Social Issues – Page 31 – Pakistan Gender News

November 25, 2019November 26, 2019

Baking cakes: a Karachi girl’s success story

LONDON: When Faryal Khan left Karachi with her husband for Muscat at the age of 21, she didn’t know anything about baking and had no interest of any kind in cooking and never entered the kitchen till her marriage at 19 years old.

It was at her son’s first birthday when she felt dejected because she couldn’t get a decent cake. Faryal then decided to try making her own cakes so that she could celebrate her son’s next birthday in style. What started as a hobby turned out to be a successful profession for her. Living in London since 2011 with her banker husband and their only son, Faryal recalls the event that changed her life. “We were new in Muscat and didn’t know any cake shops and ended up cutting a frozen sheet cake from a local super market. That day I promised to myself that I will learn baking and will make my son’s second birthday cake,” she said.

She spoke to Geo News at her home in Goodmayes, East London, from where she runs her business: “I started searching for recipes online and watching baking videos. I had so many failures in the beginning but then I started learning the science behind baking. So by the time of his second birthday I was ready to bake a cake for him. It was a very basic cake though but I was so proud.”

After reaching London, Faryal started playing with fondant (hard icing). At her son’s fifth birthday, she made a pirate cake. “One of the parents in the party came to me asking where I got the cake from and I told them I made it. They said why don’t you start making cakes as a business and that they would be happy to pay me for these quality cakes. That was the point where I thought of turning my hobby into a business.” She did some research on the internet about starting a food business from home and checked the legal requirements. She did a course on food and hygiene level 2. “My kitchen was inspected by an environmental health officer and I registered my business with the council, got the public liability insurance, etc. I started posting the advertisement in local Facebook groups and that’s literally how I started my cake business in 2012.”

Initially, she used to get orders for cakes once a week or so but now she makes an average five to six cakes on a weekly basis. “I have made my customer base and people place orders through my Facebook page and Instagram ‘scrumptious cakes by fairy’. My customers mostly approach me for a bespoke custom cake which not only looks great but tastes amazing too.” Faryal Khan took part in the Cake International London in April 2017. “This is one of the biggest cake competitions which happens twice a year in UK where cake artists from all around the world take part. In all honesty when I set up my piece which was in wedding cake category, I looked around the other pieces and said to myself that there was no way I would win anything. The bar was too high. The judgment was set for next day. The next day one of the contestants messaged me telling me that my piece won the Bronze award. I had tears in my eyes and was over the moon. I then entered again in the same category this year in April and won Bronze again. This piece was an all hand piped henna design which took me 16 hours to pipe the design freehand then an additional eight hours to paint over gold.”

In future, Faryal plans to open a cake boutique in London to expand her business. “In my family people are still in awe of my work as I never got a job before I was married. That feeling when people appreciate and praise your hard work is incredible. My message to all those people who don’t want to leave the house to work outside, we all have some unique set of skills which we all need to explore and put them to good use. Time is treasure and use it wisely in some productive work which will benefit you, your country and the community in a good way. Find your super power!! Trust me we all have one,” she said.

The News International

November 25, 2019November 26, 2019

Pre-empting violence against women on govt agenda: Buzdar

LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that making effective laws to pre-empt violence against women is part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government agenda.

In his message on the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, he said that violence against women was not only an inhuman act but also a legal offence.

Injustice done to any women on the basis of gender is tantamount to cruelty, he said, adding that by empowering women and granting them equal rights could help eradicate such a social vice, the CM added.

Religion Islam has granted women all rights, he added. The chief minister said that for providing prompt justice and redressing grievances of women, a state-of-the-art centre had been working in Multan and facilities of police, prosecution, medical and forensic were available under one roof at the centre.

The scope of such centres would be expanded to the whole province, he said. Usman Buzdar said the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women provided an opportunity for creating awareness among people about providing all opportunities to women to lead a respectable and violence-free life.

The News International

October 31, 2019November 1, 2019

Women education vital to progress: Shahid Afridi

SIALKOT: Former cricket team captain Shahid Khan Afridi Wednesday said women education was vital to social and economic progress of a country. Addressing the local business community at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) during a fund raising ceremony for Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF), Afridi said women’s role is very important in every sector of national development. He said it is very alarming that some 25 million children in the country are out of schools. He said it is the basic responsibility of the government and every citizen to play their role in educating all children, particularly girls in the country.

The News International

August 6, 2019

‘I am all in favour of education for women’ –– Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan needs no introduction. He is famous for his qawwalis and songs and has sung more than 50 title tracks of television serials and over 100 film songs in both Hollywood and Bollywood. Khan has performed in numerous high-profile concerts across the world and amassed a global following, achieving over one billion views online. His vocals were featured in Mel Gibson’s movie soundtrack of the 2011 movie, ‘Apocalypto’.

