Trainings Evaluation Report WPS Phase-I Lodharn

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This report is reflection on Training Sessions; experienced by

Zafar Ahmad, Research Analyst Women Political School Project – District Lodhran

Target Area

District Lodharn Tehsil(s): Lodhran, Dunya Pur, Karor Pacca

Submitted to:-

Mrs. Rehana Hashmi National Project Manager – WPS

Ministry of Women Development

Islamabad

Preface......................................................................................................................................... i

Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………...ii

1. A quick look at Sessions Proceedings ....................................................................... 1

2. A view on Lead Mentors Performance ..................................................................... 2

3. Participants in focus ................................................................................................... 3

3.1 Attendance ..................................................................................................................... 3

3.2 Members Qualification & Participation Level ............................................................... 3

3.3 Participants’ Response / Feed Back ............................................................................... 3

3.4 Identification of Potential Lead Mentors ....................................................................... 4

4. Completing Data Profiles ........................................................................................... 5

5. Coordination with Local Goverment ........................................................................ 6

5.1 Arrangements at the Training Venue ............................................................................. 6

5.2 Logistic Support ............................................................................................................. 7

5.2.1 Stationary Items ............................................................................................................. 7

5.2.2 Arrangement of Lunch and Tea ..................................................................................... 9

5.3 Disbursement of TA/DA to Women Councilors and WPS – Team ............................ 10

5.4 Working Relationship with ADLG and FA ................................................................. 10

6. Media Coverage ......................................................................................................... 12

7. Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 13

Annexure – A Tehsil and Session wise Report as at 21-09-2006 on number of councilors

completed Training

Annexure – B Tehsil and Session wise Detail as at 21-09-2006 on Absentees from Training

Sessions

Annexure – C Tehsil and Session wise List of Participants completed Training

Annexure – D Media Report on the Training Sessions.

Contents

i

In pursuance of the objectives, under Women Political School Project (WPSP) of Ministry of

Women Development – Islamabad, joining hands together with the Local Government to

impart training to women councilors at Union, Tehsil and District level; a WPS – Team

comprising to three members: Mr. Zafar Ahmad – Research Analyst, Miss Shabana Farid and

Miss Aqsa Batool as Lead Mentors were entrusted to carry to task in District Lodhran. As

this project is being carried out with the collaboration of Local Government; Mr. Allem – Ud

– Din Ghori, Assistant Director, Local Government and Rural Development, District Lodharn

performed the duties as District Incharge, where as Mr. Abdul Aziz Choudhary, Assistant at

the Office of ADLG – Lodhran; performed duties as Finance Assistant in WPS project, at

Lodhran.

There are 73 Union Councils in the District Lodhran. Total number of women councilors at

three tiers including members elected at minority seats in the district are 347. Eleven Training

Session were planned to cover the whole district. Four Sessions were allocated to Tehsil

Lodhran, three to Duniya Pur and four for the Tehsil Karor Pacca. Like other districts of

Punjab, the training sessions commenced w.e.f 10th

July 2006 and the last session ended up

on 21st September 2006.

Preface

ii

Under Women Political School Project, like other districts of Punjab, training sessions for

capacity building of women councilors in southern Punjab, commenced on 10th

July 2006 and

ended up on 21st September 2006 with completion of training of 309 women councilors

(attended the session at least for two days) in 11 training sessions, at all three tiers of district

Lodhran against 347 women councilors in three Tehsils (Lodhran, Dunya Pur & Karor Pacca)

of the district. Hence, there remained 38 women councilors to come to the training sessions;

89 % target is achieved.

As planned, training sessions were conducted four days a week (from Monday to Thursday)

observing the timings: 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. WPS Team comprising to three

members: Mr. Zafar Ahmad – RA, and Miss Shaband Faird & Miss Aqsa Batool did the job

as Lead Mentors. Mr. Allem Ud Din Ghori, Assistant Director, Local Government and Rural

Development, District Lodhran and Mr. Abdul Aziz Choudhry as Finance Assistant;

coordinated with the WPS Team by putting due share from the local government side in order

to meet with the realistic interpretation of the matter.

