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On 31st March, the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum held a day-long event in Islamabad to showcase the wide variety of humanitarian development work being carried out in Pakistan. We were able to share our activities in disaster response and recovery, water and sanitation, health, education, livelihoods, peace and democracy, and quality and accountability with our colleagues and partners in the community. Our innovative Mobile Health Laboratory also made an appearance, and offered free blood pressure, blood sugar and blood typing tests to willing visitors!

The exposition was attended by international and national non-governmental, community-based and civil society organizations.
Our stall was well attended throughout the day!
A picture is worth a thousand words!  Displays of photographs and handicrafts interested visitors and demonstrated our work.
Our Mobile Health Laboratory attracted interest and patients!  Dr. Tayaba and Mohammed Jan, the laboratory technician were kept busy with examinations.

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IWD Banner (4)
International Women’s Day

The International Women’s Day 2015 #Make it Happen represents a celebration of the achievements of women in Pakistan towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Partnership for Resilience (P4R) Pakistan marked the Day with a lively debate to raise awareness and encourage dialogue with all sectors of society around effective action for women’s empowerment.

The debate titled “Make it happen – All overseas development funding should address gender equality and gender based violence to build resilient and safe communities in Pakistan”, brought together key players involved in disaster and development in Pakistan including the government and civil and private sectors. Ms. Annette Hearns, Deputy Head UNOCHA, Mr Qazi Azmat Isa, CEO Pakistan Pverty Alleviation Fund, Ms Abida Akram, National Forum for Women with Disabilities/STEP, Ms Khalida Salimi, OBE, Founder/Executive Director SACH, Ms Mossarrat Qadeem, Executive Director, Paiman Alumini Trust, Ms Asiya Nasir, Member National Assembly  were actively involved in making the event a success.  Ms Asiya Nasir was also the chief guest at the occasion.

Addressing the occasion, Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), Qazi Azmat Isa, focused on the empirical link between gender related outcomes and improved socio-economic indicators, emphasizing on Pakistan’s lack of progress on Human Development Index indicators as we feature amongst the lowest 10 countries on the continuum. He referred to both religious and traditional values that encourage rather than hinder such outcomes, particularly while working with rural communities. He referred to Pakistan’s position on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and commented on how working through deliberate, gender centered outcomes would greatly improve this.

The debate centered on the facts that in early recovery programmes, only 22 per cent of funds from cash contributions were directly disbursed to women in 2013 while more than 75 per cent of the 80 million people projected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2014 were women and children.

P4R support the many voices now being heard in Pakistan advocating for improvement in women and girls’ equality and one who stands out as  an example of who ‘made it happen’ is Malala Yousafzai, joint winner of the 2014 Nobel peace prize for her education campaign work.

P4R is an alliance of seven NGOs working together in Pakistan to improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalized segments of the population in times of disaster and post disaster. By working for and through local communities P4R builds the capacity of communities to be more resilient in time of disaster and enable them to recover quicker.

“2015 is a critical year for gender equality, as this year global leaders will conclude three key global processes that set the development agenda for the next 15 years: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) following Millennium Development Goals, the post 2015 Hyogo Framework 2, and the Climate Change agenda. This is a unique opportunity for us to urge our Governments to ensure gender equality is not forgotten and call for a standalone goal on gender to be set in the SDGs, with clear targets and indicators for women’s empowerment and participation. This must, I feel, go further, with gender specific commitments cutting across all SDG goals and each of the 3 global processes. This is an opportune time for the Government of Pakistan to take up the banner for gender equality and champion it on the global stage”, said Neva Khan, Country Director of VSO and Chair of the P4R Steering Committee.

Each year, since 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women across the world. International Women’s day is also known for its #Paint it purple tag where the colour purple represents justice and dignity, two values upheld by P4R and used by all organizations in solidarity as we call for greater equality.

