Editorial

Greetings All!

I hope the past month bode well for you all! It certainly did here at WPF, Pakistan with many commendable developments; notable ones being the triumphant recognition of the Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity resolution in the Balochistan Assembly, insightful and very well-attended international conference with a strong & energetic Pakistani delegation inclusive of the Federal Youth Minister and several productive outcomes at the home office during the month; i.e. successful closing of the NYTF sessions and training of master trainers and teachers.

Thus, the past month was full of activity on fields, at the head quarter and at the home office; all bearing productive outcomes,, successful trainings and a vigor to move forth.

A full detail of the aforesaid achievements and activities is discussed below. Happy Reading!

Resolution on “Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity” recognized in the Balochistan Assembly!

As you all know, the policy advocacy team at WPF, Pakistan had been toiling and consistently persisting for the recognition of the UN resolution on “Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity and Human Rights” resolution in one of the provincial assemblies. Accordingly, the members of the Balochistan Assembly were approached and Dr. Ruqaiya Hashmi (MPA) stepped forth with support from other MPAs and Ministers to take a lead in our cause to promote Safe Motherhood in Pakistan.

It is our pleasure to announce that all our efforts have borne fruit as the resolution on preventable maternal mortality was unanimously passed by the Balochistan Assembly on October 14 in Quetta. This was a great achievement towards promoting safe motherhood in Pakistan; it implies concrete policy reforms and appropriate resource allocation to prevent maternal mortality in the Balochistan. The adoption of the resolution will serve as a milestone laid by the province of Baluchistan towards MDG 5 (improved maternal health) in Pakistan. Additionally, it also serves as an impetus for the remaining provincial assemblies and national assembly to pass a resolution akin to it.

Although the road to complete and nationwide safe motherhood is a long way to go, this accomplishment is a stepping stone towards it.

Leading SRHR through Advocacy: the concluding Capacity Building sessions for NYTF

This month the Policy Advocacy teams executed a three day capacity building training from Oct 29-31, 2010 for the National Youth Task Force (NYTF) members in WPF’s Islamabad office. National Youth Task Force (NYTF) comprises of some young, energetic participants of National Youth Summit; that was held in the year 2008 in collaboration with UNFPA. The purpose of formulating NYTF was to follow up on the recommendations drawn during National Youth Summit through a logical, systematic and result oriented strategy and plan of action. The third and the final capacity building session designed on the theme of “Leading SRHR through Advocacy”, was attended by the a task force members from Sindh, Balochistan, KPK/FAT, AJK, Islamabad and Punjab. NYTF is an effort to polish the skills of young SRHR advocates, who have commitment to undertake advocacy efforts and to continue pursuing the cause on their own initiative and collectively to improve SRHR status of youth, thereby increasing their skills, knowledge, sense of ownership, and power to bring about change.

Many members of this task force have actively participated in the national and international advocacy forums on SRHR to put across their views on policy matters on SRHR. WPF is very proud of NYTF and its members for their efforts in last two years for the SRH rights. Though, this was the concluding session of NYTF. Now the NYTF has resolved to work as support group of WPF in Pakistan. Yet we believe NYTF will always remain an essential group of volunteers supporting future initiatives of SRHR in Pakistan. They had very positive feedbacks and comments regarding their experience with WPF, Pakistan. One national task force member recollects his experiences with NYTF as “life altering” and relays that:

“...being part of WPF. Pakistan from 2008-2010 was a life-changing experience! I got proper direction and realized that I fit perfectly in the development/social sector of work. I have travelled to many cities and learnt a great deal through NYTF. Now, I am a full-time youth activist, founder of the largest youth network: PYDN, an inspiration for fellow youths and have travelled extensively all over Pakistan, which increased my confidence and trust in the nation.”

Rights-driven Institutionalization of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Pakistan-Hamara Kal

Training on Proposal writing – GBV project

As part of the partners' capacity building efforts, a two-days training on Proposal Writing was organized from 23rd-24th October 2010 at Islamabad. The training was undertaken under the project “Capacity Building of NGOs on Gender based violence and Reproductive Health”. Thirteen participants from 6 partner organizations attended the session. The WPF IS team facilitated the training, whose objective was to develop an understanding among the partners' staff on proposal writing and to strengthen the technical capacity of partners for sustainable prevention of GBV-RH in their respective targeted districts. Among many others topics, the contents included how to undertake a literature review, rationale development, definition of questions, objective, objectively verifiable indicator and development of Logical Framework Matrix.

