Compiled by SRSO Team
Sammo is a small village located in district Larkana. All the residents of the village know each other. Village Sultan Sammo, district Larkana, is small where everyone knows each other. Despite of being small in terms of population, the village’s households are fragmented, divided on the basis of clans and sub-clans. The schism has remained a hurdle in the path of any collective action.
In August 2016, the Sindh Rural Support Organisation (SRSO), conducted an introductory meeting in the village under the European Union funded SUCCESS Programme. During the meeting, the SRSO staff told the people, particularly women, that by coming together, fostering their own institution and saving money, they will be able to develop themselves and their community. The idea was appealing.
Soon, the women of the village formed their Community Organisation (CO), christening it “Insha Allah”, or God Willing. The CO members then elected their leaders, i.e. CO President and Manager.
Ms Ghulam Qubra, the CO and VO Manager
Ms Ghulam Qubra was selected as the CO’s Manager. In October 2016, COs from the neighbouring villages federated to form a bigger organisation called Village Organisation. Qubra was chosen as the VO’s Manager also.
Mother of nine children, Qubra is married to a daily wager labourer. she was happy on getting additional responsibilities, looking after the affairs of her village and community, while also taking care of her family choirs.
During the CO meetings, which were being held regularly, Qubra observed that some women within the group sat separately and never talked to each other. This affected the overall congenial environment, and appeared to be against the spirit of ‘togetherness’ and ‘collective action’.
On a little inquiry, Qubra was able to understand the situation. Almost six years ago, some male members from the family had married outside their sub-clan, and village. This was against the norm. When the new brides arrived in the village, they could not fully adjust within the family. Eventually, various differences came up. Initially the difference appeared within the family, but soon the entire sub-clan got involved. The differences grew to a point that the women stopped talking to each other, and did not meet.
Since the situation was not good for the future of the CO, and the village, Qubra decided to intervene as a mediator. The issue was raised during a meeting of the Village Organisation. Although aware of the conflict, the women of the village had never thought of intervening. Now, with the COs and VO in place, the moment seemed to be opportune. The women decided to call a special meeting to discuss the issue and settle the dispute once and for all.
Qubra met separately with both parties and advocated for both to attend the VO meeting. Her efforts yielded well, as both parties agreed to attend the VO meeting.
Before the meeting, members of the village organisation also met with the men of the feuding families, to bring them on board, and create more buy-in for the decision. VO members also met with village notables to seek their support for resolving and bring to end this long lasting conflict. Verbal invitations were sent to both parties, including their menfolk, and village notables to participate in the VO meeting.
On the agreed date and time, the VO meeting was held under the leadership of VO President. All the invitees were present. The grievances and complaints of each of the two parties were heard and discussed. One by one, each issue was discussed and logically managed by VO members with the support of the parties’ menfolk. After many arguments and detailed discussions, both parties reached a positive consensus. All previous misconceptions, misunderstandings and miscommunication were cleared. Both the parties honestly admitted that the on-going conflict was uncalled for and created unnecessary tension and conflict within their households and sub-clan. They also pointed out that earlier no one from the village had tried to mediate to resolve their long festering conflict. The issue was settled.
The main instigators of the conflict embraced, hugged, each other, as a sign of agreement and renewed friendship. They also publically pledged to promote peace, love, and compassion within their households and communities. They thanked all VO members, particularly Ms. Qubra, for her remarkable efforts and vision.
After this breakthrough in local conflict resolution, a local notable, Mr. Abdul Qadir, who wields influence over the village, also praised the efforts of organized women member of COs and VO, and announced small presents for the VO leaders for bringing peace to the village.
“Together, we worked for peace and harmony in our village. Likewise, together we will work to improve our lives. Having our own organisations has given us confidence, and with this confidence we will move forward”, said Ms. Qubra, when asked to summarise her leadership experience, so far.