Four Training sessions in Tehsil Lodhran, three at Dunya Pur and again four at Karor Pacca

were conducted. The better quality food stuff has been ensured costing to Rs.1,83,480/=. The

stationary items (Folder, Writing Pad, and Ball Point) have been provided to each of the

participant. The total expense for 11 sessions on need to meet with all the stationary items

comes to Rs.23,440/= i.e. @ Rs.74.88/= per participant by providing the items to 313 women

councilors come to the trainings sessions at least for one day. Total amount of Rs.3,95,900/=

is paid as TA/DA to women councilors attended the training sessions. Also, total amount of

Rs.1,81,500/= is paid as TA/DA and accommodation expense to WPS Team members for all

11 training sessions. Hence, total expense incurred to conduct all the training sessions comes

to Rs.7,84,320/=. Since 309 women councilors have completed the training; therefore, on

average @ Rs.2,538.25 per participant has been incurred whereas expense @ Rs.2,585.00 per

participant was planned. This results into saving of @ Rs.46.75 per participant.

Data Profiles of 311 women councilors were got completed. Some bitter truth, we come to

know on getting their opinion while helping the illiterate women councilors in completing

Executive Summary

iii

their data profiles, like: “They became members of the council at the sweet will of the

husband or enforced by the Landlord. Feel sense of inferiority and disgrace as they are

ignored by the member councilors only for the reason they are illiterate. They are only

supposed to put their thumb impression and most of the time discouraged to attend the

council sessions but through their representative (husband/son). They are kept ignorant about

the monitoring committees.” Majority of the members do not know about the functions of

Insaf Committee and Musalihat Anjuman even its existence in their council.

It has been experienced that in the strength of 309 women councilors, only 32 have

qualification as matric or above whereas 277 are illiterate or under-matric.

In the last but not the least, the prevailing feudal system in Pakistan has played a dominant role

in the way to come educated women in the council. With an optimistic approach, in order to

utilize the opportunity of having 33% women participation in the local government system

effectively and to get best results on gender equality, there is need to act seriously so that

educated women feel comfortable to enter in the mainstream for development of the sweet

homeland.

Report on Training Sessions for

Women Councilors of District Lodhran

1

Prepared By: Zafar Ahmad – RA, WPS Project

1. A quick look at Sessions Proceedings

It has been pleasure for us that every session commenced in time i.e. 09:00 a.m. and

lasted upto 05:00 p.m. in the evening. We succeeded with the team effort that

necessary arrangements were ensured well before the scheduled time to commence

the session.

The participants have been in time and in most of the sessions; that contributed to

start the proceedings timely.

In seven sessions out of eleven, sitting arrangement was made in U – Shape. Seating

Capacity in the Training Hall has been comfortable at the Venue: Govt. High School,

Lodhran and Govt. High School, Dunya Pur. However, at Karor Pacca, it has been a

distracting factor alongwith other problems.

Contents of the Manual relating to Handout have been followed accordingly.

The Lead Mentors and RA followed the contents of the Training Manual accordingly

with proper homework.

Role Play has been a key instrument to make the participant fully conversant on the

topic, getting their keen attention on delivery of contents in an interactive way. The

Session Schedule has been observed in letter and spirit.

There has been no hesitation on the side of participants to put the questions relating to

the topic, so that they the concept be understood accurately.

The trainees loved to speak in local language and their desire to communicate in their

own language have been taken whole-heartedly and every possible effort has been

done by the WPS – Team in order to deliver the contents using their own language.

Session wise list of participants who have completed the training, is prepared bearing

the information like: name of the participant, Council Name, Council Number,

Council Card Number and CNIC Number, and attached as Annexure – C.

Certificates have been distributed to the eligible participants in all the sessions except

the first session because the certificates received after close of 1st session.



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2. A view on Lead Mentors Performance

It is not a matter of complaining Lead Mentors but to mention some points to improve

performance in future. Throughout all the sessions, the communication with the participants

using local language has been problem for one of our team member: Miss Aqsal Batool. Such

deficiency also developed frustration, dissatisfaction and un-motivated behaviour with some

sort of sense of inferiority assuming that she herself was unable to deliver contents and

explaining concept with confidence even she could do.