Safe District Approach

An MoU was signed between UNIFEM and WPF for the project of “Safe District Approach”. To conceptualize the “Safe District Approach” in Pakistan by eliminating gender-based violence, through promotion of an enabling environment for equal opportunities, for both men and women in different walks of life, WPF organized a joint partners' meeting with UNIFEM at WPF office on 25th October 2010. Originally, the meeting was expected to be attended by consultants: Kalpana and Suneeta from India, who unfortunately, could not attend as their visa for Pakistan was not issued timely for the meeting. Consequently, Ms. Fahmida Iqbal (Programme Officer) and Mr. Sagheer Bukhari (Senior Programme Manager) from UNIFEM Pakistan were invited to meet with the GBV/PGRN members and briefed the participants about the initiatives of "Safe City" approach in Brazil and India as good practices. Detail discussion was held among the participants with regard to their understanding of how they consider their districts safe from gender inequality. The participants were acquainted with the background and need for "Men Engagement" intervention while working for Gender inequality in the development sector.

To further supplement this project, WPF implementing partners are also invited to attend an international conference on “Women’s Safety: Building Inclusive Cities” from 22nd-24th November 2010 in New Delhi. The following participants have been nominated: Umm-e-Kulsum, Naik Perveen and G.M Soomro. This conference will be an amalgamation of skills-building workshops, knowledge-sharing exercises, panel discussions and visioning activities that will endorse peer-learning and capacity building.

Training of Teachers

To institutionalize SRHR education in schools, three day "Training of Teachers" was held in the three target districts of Multan, Matiari and Karachi from the 25th to 28th October 2010. These were organized by the WPF, implementing partners Aahung, Awaz and HANDS with coordination of local District’s Education Departments. Twenty four Master Trainers trained by WPF last month provide training to 688 teachers (278 women) on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Education of youth in the three targeted districts – Karachi, Multan and Mitiari. Monitoring of the training was undertaken by the partner organizations to ensure the quality of knowledge delivery and effectiveness of training for smooth implementation of SRH education with about 64,000 students in schools of the selected districts. The contents of the trainings included situational Analysis of Young People's Health in Pakistan, Self Awareness, Feelings, Human Rights and SRH Rights of Young People and an array of topics on similar issues.

Empowering Girls – Transforming Communities

Training of Master Trainers, Gujranwala

Following the first Training of Master Trainers during the month of September in the project district, Sanghar, the second training of Master Trainers was held in the project district, Gujranwala from the 11th to 14th October 2010, with the support of WPF’s implementing partner Bargad. The implementing partners selected 10 dedicated teachers/trainers through a well defined process, who went through the training on Life Skills Education by SRHR Education Team of WPF in addition the project staff from the Bargad was also trained. The main objective of this training was to build the capacity and understanding of the individuals on basic life skills, leadership, SRHR, health and education, participatory teaching methodologies and LSE impact on adolescent girls. The new appointed DCO Gujranwala, Mr. Nabeel Ahmad Awan was invited at the closing ceremony and distributed certificates amongst the Master Trainers. The Master Trainers also provided very positive feedback on the Training and the project to the DCO and was very encouraged to hear this and consequently assured his support for the project. He appreciated the project and assured all support to WPF, Bargad, Master Trainers and teachers.

Training of 80 Teachers, Sanghar – SAFWCO & WPF

The Training of Teachers in Sanghar for the Project Empowering Girls-Transforming Communities was successfully held from13-20th October 2010. 80 teachers were divided into 4 clusters, where 2 Master Trainers per cluster volunteered and trained the teachers on Life Skills Education. The main objective of this training was to train teachers of class 8th on the LSE curriculum and participatory teaching methodologies. These ‘LSE Educators’ will implement the first part of the LSE Curriculum in the schools with students of class 8th. The Master Trainers with the facilitation of the SAFWCO project staff and WPF team planned the training of teachers during both training of Master Trainers. WPF’s M & E programme visited to training sessions to monitor the quality of the training events. At the conclusion of the trainings in all 4 clusters a concluding ceremony was held in District Council Hall Sanghar where Mr. Syed Asif Hyder Shah DCO Sanghar & EDO Education Mr. Mohmmad Hussain Khaskheli were present. Certificates were distributed amongst the teachers by DCO Sanghar. The feedback by the DCO, EDO and teachers was valued regarding the project Empowering Girls -transforming Communities. All stakeholders look forward to the project with enthusiasm, to bring the positive change in the lives of adolescent’s girls of district Sanghar.

