carefully listened to her.

The legal aid team contacted both the families and their church Pastor. The committee was formed to look into the matter. The investigations revealed that such an incident never ever took place and that Nasreen was falsely accused by her mother in law. Jamila admitted her wrong doing and apologized for her behavior. Mr. Faisal was also convinced and the committee suggested him to live with his wife separately. Nasreen is now living happily with her husband at a distance from her in-laws.

Talitha Kumi always tries to settle down the family matters out of court.

6

No. Name Case Action Status

Cases from Previous years

1 Nousheen Domestic Violence Divorce Case file Matter resolved. case closed

2 Humira d/o Jaffar Kidnap, Rape forced conversion FIR against culprits

Police failed to arrest culprits. Humira Joined her family

3 Shamim d/o Nijan Masih Case of violence Counseling Reconciliation

4 Shazia w/o Naeem Murder FIR against Naeem Naeem on bail. Proceeding in court

5 Kauser d/o Lahnah Domestic Violence Counseling For Judicial separation

6 Zareena Bibi d/o Younis Violence Counseling Reconciliation

New Cases

7 Maria d/o Nisar Domestic Violence Dissolution of marriage Case in the court

8 Rubina d/o Hayat Desertion Dissolution of marriage Case in the court 9 Farzana d/o Edwin Masih beaten by the neighbor Reconciliation Edwin apologized

10 Perveen Akhater Domestic Violence Reconciliation Closed

11 Rubina Shaheen Domestic Violence case of maintenance Case decree in favor

12 Nargis w/o Walter Anwar Forced marriage Police arrested the culprit closed after compromise

13 Arzoo d/o Pervaiz Harrasment Police intervention Resolved.

14 Venus w/o Sharif Qamar Custody of Minor petition filed in the court Child recovered

15 Gulshan d/o Barkat Desertion Case filed in the court Decree in favor

16 Rukhsana d/o Younis Displaced due to religious hatred

Counseling /rehabilitation Family back to their hometown

7

17 Rukhsana d/o Pervaiz Charlis Domestic dispute Counseling Resolved

18 Nasreen Pervaiz Harassment Filed case against culprit Resolved,

19 Fouzia Miraj Desertion Case filed in the court Decree in favor 20 Shahnaz d/o Lal Maintenance Suit for maintenance In progress

21 Noshi d/o Rasheed Domestic violence Counseling In progress

22 Shahnaz d/o Bagh Masih Forced prostitution Case of divorce Decree in favor

23 Mona d/o Bila Masih Domestic Violence Case of divorce In Progress

24 Mona d/o Billa Masih Custody of Minor Registered in the Court Kids recovered

25 Mayra d/o Sadiq Alam Forced prostitution Divorce case Decree in favor

26 Perveen w/o Vincent Sardar Violence Counseling couple living happily

27 Monica d/o Arif Domestic Violence Counseling Reconciliation

28 Shazia d/o Boota Illegal detention Police intervention Recovered from detention

29 Ishrat d/o Umar Sharif Domestic Violence Divorce Case Decree in Favor

30 Simran d/o Sadiq mental, psychological torture Counseling Reconciliation

31 Viola d/o Pervaiz Family disputes Counseling Reconciliation

8

Economic Empowerment

Talitha Kumi believes that economic development, if it is to be meaningful and sustainable, must involve women. Economic development of women supports social harmony in the under developed society.

To build the earning capacity of 80 women, Talitha Kumi conducted the following skills/trainings during 2011:-

Midwifery Training, 51 Beautician Course, 11 Sewing and Embroidery 18

Total 80

Midwifery student writing her notes

9

18 women successfully completed this course in year 2011

“ Skill training became a life changing event for Elizabeth Jalal

(A testimony)

In year 2008 I completed my midwifery training from Talitha Kumi . I also had an opportunity to do practical work in the labor room of Lady Wellington hospital.

Before this training my parents were desperate to find suitable husband. They were worried about my future. At that time I didn’t have any skill or training. Then I decided to do Midwifery training. Soon after my training I started job. I got married within six month. I believe due to this training my parents found perfect husband for me.

My husband also works with the Para medical staff in Government Hospital. God blessed us with 2 beautiful kids. We are very happy.

Women learning sewing, cutting, embroidery and fabric dyeing.