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Community World Service Asia held the second joint standards training, ‘Enhancing Quality and Accountability throughout Project Cycle Management in humanitarian action and non-emergency,’ in Asia from January 19-23, 2015. Thirty participants representing 21 organizations from thirteen countries attended the five-day training in Bangkok, Thailand. The training was designed and facilitated by Sylvie Robert and co-facilitated by Community World Service Asia’s team member, Rizwan Iqbal, and Go Igarashi from Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan.

The main quality and accountability initiatives were introduced to participants which helped them understand the significance of linkages between various standards. With the launch of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and an increased pressure on agencies to adopt joint standards, the training provided an opportunity to identify key quality and accountability initiatives. Participants were able to select existing quality and accountability tools unique to their context and apply them throughout the project cycle, from the initial assessment phase, through the implementation, and finally the evaluation and learning phases. The training also assisted participants with opportunities to collaborate and coordinate with other agencies to improve quality and accountability in humanitarian response. This was achieved through various participatory learning and sharing methods, and a resource kit for each participant helped enable analysis of existing tools with fieldwork.

An active methodology allowed for creative learning and sharing throughout the training. Through a specific group activity, participants identified the implementation of quality and accountability initiatives by sharing examples from the field. Work in pairs formed after a brainstorming session allowed the groups to prepare short presentations on some quality and accountability initiatives and deliver those in plenary to share information with their colleagues.

Participants benefited from various types of practical exercises, such as a case study and a field school (real life exercise) to explore and understand the use of the quality and accountability tools in distinct contexts as well as the crucial need to select and adapt them.

 “The case studies were quite useful, they allowed us to concretely apply the standards and consider them during PCM stages.”

“I learned about quality and accountability – the theory and practice during the group exercise.”

“Review of the tools was exactly what I needed. It was really helpful to use them in practice.”

Presentations on key approaches such as the rights-based approach and accountability to beneficiaries, as well as on more transversal themes including disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), resilience, and the link between relief, rehabilitation and development (LRRD), enabled participants to deepen their knowledge and share experiences from the region.

As the training concluded, participants agreed that a need exists to increase knowledge on quality and accountability approaches, initiatives, and tools in preparedness to ensure its effective use at the time of a disaster. The participants highlighted the need for future training on: Core Humanitarian Standards; training of trainers (ToT) on Sphere, quality and accountability, and complaints response mechanism (CRM); and separate training on each of the quality and accountability initiatives.

Participants were encouraged to collaborate with other agencies to improve quality and accountability in humanitarian action and agreed to seek future coordination, information, ideas, and other requirements.

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Path to Resilience: Women’s Empowerment and Disaster Risk Reduction. Thatta, Sindh. 2013-2014
Path to Resilience: Women’s Empowerment and Disaster Risk Reduction. Thatta, Sindh. 2013-2014

Path to Resilience: Women’s Empowerment and Disaster Risk Reduction. Thatta, Sindh. 2013-2014

Socio-economic empowerment, adult literacy, and improved disaster resilience are helping disaster-affected communities in Thatta reduce poverty, hunger, and gender inequality.

Socio-economic empowerment, adult literacy, and improved disaster resilience are helping disaster-affected communities in Thatta reduce poverty, hunger, and gender inequality.

Socio-economic empowerment, adult literacy, and improved disaster resilience are helping disaster-affected communities in Thatta reduce poverty, hunger, and gender inequality.

2014 Achievements

2014 Achievements

2014 Achievements

60 women from four villages completed an adult literacy course from Adult Literacy Center in Jaffar Mallah Village.

60 women from four villages completed an adult literacy course from Adult Literacy Center in Jaffar Mallah Village.

60 women from four villages completed an adult literacy course from Adult Literacy Center in Jaffar Mallah Village.

With assistance from a freelance designer, 60 women received product development training at the vocational center.

With assistance from a freelance designer, 60 women received product development training at the vocational center.

With assistance from a freelance designer, 60 women received product development training at the vocational center.

These women acquired product development training in appliqué and embroidery skills and prepared a range of marketable products. .

These women acquired product development training in appliqué and embroidery skills and prepared a range of marketable products. .

