She told me:
“I study in an all-boys college.”
I had not heard of any girl studying in an all boys’ college before. She explained:
“We don’t have any girls’ colleges in Gwadar.”
I realized that he state of our education system is miserable. However, I did not expect it to be so unfair that a rapidly growing city like Gwadar, would not have any colleges for girls.
Mariyam went on about the difficulties students face in Gwadar and the troubles that teachers have to go through to teach girls in an all-boys college, in a conservative society:
“Our teachers have arranged for a few classes in the evenings, after being inundated with requests from several girls who want to continue studying. Sadly enough, our teachers have to teach us without any remuneration from the government or NGO. I have profound respect for all my teachers.”
Mariyam further informed me that there is no internet access in her city which has made several tasks very difficult for her and other residents. When I asked how she applied for the Youth Exchange and Study program without access to the internet and how she regularly checks her emails regarding travel and other details, she replied with an awry smile:
“I have to travel to another city, with internet availability, once a week to check my emails and reply to the officials.”
Although Mariyam doesn’t enjoy the delights of the social media like Facebook status updates, that most teenagers otherwise take for granted, she has managed to achieve more than an average Pakistani teenager.
She has worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on projects that spread awareness about coastal hazards like tsumani, to underprivileged citizens of Balochistan.
When deadly floods caused massive destruction in Pakistan in 2010, Mariyam volunteered and made food packets for displaced villagers with the help of her community.
On being asked how she feels about the state of women in Balochistan, she sighed and responded with optimism:
“Our women are full of passion and energy. We work in community centers and use our creative skills to earn adequate amounts of money to make ends meet.”
She continued to explain some of the work she has done for women in her community:
“I have only one computer at my house, that too without internet, and I use it to teach basic softwares like MS Office to the girls in my colony. Girls who are not interested in computing are I offer English classes.”
She giggled and continued:
“Well, I teach them the little English I know myself.”
This is not all. Mariyam also teaches women to do Balochi embroidery, make handicrafts, and use seashells to make jewelry, etcetera.
Mariyam is a proponent of gender equality and has served the cause not just through her words but through projects as well. She organised events and did plays on gender equality and education for girls.
She has also done projects with NGO Paiman to create awareness about infants and mothers’ health by going to assorted villages. She has also raised funds to provide authentic medicines for the affected.
Mariyam is full of hope about Pakistan’s future:
“Things will change if each one of us forgets about the black past and our own issues for a while. We must all try to contribute to the country in our capacities so that small changes can be brought. A revolution can’t be brought overnight.”
The wisdom this 16-year-old girl possesses needs to be spread and talked about.
Her hope does not waver because she believes in herself and her deeds. If every Pakistani quits ranting about the injustices and lack of opportunities and instead starts creating opportunities, Pakistan might just acquire a better position by 2012, when Mariyam will return to Pakistan after completing the exchange program.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.
http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/6874/theres-a-girl-in-the-boys-college
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