We do realize and one can imagine the level of burden shifted to other team members on

coping with such deficiency of a member. It is hereby suggested that level of language

proficiency of a team member with local language with respect to the area in which he or she

has to work; should be taken into account as first priority. We believe on meeting with the

assignments as a team. We have been on the right track to work with accommodating/

participatory approach by discussing the strengths and weaknesses on individual

performances on daily basis in each of the sessions and then suggesting points to correct and

encouraging each other to strive for the best in each of the coming sessions. This has been the

reason of our success and unity as a team.

We also believe that efficiency can never be 100% as there is always room for improvement.

- The level of individual commitment, attitude and discipline to work enthusiastically has

been fair but needs to improve leading to work effectively and efficiently. For Miss

Aqsa Batool – LM; it is hereby suggested to improve attitude and discipline in order to

become professional trainer in future.

- The Lead Mentors have always been regular and punctual. They have always been in-

time to commence the session proceedings. Their time-management has been splendid

as they worked and sum up the session proceedings by explaining all ingredients within

the stipulated period of time (i.e. from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

- For the purpose of mastering on each of the module of Handout; the strategy of

shuffling the topics amongst the team members; worked fine. With mutual

understanding, the assigned topics were shuffled amongst the team members (RA &

LMs) so that each member delivered almost every topic on each of the contents of the

module(s).



3


3. Participants in focus

3.1 Attendance

The total strength of the women councilors in 73 Union Councils at three Tehsils is 347

comprising women representation in Union, Thesil and District Council(s) including

members elected at minority seats. Session wise number of participants completed training is

given in the statement titled as “Thesil & Session wise Report as at 21-09-2006 on number of

councilors completed training”; as Annexure – A. At the end of the Final Training Session

i.e. 11th

Session, we are left with shortfall of 138 members to come to the training session(s).

A complete list of absentees is provided in the statement as Annexure – B, titled as “Tehsil

& Session wise detail as at 21-09-2006 on absentees”; for kind perusal please. As 309 women

councilors completed the training; which results that 89.04 % target is achieved.

3.2 Members Qualification & Participation Level

In the strength of 309 participants who completed training, 277 council members are illiterate or

below matriculation. Most of these can only put their thumb impression, some of them can just

trace their name spell only; the members with Primary or Middle level education are also unable

to understand the manual text in Urdu. The illiterate women councilors also feel difficult even to

offer their viewpoint on the pictorial side. The 32 women councilors come to the training

sessions with qualification level as matriculation or above; two of them are master degree

holder. In one training session, none of the participant was literate. In order to make them fully

conversant on the contents and explaining concepts; we had to use the local language i.e. Siraki.

This tool worked fine to make communication effective. In this way, we have been successful in

gathering their attention and delivering the content nicely. We must appreciate the participants’

patience, participation, thrust for learning, sharing their own experiences and determination to

replicate in the course of business after having learnt the skills through the training sessions.

3.3 Participants’ Response / Feed Back

Although majority of the participants were illiterate but we do appreciate their keen interest

to learn new skills imparted through modules and eagerly wish to work effectively in the

council sessions in order to demonstrate their importance through effective participation. It

reflects a ray of hope and commitment in their eyes to utilize their capacity effectively after

having acquaintance/informed about their true role and responsibilities. They all have been

1 The members who remained absent for three or four days from the session



4


very much grateful to the Government of Pakistan on providing opportunity to raise their

voice in the council and enter in the mainstream of development minimizing gender

inequality.

In most of the training sessions, the participants enthusiastically paid attention and showed

keen interest to get information floated in the session on Budget & Resource Allocation,

C.C.B and Ways of effective monitoring.

Numbers of questions on above topics are raised by the participants to fulfill their thrust for

making their role effective in budget sessions. They openly expressed their views on budget

sessions. After having acquaintance their role to act in the session; they are fully determined

to act as per skills learnt through plenary and role-play.

Another topic to fetch more attention of the participants has been “Effective Monitoring

Tips”. They feel encourage to talk about constitution of monitoring committees in their

council and then to play their role effectively to ensure the community about distribution and

use of resources in a transparent manner.

