RAWALPINDI: The Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) conducted two sessions on life-based skills education for more than 60 students of the Basic School in a low- to middle-income locality.

Through these interactive sessions, PODA said it empowered the students with confidence-building strategies, emphasising the significance of education and essential skills for economic empowerment.

By imparting valuable skills, PODA aims to enable these young students to play a vital role in the country’s progress. These activities were part of the ongoing 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence which is being observed from November 25 to December 10.

As part of its three-year project, “Reduce early marriages to enhance gender equality,” supported by the Norwegian embassy Islamabad, PODA is working to eradicate early marriages and promote gender equality across 41 districts of Punjab.

Activities part of ‘Reduce early marriages to enhance gender equality’ project supported by Norwegian embassy, says PODA

“In collaboration with key stakeholders, including legislatures, government officials, politicians, community leaders, academicians, lady health workers, nikah khawan/registrars, educational institutions, women, lawyers and bar associations, PODA advocates for amending the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2015 Punjab,” said a statement.

The proposed amendment seeks to raise the minimum age of marriage for girls to 18 years with the national identity card being made mandatory for marriage registration.

Hifza Bukhari advocate offered valuable insights and practical advice on becoming a lawyer, emphasising the vital role legal professionals play in upholding justice, promoting active citizenship and strengthening the country’s foundation.

She acknowledged the challenges women face in this male-dominated profession where they are often discouraged from joining. However, her session motivated the audience to consider a career in law, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.

Sadia Jamil, Vice Principal of the school, expressed her appreciation for PODA’s efforts in providing students with practical knowledge and skills for their lives ahead. She noted that these sessions aimed to empower girl students, enabling them to create a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the growth of more resilient and empowered communities.

As part of the ongoing campaign, PODA also organised a drawing competition to educate students about their rights and strategies to protect themselves from harassment and violence.

Under the guidance of PODA’s Project Manager Nabeela Aslam, the students were informed about their fundamental human and constitutional rights. The session emphasised Article 25-A of the Constitution that guarantees compulsory education for children aged 5-16 and covered their rights to play, health, and skills to combat harassment, ultimately empowering them to assert their rights and well-being.

During the drawing competition, students shared disturbing stories of six girls under the age of 14 who had been married, either within their immediate surroundings or among their relatives.

The key learnings from the sessions included the significance of life skills in navigating real-life challenges, effective communication skills and strategies for building resilience and confidence.

The sessions emphasised the crucial role of education in promoting emotional intelligence and well-being, leading to a more impactful and practical life.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024