Pakistani Origin Danish Social Workers in Pakistan for Women Empowerment

Tazeen Akhtar 

Danish female social workers of Pakistani origin have launched women empowerment projects in Pakistan to contribute in the uplifting of their homeland and its women. Saba Naureen, Chairperson Helping Humanity Denmark and Vice Chairperson Nayla Waseem are in Pakistan to support acid victims of Smile Again Foundation. They have set education, vocational training and capacity building as key areas for their work to strengthen the women of underprivileged areas.

Pakistan House, Islamabad based think tank has joined hands with the social workers to accomplish these projects. The social workers briefed the media persons in this regard in a meeting in which different aspects of their work in Denmark and Pakistan came under discussion. Renowned social worker, entrepreneur, President PTI women wing district Khushab, Amna Malik was also present at this occasion.

Saba Naureen said that Helping Humanity is a registered organization in Denmark that raises funds to support a number of welfare projects in Pakistan. They include Prime Minister’s education project at  Namal Mianwali, Akhuwwat of Dr Saqib, Sahara Trust of Ibrar ul Haqq. Helping Humanity contributed in training for polio victim girls of Tank district of Dera Ismael Khan. We moved Pakistani community of Denmark for contribution to the PM’s Dam Fund also.

Nayla Waseem said that Helping Humanity was started in 2015 with 18 social activists including 3 women. This was the first time that Pakistani women volunteered for social welfare from Denmark for Pakistan. Women abroad were never in this activity before. This not only built their confidence that they can do but also helped spread a positive image of Pakistan in Europe. We selected 4 areas in the beginning that include 1- Disaster 2- Education 3- Health 4- Clean Water. Helping Humanity has contributed millions of Krones so far in these sectors.

Saba Naureen added that starting of Helping Humanity proved beneficial in other aspects as well. For example , Pakistanis organized themselves family wise in social welfare and national lobbying as well. We initiated membership of H.H in which husband and wife both participated. We hosted concerts to generate funds and the tables were allocated to the families. This also helped the next generations to understand what Pakistan is. The children were always listening to the problems of Palestine, Yemen and others but not Kashmir. Our activities educated them that Kashmir is the top most dispute to be resolved. Further the kids have been connected to the families and their traditions.

Nayla Waseem said that Helping Humanity has hosted Ms Aleema Khan, Senator Waleed Iqbal, Minister Sheharyar Afridi and Hamza Ali Abbasi in our concerts to raise funds for Sahara Trust, Namal Mianwali, Akhuwwat and others. Dr Saqib of Akhuwwat has visited us in Denmark. Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed our members through a video conference in 2016.  Food packages were arranged during COVID pandemic. Medical equipment was donated to Sahara Trust Hospital. H.H supported the microfinance scheme and university project of Akhuwwat.

Saba Naureen said that now we are moving forward to start welfare work in empowerment of women in Pakistan. We are working with Smile Again Foundation. Other areas have also been pointed out to do something that is needed badly. For example , in remote areas , women do not have ID cards. What they can get from their rights if they don’t know and can’t prove who they are. Share in property is another big issue in our country. Mostly the daughters are deprived of their share. They need to know that dowry is not the substitute of their share in the property.

To a question about the funding , as it is a big debate in Pakistan these days, Saba Naureen and Nayla Waseem clarified that mostly whatever negative is said about the funding is not more than hearsay. They said that Danish Laws are very strict in this regard. We take permission from the government through their prescribed process, funds are provided through banking channels and that in the title of approved organizations only. Moreover we follow up the work done on our funding and submit the report to our board and Danish government.

Amna Malik also shared her experiences in the social sector. She offered her support and cooperation to both the ladies wherever they needed it. She noted that no nation can achieve success and prosperity without the contribution and empowerment of the women.