After the Training of Teachers, school implementation will begin from the first week of November in Sanghar district.

New Partnerships

The collaboration between WPF and PLAN has moved forth another step and things are finally beginning to take a final shape. In this regard, there was a meeting held between WPF and PLAN at PLAN’s Islamabad office on 19th October 2010. Plan has suggested one year pilot project in 10 schools and formulation of a steering committee to evaluate and monitor the project with technical assistance of WPF. Final decision in this regard will be made in next meeting planned for November.

Another positive development was the finalization of the proposed partnership between WPF and Save the Children – UK. WPF submitted a budget to SC – UK for implementation of LSBE in Umerkot and Mithi for the said project and a meeting was held to discuss the budget at WPF’s office on the 21st October 2010. During the meeting it was also decided that a consultative workshop will be held from 1st till 3rd of Novemeber 2010 and a ToMT manual will be developed that will cater to the needs of SOCPs in training the teachers of the target group of 11-16 year old students of the target district. This training will take place in December. Accordingly, a field visit was made to Umerkot and Mithi by WPF and SC-UK for assessment and drawing implementation strategies. For thorough preparation further field visits will follow to carry out a baseline study of the progamme and for the ToMT.

WPF friends and associates list keeps increasing as another joint project on facilitation of the processes of alliance building of organisations working on SRHR in education (SRHR-E) is incepted. Oxfam Novib has invited World Population Foundation and Women’s Empowerment Group to join in a consortium to jointly develop a programme on SRHR in education, seek funding and guide implementation. The three partners possess a unique set of complementary skills, capacities and experiences which are essential for building a strong programme on SRHR in education.

Evaluating the impact of LSBE

This month was eventful and more than typically busy for the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation team, who spent most of their time on the road. It kicked-off with a smooth take over by a new manager PM&E and transitioned to continuation of LSBE (MFS I) data collection and evaluations.

The PM&E team is carrying out LSBE Evaluation for the project period 2006 – 2010 with a broader aim to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of this project. The evaluation involves an in depth analysis of the design, implementation, and sustainability of the project and the findings will be used in devising future strategies.

The PM&E team visited our project districts; Quetta, Peshawar, Sanghar, Matiari and Faisalabad. Data from pre and post tests conducted during MFS-1 is currently in the process of analysis. It is expected that the evaluation study will be concluded in November and the results will be shared with relevant stakeholders. In addition, PM&E team conducted monitoring of “Training of Teachers” for the Hamara Kal project Matiari and that of Empowering Girls – Transforming Communities in Sanghar.

World Start With Me and Sexulaity under 18

A strong team of delegates was sent to the Head Quarter for the international conference: “World Starts with Me” and “Sexuality under 18”. This included the Federal Minister; Mr. Shahid Hussain Bhutto of Ministry of Youth Affairs and three member energetic youth delegation also who attended the conference on the invitation of WPF. A great deal came out of attending these and much was relayed back to the head quarter itself, the details of which are given below.

Foremost, it is important to note that a generous donation of 10,000 Euros was made for the flood rehabilitation in Pakistan, by WPF Head Quarter and friends. This was a great step towards post-disaster relief strategy after the floods, even though humanitarian assistance is not on WPF’s profile. However, it is still using its outreach in the flood-stricken areas to provide for the safety of maternal health and SRHR. This donation will be distributed by WPF, Pakistan for ‘safe delivery kits’ and ‘safe delivery support packages’ in the flood affected areas.

Detailed discussions were held and feedback shared regarding the new logo that will be promulgated after official merger, effective from the next year. A thorough discussion was also held on the proposed strategy to launch the merger of Rutgers Nisso Groep and World Population Foundation, effective from the New Year. This way the field offices can campaign for the merger in sync with the HQ, ensuring a smooth transition.

