Bedari’s Genesis In a society that blames women for whatever goes wrong in a relationship, family or society, it is extremely difficult for them to raise their voice against the abuse that they go through in their own homes. As a result, innumerable incidents of mental torture, rape, incest and domestic violence go unreported. There are very few women who break the silence and seek help. Even for those few, the society provides no appropriate means of immediate or longer term ssista nce.
The lack of support to women in difficult situations results in many returning to the same unbearable circumstances that they had tried to escape from. Alone, isolated, no productive assets and with no one really to turn to, many women continue to tolerate all sorts of injustices and harsh treatment in t heir homes, and in the society. This led a group of professional women to initiate Bedari (Awakening) in 1991. It is very pertinent to mention here the name of Dr. Fozia Saeed (Picture in the right), the founder of Bedari. It was the fruit of her selfless efforts that Bedari grew from a small community based organization into a great example for all the learn from.
Bedari has learnt a lot from its experience and listening to the communities. it has identified following important areas of work:
Gender-based violence remains a major issue being faced by women irrespective of their financial, social, and academic status. Anti women laws still exist. There are also areas such as violence against women, domestic violence, which are not covered under the existing laws. Patriarchal mindset and high level of tolerance for discrimination and violence against women. Low ratios of girls at post-primary level Education. Higher vulnerability to HIV and AIDS due to lack of trust worthy and confidential sources of information.