These women acquired product development training in appliqué and embroidery skills and prepared a range of marketable products. .

During exposure visits to Karachi, production supervisors and sales market agents held meeting with potential buyers for income generation.

During exposure visits to Karachi, production supervisors and sales market agents held meeting with potential buyers for income generation.

During exposure visits to Karachi, production supervisors and sales market agents held meeting with potential buyers for income generation.

Several orders for laces, buttons, bags, bed sheets, appliqué work and other products were completed and generated an income of more than Rs 60,000 (USD 600).

Several orders for laces, buttons, bags, bed sheets, appliqué work and other products were completed and generated an income of more than Rs 60,000 (USD 600).

Several orders for laces, buttons, bags, bed sheets, appliqué work and other products were completed and generated an income of more than Rs 60,000 (USD 600).

Several orders for laces, buttons, bags, bed sheets, appliqué work and other products were completed and generated an income of more than Rs 60,000 (USD 600).

Several orders for laces, buttons, bags, bed sheets, appliqué work and other products were completed and generated an income of more than Rs 60,000 (USD 600).

Several orders for laces, buttons, bags, bed sheets, appliqué work and other products were completed and generated an income of more than Rs 60,000 (USD 600).

An opportunity was provided by Community World Service Asia for women to participate in a festival and set up a stall of their products.

An opportunity was provided by Community World Service Asia for women to participate in a festival and set up a stall of their products.

An opportunity was provided by Community World Service Asia for women to participate in a festival and set up a stall of their products.

19 women and 6 men were trained to conduct sexual and reproductive health (SRH) sessions for the community with co-facilitation from project staff.

19 women and 6 men were trained to conduct sexual and reproductive health (SRH) sessions for the community with co-facilitation from project staff.

19 women and 6 men were trained to conduct sexual and reproductive health (SRH) sessions for the community with co-facilitation from project staff.

3,828 community members (995 men and 2,833 women) participated in 97 SRH sessions.

3,828 community members (995 men and 2,833 women) participated in 97 SRH sessions.

3,828 community members (995 men and 2,833 women) participated in 97 SRH sessions.

252 women, 248 men, and 358 school children participated in disaster risk reduction training.

252 women, 248 men, and 358 school children participated in disaster risk reduction training.

252 women, 248 men, and 358 school children participated in disaster risk reduction training.

With assistance from Community World Service Asia project staff, Samani Mallah, President of VO Jaffer Mallah organized an evacuation drill for women and children as preparedness measures for predicted floods in 2014.

With assistance from Community World Service Asia project staff, Samani Mallah, President of VO Jaffer Mallah organized an evacuation drill for women and children as preparedness measures for predicted floods in 2014.

With assistance from Community World Service Asia project staff, Samani Mallah, President of VO Jaffer Mallah organized an evacuation drill for women and children as preparedness measures for predicted floods in 2014.

Additionally Mother and Neonatal Child Health (MNCH) week was organized inBijora in close coordination with Thatta’s health department.

Additionally Mother and Neonatal Child Health (MNCH) week was organized inBijora in close coordination with Thatta’s health department.

Additionally Mother and Neonatal Child Health (MNCH) week was organized inBijora in close coordination with Thatta’s health department.

MNCH activities included a free mobile health camp day, a day training for traditional birth attendants (TBAs), and tetanus toxide (TT) vaccination campaign for women. A rally was also organized to create health awareness in the community.

MNCH activities included a free mobile health camp day, a day training for traditional birth attendants (TBAs), and tetanus toxide (TT) vaccination campaign for women. A rally was also organized to create health awareness in the community.

MNCH activities included a free mobile health camp day, a day training for traditional birth attendants (TBAs), and tetanus toxide (TT) vaccination campaign for women. A rally was also organized to create health awareness in the community.

