Pakistan Girl Guide Association: Breaking free of taboos, becoming agents of change

PGGA is the largest voluntary organisation for young women in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD:

In a country like Pakistan where social taboos usually become a hurdle in the way of women, Pakistan Girl Guide Association (PGGA), is earnestly fulfilling its responsibilities while fighting these challenges. The association is the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in Pakistan and currently has 117,692 members.

Their vision, “We are a national movement of empowered girls and young women working as agents of change to build a better world” was highlighted at a council meeting held on Tuesday at PGGA’s national headquarter. It was attended by delegations from all seven branches of PGGA across the country, and members of Asia-Pacific Committee of The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), who are here on a visit.

Speaking on the occasion PGGA National Commissioner Farzana Azim gave a presentation on the associations’ history, achievements and challenges it is currently facing.

Fatima Ali Jinnah was the first patron of Pakistan Girls Guide Association which was initiated on the advise of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in December 29, 1947, Azim informed the audience. Begum G.A Khan was elected as the first chief commissioner who was later on nominated for the post of national commissioner. It emerged on the world map in 1948 when it became an official member of the WAGGGS.

Highlighting the challenges faced by PGGA, Azam said there are limited training opportunities at both international level and local level. According to her, visa issues and funding constraints are other factors due to which many suitable participants cannot attend these trainings and workshops.

Some of the projects on which PGGA is focusing on include ‘Early Childhood Care and Development Center’ at Mohra Nangyal, Jigiot and SMILE (Supporting Maternal and Child Health Improvement and Building Literature Environments) at Chak Shehzad in Islamabad. They are also involved in health and literacy activities in the outskirts of Lahore, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura. One of the association’s projects is ‘Education for all: Girls and Women Education’. Apart from this it has it has also done volunteer work in the earthquake hit areas in Azad Kashmir and Balochistan and assisted the internally displaced persons in the flood affected areas.

On the occasion it was announced that Girl Guides Australia has raised more than £2000 for flood affected people in Sindh. Member of Asia Pacific Committee of WAGGGS Ruchira Jayasinghe appreciated PGGA and said it has a lot of potential and is ahead of many other countries. She said according to the 2006-2008 performance, PGGA scored 106 points and remained on top.

Shields and awards were conferred upon the Guides and Guide Companies showing outstanding performance at the end of the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2011.