Communities rally behind girls' education efforts
Communities are rallying behind the efforts of women dedicated to education, asserted speakers at a seminar titled "Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Development of Education," organized by the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) on Tuesday.
At least 280 women entrepreneurs are operating 300 schools of SEF, an autonomous foundation formed in 1992 by the Sindh government to promote quality education in the province.
The event convened women entrepreneurs collaborating as SEF partners from across Sindh to showcase their accomplishments in both rural and urban settings.
Speakers Shahpara Rizvi, Musarat Palijo, and Shazia Solangi highlighted that when women take the lead in their communities, they garner greater support from members and stakeholders alike. They expressed receiving overwhelming positive feedback regarding the increased enrollment of girls in schools.
The seminar featured six presentations covering various topics by SEF partners including Sadia Khalid, Bushra Shah, Shahnaz Begum, Kishwer Jabeen, Shazia Mir, and Zeenat. They shared their journeys from traditional educational approaches to embracing modern methods and digital learning.
"We never envisaged a time when we would be celebrated as societal role models. Previously, women in rural areas leaned towards home-based work. However, with our educational initiatives, parents are now embracing the notion that change stems from education," they emphasized.
Abdul Jabbar Mari, SEF's Human Resource Director, underscored the importance of community involvement in schools during his presentation. He emphasized that communities play a pivotal role in fostering positivity, but expecting progress from struggling communities without investment is unjust. Mari advocated for investing in communities to help them recognize their significance, yielding more fruitful outcomes.
"Building trust within the community by acknowledging their capacity to educate their children is paramount. Women, especially, excel in this realm, creating conducive environments effectively. Be it as mothers, sisters, wives, or daughters, they embody excellence. We take immense pride in our partnerships," Mari added.
Keynote speaker and educationist Rana Hussain expressed delight in witnessing the talent showcased by the women partners. To her, the six presenters epitomized transformative figures who have spearheaded change within their local communities through entrepreneurial ventures in education.
Hussain underscored Sindh as the only province in Pakistan where education is conducted in the mother tongue, emphasizing the responsibility of every woman to raise awareness, particularly those endowed with resources.
In his closing remarks, SEF Managing Director Abdul Kabir Kazi commended the resilience of the foundation's women partners in confronting the toughest challenges within their communities. Kazi highlighted SEF's notable achievement, with approximately 260 women managing 300 schools.
He also announced the launch of the 'Care for Life' program for 300 schools, aimed at educating children on fostering connections with nature, society, animals, and fellow humans. Kazi expressed confidence in women's ability to excel in nurturing these values.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2024.