All project components are integrated to enhance the capacity of vulnerable communities toward sustainable development.
All project components are integrated to enhance the capacity of vulnerable communities toward sustainable development.
All project components are integrated to enhance the capacity of vulnerable communities toward sustainable development.
Community organizations (CO) and village organizations (VO) were mobilized and trained so that they could successfully lead their communities on a sustainable journey toward resilience.
Community organizations (CO) and village organizations (VO) were mobilized and trained so that they could successfully lead their communities on a sustainable journey toward resilience.
Community organizations (CO) and village organizations (VO) were mobilized and trained so that they could successfully lead their communities on a sustainable journey toward resilience.

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Developing a strong network, where each organization can learn and apply the Sphere standards to improve their humanitarian accountability is one of Mr. Kep Kannaro’s goals. Kannaro, the new Sphere Focal Point for Cambodia, is also the Cambodian Humanitarian Forum’s (CHF)[1] Chairperson and Executive Director of Partnership for Development in Kampuchea (PADEK).

In 2011, Kannaro participated in CWS-P/A Sphere training for the first time. Shortly afterward, Cambodia experienced massive floods. He immediately initiated an emergency response proposal, integrating the Sphere standards. “It was very difficult to put into practice,” admitted Kannaro. “We’ve been blamed for not responding as quickly as we should because of time taken by the assessments. However, the results were positive and the donors were really satisfied.”

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Convinced about the potential of the Sphere standards and the importance to enhance quality and accountability of humanitarian response in Cambodia, Kannaro wanted to enhance the expertise of the Cambodian civil society organizations.

In 2012, with the support of USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), Kannaro created the Cambodian Humanitarian Forum, a network of national organizations dedicated to strengthening emergency response capacities of national organizations. Since its creation, CHF has organized several capacity building initiatives, including Sphere standards trainings, and established an information and resource-sharing center.

CWS-P/A approached CHF this year based on a consultative process with some Cambodian organizations about the possibility of having a Sphere Country Focal Point in Cambodia. CHF accepted this role. As Chairperson of CHF, Kannaro took it as an opportunity to learn from his peers in the region and to transfer the acquired knowledge to his Cambodian counterparts.

“Awareness has increased and standards are more integrated in their emergency response after the training given by the forum.”

Today, Kannaro is proud of the progress made by Cambodian non-profits who benefited from the trainings. “Awareness has increased and standards are more integrated into their emergency response after the training given by the forum [CHF].” He also emphasized the challenges ahead. Despite the progress, he admitted, “Not many organizations are aware about the Sphere standards, and we also need to work closely with the government to mainstream those standards into the humanitarian response.”

Kannaro is enthusiastic about how the Sphere standards positively impact humanitarian response. His goal is to advocate for a proper disaster response law that would integrate the minimum standards. “If we can integrate standards in the law, more NGOs will apply them.” With a smile and positive outlook, Kannaro concluded, “It will be difficult, but we can make it.”

Kannaro and CHF exemplify of how capacity building and an effective networking platform can strengthen the promotion and application of the Sphere standards in humanitarian programs. They also demonstrate the importance of having Sphere champions, the ones who can inspire, empower, and engage more organizations for improving humanitarian effectiveness and enhancing the quality of aid delivery to the communities.

In October 2014, Kannaro was among ten Sphere country focal points who participated in the Sphere Focal Point Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. The event encouraged candid discussion, peer learning, and joint advocacy while enabling a sense of community among Sphere practitioners across Asia. Speaking at the event about his role as the Sphere Country Focal Point, Kannaro shared, “My vision for the future is promoting awareness and the ability to apply Sphere among the network [CHF] members; secondly, to work with government line departments and ministries to integrate Sphere standards into disaster management law; and thirdly, to work together to apply and build awareness among community members so they know about the assistance they are receiving.”

