By: Shehneela Mazhar
In a transformative project jointly developed by Prem Sagar (ELP – Emerging Leaders of Pakistan, 2015) and co-applicant Ms. Bushra Mahnoor, the Founder of Mahwari Justice, the Awareness for Gender Equity (AGE) initiative is making waves as the 7th cycle Alumni Small Grant (ASG) project. This impactful endeavor is setting the stage for change and empowerment among approximately 900 adolescent girls, aged 11-18, alongside their teachers and parents in low economic quintile rural and pre-urban settings.
- Project Highlights: Baseline Assessment: The AGE initiative began with a comprehensive baseline assessment, allowing the team to gauge the initial knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management within the targeted communities and schools.
- Expert Training: With the expertise of medical practitioners and behavior change experts, around 100 mothers and teachers underwent rigorous training. This empowerment equipped them to better understand the challenges of period poverty, enabling them to impart crucial knowledge to the younger generation.
- Empowering Sessions: Trickle-down sessions reached 900 adolescent girls across 30 schools and communities, inspiring confidence and resilience. Armed with knowledge, these young individuals are better equipped to navigate physical, social, and psychological challenges.
- Digital Outreach: To amplify their impact, the AGE initiative produced a series of educational podcasts on menstrual hygiene topics. These podcasts serve as a powerful medium to reach a wider audience through social and digital media platforms.
- Educational Comic Book: A unique approach lies in the development of a fun and educational comic book, thoughtfully crafted in three languages (Urdu, Sindhi, and English). The comic book is eagerly awaiting finalization and launch under PUAN’s guidance.
The AGE initiative has been further bolstered through the generous support of Mahwari Justice, mobilizing period supplies (one month stock) for approximately 1000 beneficiaries, including 100 teachers and mothers, and 900 students. Together, they are fostering healthy practices and putting an end to period poverty.
PUAN extends its heartfelt appreciation to Prem Sagar, an Atlas Corps Alumnus, and Ms. Bushra Mahnoor for their unwavering dedication to empowering young girls with knowledge and creating a more equitable future. These small steps towards change are building a path of transformation, and the lasting impact they will create is a testament to the power of collective action.
Join us on this journey of empowerment, and together, let’s pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive world.
