As economic hardships deepen, a growing number of women in Karachi are turning to public kitchens to feed themselves and their families. In response, the Chhipa Welfare Association has launched a pilot initiative titled "Public Dastarkhwan for Women," setting aside a dedicated section for women at its central kitchen. The programme aims to provide two free meals a day in a safe, dignified environment to women facing financial distress and lacking family support.
According to the foundation's spokesperson Chaudhry Hussain, the organisation operates 150 dastarkhwans across the city, where meals are served twice daily. He noted that the number of people seeking food has been steadily increasing, with an estimated 10 to 15 per cent rise in attendance this year. These dastarkhwans cater to low-income individuals, daily wage workers, the unemployed, and families facing financial hardship. For many, they serve as a vital means of survival.
Hussain explained that many women who come to the dastarkhwans are either living alone, have no earning member in the household, or can not afford to buy or cook meals due to limited income. These women either dine at the location or take food parcels home.
He also pointed out that the environment at regular dastarkhwans can be uncomfortable for women, as the majority of visitors are men. Many women feel uneasy while eating and often prefer to receive a takeaway parcel instead. This is why Ramzan Chhipa initiated a trial programme for women-only dining. A separate section has been allocated for women at the FTC head office's central dastarkhwan, with eight to ten tables dedicated exclusively to female visitors. The area accommodates over 50 women at a time, allowing them to eat comfortably.
If the pilot programme succeeds, Chhipa Foundation plans to establish at least one women-specific dastarkhwan in each district, starting with Korangi, SITE, New Karachi, Liaquatabad, and Malir. Meals will be provided according to a weekly menu plan.
Rani Begum, a resident of Lines Area, shared that she lives alone in a rented home and works as a domestic helper. Due to her limited income, she often comes to the FTC dastarkhwan for dinner. She described the safe dining space as a commendable initiative.
Rakhshanda Bibi, a staff member at the foundation, said that the separate women's section has benefitted many. Those who prefer takeaways are also provided with food parcels.
Senior professor and social affairs expert Dr Nasreen Aslam Shah remarked that inflation and other economic challenges have made life particularly difficult for women living alone. She said the increasing number of women turning to dastarkhwans clearly reflects their growing financial difficulties. She emphasised the need for the government to expand vocational training programmes for women and offer them access to easy loans, enabling them to earn a respectable livelihood. She added that the establishment of women-only dastarkhwans is a vital step in ensuring food security for distressed women.
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