[1] CHF is a network of national NGOs and civil society organizations working in Cambodia which aims to improve humanitarian actions for saving lives in communities during emergency through capacity building and training, accountability, coordination and cooperation, and quality humanitarian standard. http://www.chfcambodia.net/

As the Sphere regional partner in Asia, Community World Service Asia supports the promotion and implementation of the Sphere standards training, Q&A deployments, technical support, and events such as this forum. In collaboration with The Sphere Project, we organized the Sphere Focal Point Forum, twice, in 2011 and in 2014. This year’s Forum was jointly financed by The Sphere Project, Diakonie-Sweden, Act for Peace and Community World Service Asia.

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Before Raheema participated in adult literacy and vocational training, she faced difficulty in meeting her family’s needs. She lives with her four children and husband who earns a meager daily wage in Karo Mallah Village, Thatta. Raheema always wanted her children to be educated; she enrolled two of her children (one girl and one boy) in school, but due to financial constraints she was unable to continue her daughter’s education. While describing her concerns, she said, “If my children are not well, I am unable to take them to a hospital since I don’t have money.”

Due to poverty and social barriers, Raheema did not receive an education; however, her passion to learn motivated her to join the adult literacy center and vocational training center established by Community World Service Asia. Learning to read and write, she began passing on these basic skills to her children.

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Because of her fine skills in appliqué work; she was selected as a master trainer which gave her an opportunity to teach the same skill to other women. An exposure visit to markets in Karachi enabled Raheema to understand the market trends, designs, color scheming, and how she can utilize her skills for a variety of products. “With assistance from Community World Service Asia, I received two orders from the buyers in Karachi, for myself and also for other trainees in my village,” she shared.

“I managed to purchase stationery, uniforms, and paid other expenses with my income in order to reenroll my children in school.”

Raheema generates income by making embroidered suits, pillow covers, bed sheets, and other products. She is now hopeful to manage the educational expenses of her children. “I am thankful to Community World Service Asia for giving me the skills, exposure, and a way to earn a living. I have good appliqué work skill; initially the products I used to make were only catering to the market in my village and surrounding areas. The exposure visits enabled me to enhance my marketing knowledge and now by utilizing the same skill I can make a variety of colorful products with beautiful designs.”

Community World Service Asia with financial support from Christian Aid (CA) is successfully implementing the project, Alleviating Poverty through Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Development with a Disaster Resilient Approach in Union Council (UC) Bijora, Thatta, Pakistan – Phase II. The project aims to reduce poverty and gender inequality among highly marginalized women and men through socio-economic empowerment and improved disaster resilience in disaster prone area of Thatta.

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As a child, Kazbano, dreamed of obtaining an education, but cultural constraints and poor economic conditions prevented her from achieving her goal. At the age of 40, she is a mother of five children residing in Doso Himaiti Village, Thatta. “My parents were not educated; therefore, I was unable to convince them to send me to the nearest school in my village. I also got married at an early age,” she shared with grief.

A literate woman can support her father and husband with income generation. She can also contribute well in the upbringing of her children and make them a noble citizen.

Kazbano highlighted that illiteracy in her community prevents understanding on the importance of education. The mobility of women and girls is also limited, reducing their opportunity to acquire skills or education outside of their homes.

Her hope was restored when Community World Service Asia engaged the community through mobilization meetings and the formation of a community organization. Impressed by the confidence of female social mobilizers, she found the interest to learn revive in her. She requested her husband to agree to her participation in the adult literacy center. “Initially he resisted because he was concerned about our children, but later he allowed me to join the center with hope that if I am educated, I can also support my children for their education.”

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The phonetic method adopted by the trainers at the center made learning much easier. “I am now able to read and write small paragraphs, read Sindhi newspapers, small sentences from books, sign boards, doctors’ names in hospitals, etc. I can also read medicine names as well as the expiry date. Now, I can support my children to acquire quality education. I am very thankful to Community World Service Asia for their development efforts for rural women like me.”

Community World Service Asia with financial support from Christian Aid (CA) is successfully implementing the project, Alleviating Poverty through Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Development with a Disaster Resilient Approach in Union Council (UC) Bijora, Thatta, Pakistan – Phase II. The project aims to reduce poverty and gender inequality among highly marginalized women and men through socio-economic empowerment and improved disaster resilience in disaster prone area of Thatta.