Recently, Khan has been conferred with an honorary degree in music by the University of Oxford. In 2017, Oxford had also named a rehearsal hall after him – the Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Music Room. That was the first time that a South Asian artiste received such an honour.

In a one-on-one interview with You! magazine Khan talks about his music journey, passion for singing and shares his views on women’s emancipation. Read on…

You! How long you have been singing?

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: I started singing at the age of three under the tutelage of my father Ustad Farrukh Fateh Ali Khan. However, my formal training began at the age of seven by my uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. My first stage performance was for my grandfather on his death anniversary in 1979 when I was only nine years old. I used to go with Khan Shahib in concerts and gahzals/qawalis nights. I performed my first solo ghazal ‘Mukh Tera Sohneya Sharab Nalon Changa Ae’ in a concert at Birmingham in 1985.

You! Did you want to join some other profession or you always wanted to become a singer?

RFAK: I was born into a family of qawwals whose name has become synonymous with South Asian musical tradition, so becoming a singer was a natural progression. Joining some other profession was out of question.

You! Who is your music icon?

RFAK: My mentor Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

You! What kind of relationship you enjoyed with your uncle (late) Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan?

RFAK: I enjoyed a unique relationship with my uncle Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Since he had no son, he treated me like his own and trained me with much affection. When he passed away in 1997, I was made his successor. Since then I have been carrying out my 600-year-old family legacy by performing across the globe.

You! Your claim to fame songs:

RFAK: ‘Lagi Tum Say Maan ki Lagan’ & ‘O Re Piya’. My 2014 track ‘Zaroori Tha’ from my album ‘Back 2 Love’ is also one of my hit songs.

You! When did you start singing for Indian movies?

RFAK: Since I recorded my first song for Indian movies – ‘Lagi Tum Say Maaan ki Lagan’ (2003). This song was from my (unreleased) album ‘Lagan’.

You! How did you feel when you received an honorary music degree from Oxford?

RFAK: It’s an honour for me and for my whole family who has been in this profession since 600 years. I was among eight other individuals who received their honorary degrees at the ceremony. When my name was announced for my degree, they called me Mr. Fateh Ali Khan, my grandfather’s name. It was a proud moment for me.

You! Can you name some of your popular music albums?

RFAK: ‘Charkha’ (2007); ‘Bina Mahi’ (2012); ‘Back 2 Love (2014) and ‘Darbar-e-Sufi’ (2016).

You! How much time does it take you to produce one music album?

RFAK: I cannot tell you exactly. Since it is creative work, it may take few months or sometimes more than a year to produce one album which is normally a compilation of 10 tracks.

You! How do you define Sufi/Qawwali music?

RFAK: Qawwali music is not only music, it is a message. It was created by Sufis, and when we compose and practice this music, it stays forever. Sufi music has no boundaries and is limitless. Sufiana kalaam can be performed with ragas and thumris and in many other styles.

You! What is your most memorable concert?

RFAK: When I was invited to concert at Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in 2014 where I performed Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s most memorable qawwali ‘Tumhe Dillagi’ and ‘Mast Qalandar’ there.

You! What are your views on women’s education and their freedom to work?

RFAK: I think all women should be educated. I am all in favour of education for women. As far as work is concerned, I think it’s up to one’s family’s tradition/ norms. Sometimes they have freedom of work and sometimes are not allowed by their respective family. And I think women should get liberty within limits.

You! Do you think celebrities can play a meaningful role in changing the mindset of the society?

RFAK: Yes, they can. But first we need to stop being judgmental. If we stop judging others then society can be transformed automatically.

You! How do you take criticism?

RFAK: I just ignore. (laughs).

You! There are so many folk singers out there who despite being talented, live in poverty, do you have any plans to do something for them since you enjoy a celebrity status in the society?

RFAK: It’s so sad that our Government is not paying attention to our folk singers. It’s a sheer negligence on the government’s part. It is high time music companies also start investing in deserving artists. I am also thinking of forming a music academy for the benefit of artists.

You! In how many countries have you performed?

RFAK: Besides Pakistan, I have performed in a number of countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Dubai etc.

You! Which country and its audience did you like the most?

RFAK: England. (smiles)

You! What do you like most about Pakistani women?

RFAK: Their modesty – the way they carry themselves with grace.

You! You have an enchanting voice, what do you do to keep your voice in tact?

RFAK: As they say practice makes a man perfect, so I practice a lot. I do ‘riaz’ regularly in order to keep my voice in perfect form.

You! Do you take care of your diet?

RFAK: Not as such. I don’t make much effort. I also drink cold water and I eat pickle and rice. It’s all God’s blessings that I am bestowed with a good voice naturally.

You! How do you keep balance between your family life and professional life?

RFAK: I am so preoccupied with my tours, recordings and concerts that I hardly get time for my family. I feel guilty about it. The credit goes to my family who understands and cooperates with me and accommodates according to my schedule/engagements.

