Introduction

The Awareness of Women and her Advocacy with Zeal (AWAZ) project was a transformative initiative undertaken by Peace by Youth (PY), generously funded by the USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program. This pioneering project, spanning from November 15, 2014, to October 31, 2015, aimed at bolstering the legal rights and social standing of women in the Jacobabad district of Sindh, Pakistan.

Project Rationale and Background: Jacobabad, characterized by its low Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.523 compared to the provincial average of 0.628, epitomizes the challenges faced by women in lesser-developed districts. Women here suffer from a lack of awareness about their legal rights, coupled with limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, leading to a life marred by social injustice and inequality.

Objective and Duration: The primary objective of the AWAZ project was to recognize and secure women’s rights by establishing Legal Information Centers (LICs) in the Civil & Session Courts of Jacobabad. These centers aimed to provide free legal advice and guidance, fostering a knowledgeable environment where women could learn about and assert their rights. The project’s lifespan was set for 11 months and 15 days, providing a concentrated timeframe to make a substantial impact.

Key Achievements:

1. Establishment of Legal Information Centers: Two LICs were successfully established within the court premises, staffed by qualified female lawyers offering free legal services to women. This initiative directly addressed the gap in legal support available to women, facilitating over 247 beneficiaries in understanding and navigating the legal system for their issues.
2. Public Awareness and Radio Campaign: The project included a robust awareness and publicity campaign, featuring radio talk shows and public service messages broadcasted on HOT FM 98 Jacobabad. These programs covered essential topics such as domestic violence, legal rights, and family laws, reaching an estimated 30,000 listeners and significantly raising public consciousness regarding women’s rights.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: The AWAZ project fostered a collaborative environment by engaging various stakeholders, including the District Bar Association, civil society, and religious leaders, thereby creating a multi-dimensional support system for women.

Financial Overview: The project was allocated a total budget of 4,581,000 PKR, with 2,984,960 PKR reimbursed by the funding bodies. Despite financial challenges, the project achieved significant outcomes within its budget constraints, underscoring PY’s commitment to efficient and impactful use of resources.

Beneficiaries and Impact: The project directly benefited 247 women through the LICs, empowering them with knowledge and legal aid. The broader impact of the initiative was felt across the community, changing societal attitudes and fostering a more inclusive environment for women’s rights.

Success Stories: The project highlighted individual success stories such as Mai Allah Wasai and Reshma, women who utilized the services of LICs to resolve their legal issues, transforming their lives from despair to hope and dignity.

Conclusion and Future Outlook: The AWAZ project represents a significant step forward in the fight for women’s rights in Jacobabad. By providing legal support and fostering awareness, PY has laid the groundwork for ongoing advocacy and empowerment. While the project duration has ended, the foundation laid by AWAZ continues to inspire and facilitate further initiatives aimed at creating a just, equitable, and inclusive society for all women in the region.