Hyderabad: Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP), in collaboration with Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), organized a lessons learning and experience sharing workshop under the Sindh Union Council and Community Economic Strengthening Support (SUCCESS) Programme at Hotel Indus today.
Speaking at the occasion, provincial minister for Public Health Engineering and Rural Development, Mr. Fayaz Ali Butt, said that he was inspired by the women community leaders who are transforming their villages, and improving the quality of life of all the people. He said that the community-driven development approach of the rural support programmes should be extended to all districts of the Sindh Province. He reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to the SUCCESS Programme and extended his all-out support for the cause.
Mr. Shoaib Sultan Khan, Chairman RSPN, earlier discussed the history of the RSPs and the impact their development approach has had not only in Pakistan, but also India and other countries of Asia. He said that empowered institutions of the local communities that form the social pillar of the state can complement the administrative and political pillars, triggering a sustainable process of change and development. He thanked the government of Sindh for adopting and promoting the CDD approach in 18 districts of the province. He also said that the current Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has agreed in principle to extend the union-council poverty reduction programme to six more districts of the province.
Renowned economist, Professor Kaiser Bengali also appreciated the role that social mobilization can play in changing societies. He also underlined the importance of political struggle for the attainment of rights.
Commissioner Haiderabad, Mr. Sajid Jamal Abro, paid glowing tributes to the women community leaders. He said that the women’s confidence and clarity of mind is phenomenal. He said that the RSPs’ approach to development and poverty reduction has had lasting positive impact on the societies.
Deputy Commissioner of Jamshoro, Mr. Munawar Ali Mayser, said that he is highly impressed by the change triggered by social mobilization in the rural communities. He said that the women have rebelled against rotten disempowering traditions and decided to lead the process of change from their Goths and villages.
Among the speakers was Ms. Sabiha Shah, Vice Chairperson TRDP, Mr. Allah Nawaz Samoo, CEO TRDP, Mr. Khaleel Ahmed Tetley, COO RSPN, and Ms. Katherin, representing the European Union.
Mr. Rashid Bajwa, CEO of National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) was also present at the occasion.
Women community leaders from Tharparkar, Dadu, Matiari and Jamshoro shared their experiences during the event. They said that after getting organized at the local level, they felt empowered and important members of the society. They said that with little support and guidance the women can help their families and communities move out of the poverty trap.
Programme Managers form the eight districts – Jamshoro, Dadu, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Matiari, Sujawal, Larkana and Shikarpur – shared the progress made so far, and the targets for the next years. They said that the women in the organized communities felt empowered, and had already started undertaking self-help initiatives with a focus on increasing school enrolment, promotion of hygiene, personal care and planning for removal of obstacles in the path of progress. They also said that the women have started saving money, with the aim of creating revolving funds for financing micro-enterprises at the local level.
The SUCCESS Programme, funded by the European Union, is being implemented in eight districts of Sindh by Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP), National Rural Support Programme, Sindh Rural Support Organisation (SRSO) and Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN).
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