You! How do you relax?

RFAK: Sleep is a luxury for me and my only way of relaxation.

You! Any message you want to give to your readers?

RFAK: Be good to others.

You! What advice would you like to give to aspiring singers?

RFAK: Only one thing – hard work, be it practice, concerts, playback. Only hard work can take you places.

You! What’s the secret of your success?

RFAK: Prayers of my mother and my Ustaad.

You! How do you deal with your female fans?

RFAK: I treat them with respect.

You! Your future plans:

RFAK: Will continue with my passion – Qawwali, qawwali and qawwali. I make money as a play back singer but qawwali is my first love. I am also working on my new qawwali album that will be released soon.

You! Your ultimate desire:

RFAK: Proliferation of qawwali all over the world.

The News

August 4, 2019August 5, 2019

Of weak-willed enforcement

It has been a few years since the enactment of provincial laws on domestic violence against women but experts believe their implementation continues to remain a serious challenge amid weak political and administrative will.

Domestic violence against women remained legally unnoticed in the country, and it was only after 2010 that the provincial governments started seriously working on it. The Punjab government passed The Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act in 2016, while Balochistan made this law in 2014, and Sindh introduced a similar legislation in 2013. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, The Domestic Violence against Women (Prevention and Protection) bill 2019 has been approved by the provincial cabinet, and is likely to be presented before the provincial assembly in the coming days.

These provinces have been aiming to have separate legal statutes to address this issue for many years. The laws in Sindh and Balochistan are similar giving a detailed definition of ‘domestic violence’ as emotional, psychological and verbal abuse; harassment; physical abuse; sexual abuse; economic abuse; wrongful confinement; criminal force; criminal intimidation; and assault. The laws in these provinces also include provisions about the protection committees and the appointment of officers to these committees. The Punjab law has a special implementation mechanism, which includes Violence against Women Centres (VAWs) in districts, and GPS tracking of offenders to protect the victims.

“We are gradually working to make an effective response mechanism to implement the law of domestic violence against women,” Nuzhat Shirin, chairperson of the Sindh Commission on Status of Women (SCSW) tells The News on Sunday. She says the implementation authority for the law is the Women Development Department of the government. “Government centres made under the law are still not up to the mark. There are efforts underway to strengthen safe houses/crisis centres for women.” Since 2017, when the SCSW was formed, Shirin says the law has been reviewed. She laments that the absence of a proper mechanism to collect credible data, apart from relying on press clippings. The SCSW is publishing its first report on the issue by next March. Over the past few months, she says the commission has received nearly 50 cases of domestic violence.

For implementation, Shirin says many cases are referred to the police, and efforts are also being made to encourage and train the staff to deal with these. She says efforts are required to ensure gender policing, raising awareness of laws and for setting up rules under the provincial domestic violence law.

Domestic violence against women remained legally unnoticed in the country, and it was only after 2010 that the provincial governments started seriously working on it.

Fauzia Viqar, former head of the Punjab Commission on Status of Women (PCSW), also believes that the laws on domestic violence lack enforcement in all provinces. “As far as I can recall, there is no conviction in the Punjab in cases of domestic violence registered under the new law,” she says. “There is only one women’s centre in Multan so far, while the requirement is to set up such centres in every district of the province.” There are also issues of awareness and lack of funds for infrastructural development, and all of this needs political will,” says Viqar. She says other provinces are far behind in term of implementation of these laws.

According to the Punjab Police and the PCSW, the number of cases of violence against women is on the rise in the Punjab. The number of such reported cases was 6,505 in 2015, which rose to 7,313 in 2016 and 7,678 in 2017. In 2018, there were 8,712 such cases. And this number is higher in urban areas like Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Okara.

The Punjab Commission on Status of Women helpline received 8,489 inquiries related to domestic violence in the past four years. It also lodged 486 complaints of which 215 were successfully dealt with and 249 are under process, according to the former chairperson of PCSW, Viqar. Other provinces lack data which adds to the challenges posed to implementation of these laws.

Human rights defender IA Rehman believes the implementation of these laws will remain a challenge given how violence has been normalised in the society. “Unluckily, our society does not support such laws where it is considered common to beat wives, sisters, daughters and even children,” he says. Rehman says until and unless the social fabric is changed, putting an end to such crimes will remain a challenge. “Political will is another issue altogether, we will have to wait for years to ensure proper implementations of such laws.”

Rehman says that without serious legislation such issues will remain. Pakistan, he says, is a male-dominated society and most of the time such laws are framed by people who observe such practices around them with a degree of immunity and indifference. “They make such laws, but their heart is not in it,” he says. Our cultural practices and perceptions, says Rehman, remain dominant which are also reflected in government officials, including the police, judiciary and executive. “We need a lot of sensitisation before enacting these laws and debating about their implementation. Otherwise this will remain a dream,” he says.

The News

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