Posts Tagged ‘Pakistan’

The Working Women of Pakistan

Monday, December 27th, 2010

In Pakistan, women are beginning to leave the confines of their homes to enter the labor force for the first time. You can meet some of them and hear their stories by clicking play.

Unfortunately, it’s not all progress and economic prosperity – Pakistan has an entrenched culture of male dominance that says women shouldn’t be seen OR heard. Women who work in public are routinely harassed and even beaten up by their male family members and strangers.

But how awesome would it be if Pakistan opened up its economy to the other half of the population? Talk about doubling your productivity and improving millions of lives.

How can you help? Try donating to organizations that promote education for girls, or get involved in microfinance projects that focus on giving female entrepreneurs a chance.

Pakistan Still Suffering From Flood

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Despite international aid, the flood in Pakistan continues to take an enormous toll on the country.

  • Though the flood began to recede in parts of Pakistan the waters were still rising in the southern Sindh Province.
  • The United Nations announced that the situation in Pakistan remains very serious and that growing numbers of people need shelter, food and drinking water.
  • American officials worry that the floods will strengthen the position of Islamic extremists.
  • A recent conference in Islamabad discussed that the current relief operations were not sufficient to cope with the millions of people in need of immediate care.

Facts & Figures

  • The World Health Organization said 200 cases of skin infections had been reported across Pakistan, as well as more than 200 cases of diarrhea and more than 300 cases of respiratory diseases.
  • The United Nations raised the number people left homeless by the floods to 4.6 million.
  • Senator John Kerry said the United States would increase its flood aid to $150 million.

Best Quote

“People are using boats and tubes to supply food to their families. Our children are in very miserable conditions and we have to take every risk for them.” – Hafiz Basher, flood victim.

Floods Bring Displacement And Disease To Pakistan

Friday, August 6th, 2010

In a country thats infrastructure is already unstable, a disastrous flood seems like the last straw.

  • The worst floods in the history of Pakistan have devastated the country, killing thousands and leaving millions homeless.
  • Many fear that the lack of clean drinking water and the close quarters of survivors is the perfect breeding ground for lethal diseases such as cholera.
  • The flood came at a time when the Pakistani government was already struggling under a weak economy and a brutal war against Taliban militants.

Facts & Figures

  • The flood has forced 2 million people from their homes.
  • The death toll from the flood has ranged from 870 to 1,200.

Best Quote:

”We are reaching people at their doorsteps and in the streets, especially women and children who are stuck in their homes.” – Saqib, Activist, Falah-e-Insaniat charity