Shad Begum: How women in Pakistan are creating political change

The speaker shares her journey from a small town in Pakistan, highlighting the challenges women face in politics and society. She founded an organization to empower women, ran for public office, and overcame numerous obstacles, including threats from the Taliban. Her efforts led to increased political representation for women and significant community improvements. She emphasizes the importance of women's leadership and representation in creating a better future.

What was the educational situation in Dir, Pakistan, at the time of the speaker's birth?

• Most children received education.

• Girls were not allowed to attend school at all.

• Education was mandatory for all children.

• Only a small percentage of boys and girls received education.

What prompted the speaker to reconnect with women and girls in her community?

• Her father's insistence on her staying at home.

• Her desire to address women's issues collectively.

• A government initiative for women's empowerment.

• Her family's disapproval of her education.

What was one of the main challenges faced by elected women in the council?

• They had to manage both home and council duties.

• They were given too much responsibility.

• They were not allowed to participate in council proceedings.

• They were required to travel frequently.

How did the speaker address the community's need for clean drinking water?

• By setting up hand pumps in dried wells.

• By importing bottled water.

• By organizing protests.

• By requesting government intervention.

What was the impact of the Taliban's rise in the speaker's region?

• Improved infrastructure development.

• A decrease in social and political activities.

• Increased educational opportunities for women.

• A surge in women's political representation.

What realization did the speaker have regarding women's needs during her visits to camps?

• Women needed more educational resources.

• There was a need for more healthcare facilities.

• Women required more financial support.

• There was a lack of attention to women's needs due to underrepresentation.

What was the outcome of training women for the 2015 local elections?

• All trained women won the elections.

• None of the trained women participated.

• Only a few women showed interest in running.

• Half of the trained women won the elections.

Who is Saira Shams and what did she achieve?

• A healthcare worker in refugee camps.

• A journalist advocating for women's rights.

• A public office holder who completed infrastructure projects.

• A teacher promoting girls' education.

What significant change occurred in the number of women voters in Dir?

• The number of women voters decreased.

• Women were not allowed to vote.

• The number of women voters increased significantly.

• The number of women voters remained the same.

What is the speaker's vision for women's leadership?

• Women should focus solely on family responsibilities.

• Women should only work in education and healthcare.

• Women should be involved in politics, business, and decision-making.

• Women should avoid political involvement.