Contributed by SRSO SUCCESS team
Shehzadi Junejo, a sign of resilience and courage resilient for the women of her village, is highly determined to overcome all issues associated with poverty. Under the European Union (EU) funded SUCCESS programme, the women of her area came together to form a community organisation (CO), they were confident to work and address the core needs of the area, Shehzadi shared.
However, their efforts were restricted when male members of the community banned routine meetings of the CO and frequent mobility of women within the village. “It is a matter of sheer intolerance from the men against active women,” Shehzadi added. Not letting the restrictions bog her down, Shehzadi decided to stand up against this form of oppression and raised her voice to oppose that in clear words, even if she had to be the only woman doing so. She instigated all members to stand their ground firmly, schedule CO meetings regularly, and let the activities continue.
Following up with their efforts, she clearly communicated with the men of her community not to suspend the activities of the CO, i.e., savings and meetings of their CO, as they are beneficial not only for the women of the CO but their benefits extend to the whole community. Her consistent efforts with other like-minded women worked, and gradually the men eased up to let the women of their households participate in CO activities. Finally, the activities of their CO restored completely. “European Union & SRSO have provided us with a platform, now it’s up to us to make the best use of this established forum to address the core issues which are preventing our social and economic growth,” Shehzadi concludes.
Shehzadi Junejo is an active member of CO Ahmiyat, District Larkana. She is the only breadwinner of her family. She is also the guardian of her two grandchildren from her son, who is a drug-abuser.