Through out the training sessions, information floated on C.C.B. welcomed so keenly by the

participants. They feel encourage to constitute the Board particularly comprising the female

members in order to make them sense a key member in gender mainstreaming.

In the last, as per participants’ comments, mostly in the presence of ADLG – Lodhran, they

were quite satisfied in having explained, communicated effectively on contents of Training

Handout by the WPS – Team members.

3.4 Identification of Potential Lead Mentors

Following potential Lead Mentors are identified during the course of session(s): -

Sr.

# Name

Council

Name Address/ Contact Number

Age (Years)

Edu.

01. Miss. Fouzia Parveen District

Council

Basti Ambwala, P.O. Adda Purmat, Tehs.

& District Lodhran; 03017718651 26 M.A.

02. Raziya Farooq Hashmi District

Council

Block # 05, Qutab Pur, P.O. Same, Dunya

Pur Distt. Lodhran; Cell # 0301-7552371 41 F.A

03. Miss Shaiza Bibi District

Council

Chalk Sheikhan Wala, Jhandir Wah,

Dunya Pur Distt. Lodhran,

Cell # 0301-7938231

26 M.A.

04. Syeda Razia Anjum Tehsil

Lodhran

Jinnah Colony, 100/M, House # 120,

St. 01, District Lodhran 44 F.A



5


4. Completing Data Profiles

As 309 women councilors completed training but 311 data profiles were got completed.

Since most of the women councilors were illiterate and in order to ensure the response with

correct understanding to make them fully conversant on each of the question asked for, with

good time management, and filling data in eligible to read format; personal attention is paid

by Research Analyst to record the responses in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Having participants’ comments in Data Profile, particularly on the last two questions;

generally they are of the view that “No budget has been allocated to us. No consultation is

made with us in discussing development projects in the session.

While filling the data profile, particularly pertaining to illiterate women councilors, on reply

to different questions; throughout the eleven training sessions, they were of the view that: -

- Became members of the council at the sweet will of the husband or enforced by the

Landlord.

- Feel sense of inferiority and disgrace as they are ignored by the member councilors

only for the reason they are illiterate

- They are only supposed to put their thumb impression and most of the time

discouraged to attend the council sessions but through their representative

(husband/son).

- They are kept ignorant about the monitoring committees. Majority of the members do

not know about the functions of Insaf Committee and Musalihat Anjuman even their

existence in their council.

- They also complained about the matter pertaining to Honorarium as Union Council

Member. They demanded for the honorarium as approved for women councilors at

Tehsils and District level.

It is pertinent to mention here that, after having data profiles completed in all respect and

signed accordingly; are sent within 48 hours of close of the session(s), to WPS – Project

Office, Islamabad under detailed list on each session (bearing information: Serial Number,

name of the councilor, Council Name, Council Number, Council Card No., and CNIC

Number) with the summary of forms completed and attached, and a covering letter on it.



6


5. Coordination with Local Goverment

Coordination with the Assistant Director Local Government and Rural Development, District

Lodhran; is analyzed on different aspects like: meeting with arrangements and the Training

Venue, provision of logistic support, disbursement of TA/DA to women councilors and WPS

– Team members, working relationship of ADLG and Finance Assistant with WPS Team

members.

5.1 Arrangements at the Training Venue

At Tehsil Lodhran, (the place of posting of ADLG – Lodhran), as well as at Tehsil Duniya

Pur, it has never been problem for us regarding conduct of training sessions. The ADLG –

Lodhran showed his commitment to feel us comfortable to conduct the sessions, nicely.

Necessary and sufficient logistic support is ensured at the venue in both of the Tehsil(s). We

have always been with him in extending coordination in pursuance of objectives. We do

appreciate his personal commitment extended to us and decision making with consultation.

The scenario described here as under should only be viewed for the purpose of improvement;

not as a matter of complaint. The scene is an extract from the last two training sessions (i.e.

from 11-09-2006 to 21-09-2006)

Imagine, we come on Monday at 8:00 a.m. to conduct the training session and as we enter in

the Training Hall, we see…………

- Floor is filled with dust & garbage.

