Razia Mehsud
Khalida (not her real name), a resident of South Waziristan district is working as nurse in Peshawar hospital and lives in a hostel. Whenever Khalida calls her family about her vacations, asking them to pick her, they instead tell her to travel alone.
“They tell me about I am adult and can travel on my own,” she said.
However, Khalida said that once in village, she is not allowed to visit relatives and friends houses.
She said that journey from Peshawar to Dera Ismail Khan take six hours and from there another four hours to reach South Waziristan district.
On the other hand, she said that when a relative who was contesting elections appointed her his polling agent at women polling station; however, her family refused.
Allauddin (not real name), a resident of South Waziristan said that his daughter is a doctor. He said that a hospital in his village was lying in ruins and it was without a doctor. On the other hand, doctors from outside do not stay for long after get themselves posted out. Mr Allaudin said that after her daughter becomes a doctor, he asked her to run the village’s hospitals. However, he said that his daughter refused to come to village. “She said baba, I have worked very hard and do not want to go to Waziristan as people will not make my life miserable,” he said.
Besides, another widow from the area said that she knew the art of regional embroidery; however, was unable to earn money from it, as local make fun of her. “Due to this, I am living alms and charity,” she said.
Shoaib Mehsud, a social worker, said that with changing situation, people were becoming more aware. However, he said that some archaic customs were holding their areas back. “Our educated girls were working outside instead of working in their own areas,” he said
He said that women of South Waziristan were skilled; however, they were unable to turn these skills into their strength.
“Our traditions and lack of awareness are not allowing women to earn their livelihood,” he said.
On the other hand, government has also failed to take practical steps for merged districts women. In addition to this, whatever steps have been promised is still on paper or extended to those living in cities only.
Government should take steps for empowering women in South Waziristan, who are oppressed and living in poverty.
Women of Waziristan, in case of having access to market, can sell their skills and government should arrange workshops and awareness sessions for them.
On the other hand, Amin, a resident South Waziristan said that local women had no shortage of skills but a severe lack of awareness. He said that government and people should work together their role to educate and empower them.
If the present government wants to develop the tribal districts, they should work on the ground for women. Such measures will not only make tribal women economically strong but will also significantly reduce poverty.