10

Awareness &

Education

The Awareness and Education Program of Talitha Kumi envisions

“Society where men and women have equal rights and opportunities and live in complete social harmony”

During 2011 Talitha Kumi organized 14 awareness building events which were attended by 500 women and men and of course women being 72%. The participants described it as eye openers and had inspired them to share with others also. The details of these events are:-

Percentages 72% 28%

Sr. # Date Topic Venue Participants

Female Male Total

1 19-01-11 Fundamental Rights Talitha Kumi Center 12 0 12

2 24-01-11 Community Meeting F.C. College Colony 21 0 21 3 27-01-10 Community Meetings St. Peter's Church Compound 22 28 50

4 02-02-11 Community Meeting Kamayya 42 0 42 5 25-02-11 Drugs and Its effects Nawaz Sharif Colony 15 25 40

6 25-03-11 Sexual Harassment Talitha Kumi Center 33 0 33 7 19-04-11 Fundamental Rights Asif Town 14 15 29 8 25-05-11 Sexual Harassment Nishat Colony 42 0 42

9 24-06-11 Fundamental Rights Talitha Kumi Center 38 0 38 10 21-07-11 Climate Justice Talitha Kumi Center 21 0 21

11 28-07-11 Sexual Harassment St. Peter's Church Compound 29 31 60 12 19-08-11 Sexual Harassment Asif Town 18 11 29

13 11-09-11 Gender sensitivity St. Peter's Church Compound 24 29 53 14 17-09-11 Fundamental Rights F.C. College Colony 30 0 30

Total Beneficiaries 361 139 500

11

TK’s Emphasis:

- Aware people about their fundamental rights and on gender relations. - Encourage youth presence to strengthen the coming generation - Encourage participation of girls who have completed or are studying midwifery at

Talitha Kumi center - Participation of both female and male - Larger presence of from lower and middle income groups - Both literate and illiterate

Impact:

a) Most women now speak up in their families and communities freely. b) Men are now supportive to the role of the women. c) Noticeable change in the attitude of men; many now speak up against domestic

violence done to women.

Participants of community meeting held in F.C. College.

In year 2011, our community activists visited prospective communities and identified new communities for awareness building in Asif Town, F.C. College and St. Peter’s Church. These communities are now aware of their fundamental rights as well as on gender relations.

Our community activists involve the Pastor’s wife visiting the families prior to workshops and follow up meetings.

12

Case Study

Alishba and her grandmother is receiving carton of food items from Shunila Ruth, Executive Director.

The food items saved substantial income of her family. With this saving her father have paid off her school fee arrears and Alishba continued her education

Like Alishba’s family there were more than 200 families who were given food assistance twice in the year 2011. The Food Assistance Programme not only provided the adequate nutrition but also helped families to spend more on education, health and hygiene.

Food security in Pakistan has drastically worsened. Prices have

increased but incomes have not kept pace. According to WOLRD FOOD PROGRAMME poor households in Pakistan now spend over 70 percent of their income on food and still cannot afford an adequate diet; increasingly destructive coping measures are being used such as foregoing basic health care and withdrawing children from school.

Food Assistance

13

Food items were distributed among lactating mother in Talitha Kumi Welfare Society

Talitha Kumi with the help of Jehandad Society for Community Development initiated Food Assistance Program for the women who could not afford the basic necessities of life. Food Assistance Program aims to reduce the gap between people’s basic needs so that they can cope with the high amount of food and fuel prices. The Food Assistance Program supplements the food purchasing power of low-income individuals and families.

Food Assistance Programme (Facts & Figures)

No. Area No. of Food Items Beneficiaries

1 Bahar Colony 100 Women Flour

Rice

2 Nawaz Sharif Colony 100 Women Pluses

Edible Oil

Spices

Milk

Biscuits

14

Staff Capacity Building

Staff of Talitha Kumi Welfare Society with Trainers in Camp Mubarak, Murree

On March 18-20 a staff development program was held in Murree. Mr. George Boota and Aleem Emmanuel from Management Development Center of IBADAT Trust conducted the much needed training.

This Training course was specifically designed to build the staff understanding on organizational environment in which they not only perform individually but collectively as a team. The staff needs to have a strong insight on behavioral aspects and related factors which help in building a healthy and constructive work environment to achieve the organizational goals and objectives and enhance their institution’s image in public.

COURSE OUTLINE

a. Institutionalized Thinking b. Understanding People c. Conflict Management d. Maintaining a Positive Attitude e. Effective Communications

15

Health Programme

Talitha Kumi would like to specially thank Dr. Yasmin Rashid from Jehandad Society for Community Development and the United Christian Hospital, who wholeheartedly provided their medical services to the needy beneficiaries of Talitha Kumi welfare society.

Our Health Programme through free medical camps helped 1474 women, men and children. Almost 90% were women with pregnancy and common health problems.