The ‘Sexuality under 18’ conference [weblink]was very well-attended and well-covered by the Pakistani delegates, who seemed to outshine there. Excellent speeches were made by the keynote speaker and the speaker’s dinner served for great networking and issue related discussions. The conference was packed with sixteen workshops on various issues related to sexual health, loaded with facts, inspiration and motivation. These included “ICPD 20 – what’s next?”, “Sexual rights include LGBTQ rights. Respect and celebrate diversity”, “Rights of the child versus responsibilities of adults. What are the rights and abilities of children to decide about their own sexuality?” amongst many others. The ‘Sexuality under 18’ conference concluded with productive outcome; a detailed action plan that put forth suggestions for men engagement in gender based intervention, intensive and better use of media, involving healthcare providers, parents, teachers, religious leaders and ensuring meaningful youth participation amongst many others.

Similarly, ‘World Starts with Me’ proved to be a very creative and informative conference that inspired the idea of developing a similar model for our home country. The “World Starts With Me” is a web based comprehensive sexuality education on IT and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for young people. It aims to contribute not only to the improvement of the sexual and reproductive health of young people, but also to their social and economic development. This will be a great way to connect with our youth and educate them of their sexual and reproductive health rights.

At a maternity ward in Dera Murad Jamali a small district in Balochistan, lie three women, unrelated and unknown to each other, all connected by one striking feature; each is harboring a critical complication in their pregnancy that might lead to an undue fatality. Gulatun’s uterus is blocked by the babies placenta, Haseena has a prolapsed uterus while Jamila contracted cerebral malaria in her fifth month which was detected in her ninth month. By the end of the day, just one woman survives. . .

Every year countless women die in Balochistan, due to maternal mortality, the poignancy of the matter is that these women lose their lives largely due to complications that are preventable; only if the right information, assistance and healthcare had been provided to them on time. Is this the worth of our nation’s soulbearers? The ones, who toil their whole lives to provide subsistence to the nation’s future generation, are merely accounted for as a statistic once they pass away.

The issue of maternal mortality is matter of great concern in Pakistan. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Pakistan stands at 256 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and it is estimated that one woman loses her life due to reproductive health complications after every 30 minutes! The situation is the most alarming in Balochistan where the MMR stands at 856 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births! Thus, Balochistan harbors the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, where every passing minute renders a soul bearer departed, sadly, at the hands of problems that are very well manageable.

Safe motherhood, is not just a provision or a gratuity, it is a basic human right; inalienable and undisputed. It is for no one’s to give neither to take, as it is already theirs. Even though this idea has not been instilled in our society at large, we are slowly making progress towards securing safe motherhood. In June 2009 when the UN passed a resolution on Preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human rights, which acknowledges that “…the unacceptably high global rate of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity is a health, development and human rights challenge…” which was subsequently recognized by many countries, Pakistan being amongst them.

The WPF team, recognizing the significance of this action and the gravity of utilizing it to further safe motherhood in Pakistan deemed it necessary to draft a resolution of full recognition for the one passed by the UNHRC. This was accomplished by the generous efforts of Dr.Ruqaiya Hashmi (MPA Balochistan) who presented the resolution in the session of the Balochistan Assembly with 10 other MPAs; resulting in the unanimous adaptation by the Assembly. Moreover Chief Minister and Speaker Balochistan was requested to beckon the rest of the Provincial Assemblies: Punjab, Sindh & Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa to adopt a resolution akin to it, thus taking the lead and motivating the rest to support this cause.

The unanimous adoption of the resolution will serve as a landmark laid by the province of Baluchistan towards MDG 5 (improved maternal health) in Pakistan. The resolution will give way to concrete policy reforms to ensure that none of the women die due to largely preventable causes of maternal mortality and that every woman gets easy access to basic medical facilities bearing in mind that this is her basic human right.

Our actions today will determine our children’s future and the nation we build for our coming generations. To ensure safe motherhood, we need to further our efforts by insisting on similar resolutions to be passed in remaining provincials assemblies. Furthermore, tangible changes need to be made to present policies that will cut maternal mortality rate significantly. Simple policy reforms like the provision and obligation for all hospitals to cater an emergency obstetrics department, a functioning health referral system to allow services to reach any pregnant woman who needs them at any place and at any time and skilled birth attendants at all health centers. Just by the implementation of these simple recommendations we can save thousands of mothers every year who die of unnecessary reasons, and thus make this resolution a reality.

We remain sanguine that the resolution will be passed at all other assemblies as well and this day will become a vestige in the future with reference to preventable maternal mortality causes.

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