- Table and Chairs are full of dust and scattered

- Same is the scene in the dining hall and situation is the worst in the sense that no waste

has been disposed off as developed on last Thursday at close of the session.

- No cold drinking water to offer to the participants

- Resultantly, no peon is there to get the arrangements done.

We, the WPS Team have faced the above scene for three days during the session(s) on

continual basis. There were two ways to change the scene. One could lead to bad impression

to the coming participants. The other was the way to pursue the objectives of the session

nicely and to come out of the drastic situation with sincere efforts. The WPS Team did the

following(s):

- RA Cleaned/swept the floor(s) of the Training Hall as well as Dining Hall.



7


- Cleaned and placed the Tables/Chairs in order.

- Washed Water Cooler. Fetched water and Ice to make it cold

- At one instant we (RA and the Lead Mentor: Ms. Shaband) were delivering the

session while at other instant one of our team member was offering cold drinking

water to the participants.

We had to do all above in the best interest of the objectives so that the session(s) must go on

without any hindrance; after having following response(s): -

ADLG – Lodhran was requested to provide a helping hand (i.e. peon) to get the above

arrangements done; but all in vein.

We observe that there is no working relationship of TMA – Karor Pacca (TMO, TO(R),

Council Officer), Tehsil Nazim and Tehsil Naib Nazim with the ADLG – Lodhran. Even

TMO and ADLG – Lodhran are not on speaking terms. This is the true story due to which we

had to suffer a lot. For instance: -

TMA – Kraor Pacca did not allow to conduct training sessions at TMA – Hall. Obviously,

the request of ADLG – Lodhran was not honoured by TMA – Karor Pacca. The narration on

this issue has already been communicated in the report on 9th

Session.

Without any intimation, peon assigned to the training sessions, was withdrawn. ADLG –

Lodhran was informed accordingly, but he remained unable to get the man backed from

TMA – Karor Pacca.

Karor Pacca is the hometown of Zila Nazim, Mr. Abdul Rehman Khan Kanjoo. In spite of all

this, one can easily assess the level of coordination between the TMA – Karor Pacca and

ADLG – Lodhran; due to which the WPS – Team had to face a number of problems at Tehsil

Karor Pacca.

5.2 Logistic Support

Here, we take the opportunity to speak how the funds allocated and utilized on three

components: Stationary, Lunch and Tea, TA/DA to participants and WPS – Team Members;

in consultation with the ADLG – Lodhran.

5.2.1 Stationary Items



8


I must appreciate the decision of the competent authority about allocation of stationary

expense fixed @ Rs.75/= per participant. This is quite justified. We provided best quality

writing Pad, Document Folder and Piano Crystal Ball Point to every participant; alongwith

the copy of the handout provided by the WPS – Office. Besides this, we also purchased name

batches for the participants. In addition to above, we ensured fine quality stationary items

used during the sessions (Meta Cards, Flip Charts, Staplers, Gum/Pointing Stick etc). With

good resource management, the fixed cost has been sufficient to accommodate the necessary

and sufficient ingredients for the session. Even we managed the expense on photocopy(s),

preparation of Payment/Attendance/ Report Covering Letter/Data Profile Detail Sheet etc, so

nicely.

I do believe such fixed cost would be more than sufficient to accommodate not only the

above nature expenses but also expense like: TCS – Charges, Bank Statement Charges, Press

Coverage Charges and other miscellaneous expense inevitable to incur from time to time

during the course of the sessions.

Here, it is suggested that @ Rs.50/= per participant to meet with stationary expense and @

Rs.25/= per participant as misc. expense should be fixed; in case of planning of such training

sessions in future.

Session

#

Stationary

provided

to Participants

Expense

incured

Session

#

Stationary

provided to

Participants

Expense

incured

01. 29 Rs. 2,242 07. 31 Rs. 2,000

02. 28 Rs. 2,248 08. 21 Rs. 1,650

03. 31 Rs. 2,175 09. 25 Rs. 1,875

04. 30 Rs. 2,250 10. 29 Rs. 2,175

05. 29 Rs. 2,250 11. 27 Rs. 2,025

06. 33 Rs. 2,550 Total Rs. 23,440

The stationary items have been provided to 313 participants came in the training session at

least for one day; where as 309 participants completed the training. Total amount of

Rs.23,440/= has been incurred to meet with the requirement for 314 participants. In this way

an expense @ Rs.74.88 has been incurred under stationary account, per participant.



