Increase Girls' Access to Education in Pakistan

As summer comes to a close, we bring good news from our Pakistan program on three fronts: final testing results from the Spring; a personal story from one of our graduates, Rabia; and a wonderful matching opportunity from the Safer World fund. Thanks again to our partner on the ground in Pakistan, Bedari, for all they do.

Testing Update

For the 2016 school year, all the 101 girls appeared for exams. Their results are as follows:

35 girls appeared for exams of grade 6 and 7, and all of them passed their exams; 21 girls appeared for exams for 8^th grade, and passed their exam successfully.

25 girls appeared for the secondary exams, and all of them passed. One girl got married, and did not appear for her exam. This year Aiman achieved the highest marks at the secondary level exams. She secured 884 marks out of 1050 possible. We are sure that she will receive the prize announced by the government of Punjab. The cash prize is Pak Rs 27,000 (US $ 270). The government is quite slow in releasing the amounts. So she may actually receive this amount in 2017. Furthermore, this makes her eligible for fee waiver if she studies at any government college for her grades 11^th and 12^th.

Previous year, two girls – Sundas and Uzma– had secured over 70 % marks in their annual secondary exams. They both have recently received Rs 27,000 each from the government of Punjab, and they have been promised that the fee they have paid in the past one year would be reimbursed by the government.

There were 11 girls who appeared for their 11^th grade exam; their resulted is awaited. Only 3 girls appeared for the higher secondary level annual exam (12^th grade). Their result has not been announced yet. There were another 3 girls who should have appeared for higher secondary exams, but they dropped out. Two girls appeared for BA exam (14^th grade or graduation) – one has passed while the other girl would have to appear again for two papers.

Iqra’s parents wanted to marry her off at the age of 14 back in 2016. Bedari had intervened back then, and convinced them to put her back in school with Bedari’s support. They agreed, and she got admission. Now she has completed her secondary education, and she is 16 years old. Her parents do not want her to continue her education, and Bedari is talking to them once again. It may not succeed this time, but we have managed to delay her marriage by 2 years. Pakistan law allows girls to get married at the age of 16 years.

Rabia’s Story

“The sole purpose of women is to do household chores and raise children. Their education is rather pointless.” I grew up listening to these words. I grew up watching my mother harvesting crops and grazing the cattle. Whenever my parents would have an argument, my maternal grandfather was the only one with enough power to put an end to the fight.  Although, my father was strictly against girls going out of the village for education; due to my grandfather’s influence I was able to get admission in school. Despite many hardships, I was able to pass matric, being the first girl in the family to do so.

One evening, I found out about Bedari launching an education project in our village. After convincing my father, I was able to get admission in first year (11^th grade) in a college in Kalar Kahar. I managed to complete two more years of education, and Bedari agreed to continue supporting me as long as I wanted. So I got admission in the 3^rd year (13^th grade).

Once while looking through the daily newspaper in our college, I came across a job opportunity in a government organization ‘Sweet Home’ providing shelter and care to orphans. They were in need of a local level coordinator and I fit their criteria perfectly.

I was aware that mentioning this to my family would be a bad idea; I would never get permission for a job and I may even be stopped from going to college. Hence, I did not consult anyone from my family and instead referred to Bedari’s program officer. She motivated me immensely and told me how to tackle the issue of dealing with my parents.  I applied for the job and on the day of my interview, following the program officer’s guidelines, I told my parents to pray that I get this job. My father was enraged and stated that a daughter’s earning was “haram” (something banned by religion like alcohol is haram) for him. Upon hearing this, I made him realize how I worked in the fields and grazed the cattle and how that was also my earning. I made him realize that if that wasn’t “haram” for him then earning from the work of my liking wouldn’t be “haram” for him either. Noticing that my father was quiet now, I told him how this was just an interview and that the job wasn’t confirmed yet; but working was my passion and if I had his blessings, I would definitely get the job. He finally gave his nod, and prayed for my success.

After the interview, I started waiting for the offer letter from the organization. It took some time but finally it arrived. One day when I returned from my college, my father congratulated me and handed me the letter. I cried … I had tears of joy in my eyes. I had not only earned a job in sweet homes but also my father’s trust. I have got a very good paying job, but that does not mean I am discontinuing my education. The only difference is that now I do not need financial support from Bedari. I have informed them, so that they can replace me by putting another girl in school.

My job, the love from my parents and the trust received from Bedari beautified my personality. I am happy that I had attended the Self Growth Sessions arranged by Bedari. They gave me lots of confidence, and negotiating skills, which helped me negotiate with my father for my education first, and for my job later.

Thank you, Bedari!

Safer World Fund Match

Girl’s Ed is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a participant in the matching gift program for the Safer World Fund. Administered through Global Giving, this fund grants a 50% match to all donations for a limited period, so if you are considering a new or increased gift, now is the time!

Many thanks!

Steve Murchie
Pakistan Project Lead
Girls Ed Board Chair (acting)