In the heart of Lahore’s historic Heera Mandi—a neighbourhood once celebrated for its rich tradition of art and culture—lies a beacon of hope. Amid its narrow lanes filled with the harsh realities of the red-light district, an extraordinary educational initiative exists. Run by the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), the small, informal school in Heera […]
Day: December 15, 2024
Meet Angelique Angarni-Filopon, the air hostess who made history by winning Miss France title
Angelique Angarni-Filopon, a 34-year-old air hostess from France’s Caribbean island of Martinique, has etched her name in history by winning the Miss France competition. She became the oldest candidate to ever win the title. This achievement became possible after changes were made to the Miss France rules, allowing women over 24, married women, and mothers […]
Gender-based violence in Pakistan: Legal reforms and the path towards justice
Ayesha, 32, a mother of three, wakes up to the same pattern every morning in the sleepy streets of a small Punjabi village: the sound of her kids laughing, the aroma of morning chai, and the eerie anticipation of the day ahead. The secret that Ayesha has been carrying about for years is all too […]
Rural women and exploitation as cheap labor: A story of struggles and strength in Faisalabad
In many villages, particularly in developing nations, the image of women working in fields or industries is commonplace. These women, many of whom come from disadvantaged areas, confront structural challenges such as a lack of education, healthcare, and economic prospects. This lack of access frequently forces people into low-wage, precarious, and physically demanding professions. What […]
Education: A key to breaking gender stereotypes
In a classroom in rural Pakistan, a young girl raises her hand to answer a math question. She dreams of becoming a scientist, but society has other plans for her. “Girls belong in the kitchen,” she’s often told. Stories like hers are all too common, not just in Pakistan but worldwide. Gender norms—society’s unspoken rules […]