Young voices reflect on women's rights

ISLAMABAD:

After completing emergency response operations in the remote Chupurson Valley, a team from Community World Service Asia returned with a deeper understanding of the emotional and social challenges faced by local communities — particularly women and young girls.

During the response, the organisation facilitated Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities through an open camp setting, reaching 351 participants.

The initiative included 11 group sessions and 27 individual counselling sessions, with most participants being women and adolescent girls who had been affected by the hardships in the region.

The experience left a profound impression on the team. Hearing stories of resilience, struggle and hope from women in Chupurson Valley reinforced the importance of sustained conversations around women's rights, dignity and empowerment.

As International Women's Day approached, the organisation decided to mark the occasion by creating a platform where young people could reflect on these issues and engage in meaningful dialogue.

With this aim, Community World Service Asia organised a reflective youth dialogue in Islamabad, hosted at Serenity Resort. The event brought together 24 young participants, offering them an opportunity to exchange perspectives, question everyday social norms and consider what gender equality means in their own lives.

The session began with participants forming a circle in an informal setting. Instead of speeches or presentations, the facilitator encouraged reflection through simple questions: who typically performs household work in families, whether boys and girls are given equal freedom to study, work or travel, and what qualities define a strong woman.