Awam Pakistan

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR AWARENESS AND MOTIVATION

Democratic Education for Women – Awam Pakistan

Democratic Education for Women (DEW)

The Democratic Education for Women (DEW) project, implemented by the Association of Women for Awareness & Motivation (AWAM),

was a comprehensive initiative designed to foster democratic values and principles while simultaneously cultivating human rights activism within grassroots communities, with a particular focus on enhancing women’s engagement in the political process. The project recognized the political marginalization of people in the project area, especially women, characterized by a lack of awareness, low rates of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) possession, voter registration, and participation in the population census.    

 

The DEW project’s primary objective was to address these challenges through a multifaceted campaign of political education. The project employed a range of activities, including Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops, community workshops, seminars, community meetings, dialogues, consultations, a political convention, and the publication of posters and a booklet on democracy and human rights. These activities were strategically designed not only to raise awareness but also to empower individuals to register as voters, obtain CNICs (with a focus on rural women), and actively participate in the political discourse.

A significant aspect of the DEW project was its commitment to legislative advocacy. By engaging with legislators from various political parties, the project aimed to foster dialogue on women-related issues within the parliament and to advocate for the review and reform of discriminatory laws that impede women’s rights and their ability to participate as equal citizens. The project sought to create a deeper understanding of democracy among the populace and to instill the motivation to engage in practical politics as a means of asserting their rights.   

 
 

Ultimately, the DEW project was envisioned as a catalyst for mainstreaming women’s participation and cultivating a robust cadre of social, human rights, and peace activists who would play a pivotal role in the ongoing democratization of both the state and civil society. AWAM firmly believes that rights can only be realized through awareness, collective action, and a strong stance against injustice and discrimination. The project’s success would be measured not only by increased political participation but also by the long-term empowerment of women and marginalized communities to shape a more equitable and democratic society.