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Supporting Healthy Living in Shangla
As a consequence of multiple disasters since 2005, Shangla’s health facilities were severely damaged. In 2011, Community World Service Asia initiated preventive and curative health care services in the remote district through two health facilities.
As a consequence of multiple disasters since 2005, Shangla’s health facilities were severely damaged. In 2011, Community World Service Asia initiated preventive and curative health care services in the remote district through two health facilities.
As a consequence of multiple disasters since 2005, Shangla’s health facilities were severely damaged. In 2011, Community World Service Asia initiated preventive and curative health care services in the remote district through two health facilities.
The provision of health education and professionally staffed out-patient departments, fully equipped with Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) and Health Information System (HIS), significantly improved access and the quality of health care.
The provision of health education and professionally staffed out-patient departments, fully equipped with Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) and Health Information System (HIS), significantly improved access and the quality of health care.
The provision of health education and professionally staffed out-patient departments, fully equipped with Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) and Health Information System (HIS), significantly improved access and the quality of health care.
The primary focus is to improve mother and child health in Shangla.
The primary focus is to improve mother and child health in Shangla.
The primary focus is to improve mother and child health in Shangla.
Improved mother and child health care has significantly reduced the maternal and infant mortality rates.
Improved mother and child health care has significantly reduced the maternal and infant mortality rates.
Improved mother and child health care has significantly reduced the maternal and infant mortality rates.
56,041 community members benefited from curative and preventive health during 2014.
56,041 community members benefited from curative and preventive health during 2014.
56,041 community members benefited from curative and preventive health during 2014.
More than 10,000 women and children were assessed for nutritional status.
More than 10,000 women and children were assessed for nutritional status.
More than 10,000 women and children were assessed for nutritional status.
12,936 women received reproductive health care.
12,936 women received reproductive health care.
12,936 women received reproductive health care.
40 birth attendants were trained, who further conducted 551 safe deliveries.
40 birth attendants were trained, who further conducted 551 safe deliveries.
40 birth attendants were trained, who further conducted 551 safe deliveries.
A delivery room functions in Alpuri, making safe delivery possible 24 hours a day.
A delivery room functions in Alpuri, making safe delivery possible 24 hours a day.
A delivery room functions in Alpuri, making safe delivery possible 24 hours a day.
39,973 individuals participated in health education sessions, including staff from the Government Health Department to establish linkages with the local community.
39,973 individuals participated in health education sessions, including staff from the Government Health Department to establish linkages with the local community.
39,973 individuals participated in health education sessions, including staff from the Government Health Department to establish linkages with the local community.
The assessment of malnourished women and children assisted in screening and referring cases.
The assessment of malnourished women and children assisted in screening and referring cases.
The assessment of malnourished women and children assisted in screening and referring cases.
An impact that lasts.
An impact that lasts.
An impact that lasts.
Regular community mobilization meetings are held with religious leaders and elders to emphasize the importance of training local women to conduct safe deliveries. 425 safe delivery kits and hygiene kits have been distributed among pregnant women.
Regular community mobilization meetings are held with religious leaders and elders to emphasize the importance of training local women to conduct safe deliveries. 425 safe delivery kits and hygiene kits have been distributed among pregnant women.
Regular community mobilization meetings are held with religious leaders and elders to emphasize the importance of training local women to conduct safe deliveries. 425 safe delivery kits and hygiene kits have been distributed among pregnant women.
Community World Service Asia also supports the government’s monthly anti-polio campaigns to eradicate this disease from the district. The provision of staff and transport to reach far flung areas is appreciated by the District Administration.
Community World Service Asia also supports the government’s monthly anti-polio campaigns to eradicate this disease from the district. The provision of staff and transport to reach far flung areas is appreciated by the District Administration.
Community World Service Asia also supports the government’s monthly anti-polio campaigns to eradicate this disease from the district. The provision of staff and transport to reach far flung areas is appreciated by the District Administration.
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