A human rights ministry official told APP on Sunday that construction of the hostels is a vital part of their agenda for this year. He said the ministry plans to hold a competition among the architecture departments at different universities to come up with a suitable design that offers a comfortable environment.
Working women’s hostels have been a long standing demand as private hostels are oversaturated and also relatively expensive, with living conditions often far from ideal.
A large number of women come from far-flung villages in pursuit of jobs and education, but the first problem they face is finding suitable accommodation.
Salma, who works for an NGO, said, “I’ve been living in the capital for the last five years but still haven’t found satisfactory accommodation.”
She added that the existing government hostel for women does not have enough space to meet the current demand. She said the hostel is already full to its capacity, with most rooms being shared by four to six girls. Iffat said living at a new atmosphere with unwelcoming roommates, unhygienic food and substandard accommodation is a “test of nerves”.
Salma, who lives in a private hostel, said they live in small, overcrowded rooms because they have no other option. The rents at private hostels range from Rs5,500 to Rs10,000, she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2012.
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