In the narrow streets of Karachi’s urban slums, where life is a daily struggle, women bear the heaviest burdens. Their stories are rarely heard, and their struggles rarely acknowledged.

While much is written about the miseries of rural women, the hardships of women living in urban slums are often ignored. Despite being in the heart of bustling cities, these women remain invisible, battling poverty, discrimination, and a lack of opportunities in silence.

The harsh realities faced by urban slum women:

Women in urban slums face numerous challenges that prevent them from living with dignity. Education remains a distant dream for many, as financial constraints force families to prioritize their sons’ schooling. Young girls are often pulled out of school to care for siblings or contribute to household income through low-paying work.

Beyond education, self-confidence is a luxury these women can rarely afford. Living in a society where their voices are often silenced, they grow up believing they are incapable of making decisions. From household matters to financial concerns, men take the lead while women’s opinions are sidelined. Even when they have valuable insights, they lack the platform to express them. Their freedom of speech is restricted, not only by family traditions but also by a society that fails to recognize their right to have a say in their own lives.

They are also victimized by sexual and gender-based violence, as well as workplace harassment. Despite living in cities with growing job markets, most women in urban slums are either unemployed or stuck in poorly paid informal jobs. Many lack the skills or the confidence to step into formal employment. The absence of support networks further isolates them, making them feel powerless in the face of everyday struggles.

A path to empowerment: Women-led groups and committees:

The question is, what initiatives can be taken to empower these women? The first step is to give them a platform to support one another. One of the most effective ways to do this is through women-led groups and committees. These groups and committees, formed within communities, bring together women from different backgrounds to share experiences, support one another, and take collective action for their rights and development.

How will these groups and committees work?

1. Skill development and financial independence
   These groups and committees can arrange skill-based training sessions such as stitching, handicrafts, digital literacy, and small-scale business training. By learning new skills, women can start earning and gain financial independence, reducing their reliance on male family members.
2. Advocacy and decision-making
   Through regular meetings and discussions, women can collectively address issues in their areas, such as lack of clean water, poor sanitation, or unsafe streets. They can engage with local authorities and demand better facilities, ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
3. Education and awareness
   The groups and committees can organize informal education sessions for women and young girls who were unable to complete their studies. They can also spread awareness about important topics such as health, hygiene, and legal rights.
4. Emotional and social support
   Women face many personal struggles, from domestic violence to mental stress. These groups and committees will create a safe space where they can share their problems and support each other emotionally. Having a circle of women who understand their pain can make a significant difference in their confidence and well-being.
5. Community improvement initiatives
   Women-led groups and committees can also take small but meaningful steps to improve their surroundings. Clean-up drives, planting trees, or even setting up small reading corners for children are just a few initiatives they can lead to create a better environment for themselves and their families.

Breaking the cycle of neglect:

The creation of women-led groups and committees in urban slums is not just about helping individual women; it is about transforming entire communities. When women are empowered, they uplift their families and create a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole. These groups and committees will give urban slum women the strength to believe in themselves, the courage to raise their voices, and the power to bring change.

On this National Women’s Day, let us recognize and support the women in our urban slums. It is time to listen to their stories, acknowledge their struggles, and, most importantly, empower them with opportunities that allow them to take control of their own lives. Through unity and determination, they can break free from the cycle of neglect and emerge as strong, independent contributors to their communities.