Sr. #

Venue Date # of beneficiaries

1 Kamaya 09-01-11 35 2 Bahadrabad 25-02-11 52 3 Talitha Kumi Center 03-03-11 186 4 Awami Colony 18-03-11 150 5 Talitha Kumi Center 05-04-11 134 6 Nishat Colony 27-04-11 45 7 St. Peters Church Compound 21-05-11 80 8 F.C. College Colony 25-06-11 81 9 Talitha Kumi Center 20-08-11 78

10 Talitha Kumi Center 11-09-11 156 11 Kamaya 22-09-11 158 12 Asif Town 26-10-11 28 13 Nawaz Sharif Colony 03-11-11 87 14 Talitha Kumi Center 27-11-11 204 Total 1474

16

Dr. Ashknaz Mathew examining a woman in a free eye camp arranged in November 2011 at Talitha Kumi . More than 200 women and men benefited from this camp.

17

INTRODUCTION WHAT - TKWC is a non-profit organization. The purpose of organization is to help the isolated, underprivileged & oppressed women who are victims of various forms of violence and find it very difficult to pursue the injustices done to them in a male-dominated society in Pakistan.

WHEN - Talitha Kumi Welfare Society was envisioned in 2000.

WHO – Dr. Rev. Khushnud Azariah, Ms. Shunila Ruth and some likeminded women envisioned Talitha Kumi Welfare Center in the year 2000. Now a dedicated team of 15 members work for TKWS. The growing cadre of volunteers from diverse backgrounds supports the work of TKWS.

TKWS aims to help women through its economic development program by providing marketable skills to enhance the family income and through its Awareness Building Programs promote women rights, gender-related issues to counter various forms of violence, done against women.

WHERE – TKWS is located on Nazareth Road, Bahar Colony, Lahore, Pakistan. Target group of the Talitha Kumi Welfare Center are women from slum areas of Lahore, i.e. Kot Lakhpath, Bahar Colony, Nawaz sharif Colony, LDA Quarters, Chungi Amer Sidho, Green Town, Youhanabad and Bahadrabad etc. Out of one million population of these areas 52% comprises women. 65% of the population is below poverty- line with wages less than a dollar per day. Mostly people are illiterate and unskilled. They work as domestic/street cleaners, brick kiln workers and general labour.

WHY - Talitha Kumi believes that international standards of human rights apply to all people equally and without any discrimination. Talitha Kumi tries its best to reach women who are victims of violence. It stands with the victims of violence with an assurance of protection through legal and moral support. Our aim is not to create discrimination between men and women, but to only highlight areas where opportunities have been denied to women, and to inculcate hope and dignity in them.

18

Governance

TKWS is monitored by members of advisory board; who formulate its policies and oversee implementation of the programs. The members of advisory board meet every three months to discuss issues and progress made during the quarter.

Brief introduction of the current board members

1. Rt. Rev. Samuel Robert Azariah Chairman & Patron

2. Rev. Dr. Khushnud Mussarat Founder & Vice Chairperson

Bishop of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan Moderator, Church of Pakistan Executive Member, World Council of Churches, Geneva Vice President, World Council of Religions Education: Master in Sociology, University of Karachi Bachelor of Divinity, Trinity Theological College, Singapore

Church Minister Founder,

Dar-ul-Khushnuad, Karachi Dar-ul-Mussarat, Lahore (Centers for mentally Challenged Children)

Education Ph.D. Theology – U.S.A Bachelor of Divinity, Trinity Theological College, Singapore

19

3. Resha Qadir Bakhsh Treasurer

4. Shunila Ruth

Executive Director

5. Prof. Dr. Yasmin Rashid Member

Principal, Dar-ul-Mussarat Center of Mentally Challenged Children Education: M.A, Education, University of Karachi Diploma in Special Education - Japan

Member, Executive Board, United Christian Hospital, Lahore National Council of Churches in Pakistan Secretary, World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women

Education: M.A, Literature, Forman Christian College

Gynecologist Former President, Pakistan Medical Association President, Jahandad Society for Community Development Secretary, Thalassaemia Society of Pakistan Patron, Alzheimer’s Pakistan Education: MBBS, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore FRCOG, Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, London FCPS, College of Physician & Surgeons, Pakistan

20

6. Mrs. Ghalaza Saeed Member

7. Mrs. Alice Garrick Member

8. George Boota

Member

9. Maryam Sarfraz

Member

Educationist & Social Worker

Education: M.A., Psychology, University of Punjab

Director

Women Development & Service Society

Education:

M.A., Sociology, University of Punjab

Director Management Development Center A Management Consultancy and Training Service by IBADAT Trust Education: M.B.A, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi

Principal Cathedral School No. 3 Cantt. Lahore Education: M.A, English,

21

Partner &

Donors

22

Talitha Kumi Welfare Society

House No. 15, St. 24 Nazarth Road, Bahar Colony

Kot Lakhpat, Lahore Pakistan

+92 42 35858824 +92 332 4567197

info@tkwcpk.com www.tkwcpk.com