9


At first, ADLG accompanied with RA visited the market to come up with the best quality

stationry items at reasonable price. The rates were approved in a joint meeting. The RA was

requested by ADLG – Lodhran to arrange the stationary items from Multan on session-to-

session basis and to make it available at the training venue, as the Finance Assistant was

observed as incompetent to meet with the job requirement. The request of the ADLG was

honoured and RA purchased the stationary items from Multan as per requirement on

approved rates meeting with the expense from his own pocket and then to get reimbursed the

same at the close of the session(s). In this way, coordination was extended to the ADLG –

Lodhran by the WPS Team member.

5.2.2 Arrangement of Lunch and Tea

For Tea and Lunch, amount of Rs150/= per participant per day was allocated. As for as my

experience is concerned; this is simply justified. We arranged delicious food stuff, fine

quality tea with cookies using fine crockery items. We are thankful that none of the

participant lodged even a singe complaint about foodstuff etc.

Throughout the sessions, the contract was made with local contractors for provision of above

items on agreed menu, not compromising on quality of the stuff, with the agreement of

payment on number of participants attended the session against provision of Tea and Lunch

for the above number of participants plus three.

Session

#

Number of

Participants Amount Paid

Session

#

Number of

Participants Amount Paid

01. 24 Rs. 14,400 07. 34 Rs. 20,400

02. 24 Rs. 14,400 08. 24 Rs. 14,400

03. 24 Rs. 14,400 09. 25 Rs. 15,000

04. 29 Rs. 17,280 10. 28 Rs. 16,800

05. 30 Rs. 18,000 11. 27 Rs. 16,200

06. 37 Rs. 22,200 Total Rs. 183,480

Payment of Rs.183,480/= was made approximately for 306 participants whereas 309

councilors completed the training. This strategy worked fine in order to use the budget

effectively and efficiently.



10


I do believe, with efficient use of resources, such allocation of budget per participant would

be more than sufficient, in case future sessions are planed.

5.3 Disbursement of TA/DA to Women Councilors and WPS – Team

The coordination with the ADLG on the matter of disbursement of TA/DA to eligible women

councilors and to the WPS – Team members, at the close of each session, has been

exemplary. At the last day of each session (i.e. Thursday), Payment sheet is prepared by RA,

handed over to ADLG – Lodharn; and then FA was there to prepared cheque(s) for the first

to sessions and then cash disbursement to the eligible Women Councilors. For 11 session,

total amounting to Rs.3,95,900/= has been paid to 311 eligible women councilors attended

the sessions. The detail on session wise break up can be pursued through the statement

attached as Annexure – A.

Similarly, TA/DA and accommodation expenses to WPS – Team members, @ Rs.5,500/= to

each member, has been paid through “Payees A/C Only” Cheque at close of each session.

Therefore, total amounting to Rs.1,81,500/= has been paid to WPS – Team (three members)

for 11 session.

The transfer of funds to the WPS Project – District Lodhran, Bank Account with National

Bank of Pakistan, Main Branch, Lodhran, from the office of Director General – Local

Government, Punjab, has never been problem. The funds are allocated and transferred timely

except for the 11th

Session. Some cheque(s) were experienced as bounced due to late

collection of funds pertaining to last session; otherwise, it is appreciable for 10 sessions in

sequence.

However, it is suggested that in future, every possible effort should be taken to ensure the

funds available during the course of the activity so that some drastic situation be avoided.

5.4 Working Relationship with ADLG and FA

During the period of three months working relationship with the Assistant Director Local

Government has been fine to carry the activity forward. However, there have been some

lashes on the part of Finance Assistant, nominated by ADLG; due to which working

relationship has not been exemplary. We found Mr. Abdul Aziz, Finance Assistant,



11


incompetent having rude behaviour, unaware of ToRs as mentioned in the advertisement and

illiterate to use computer application tools.

Therefore, in addition to assigned tasks, RA had to perform the assignments supposed to be

done by FA; for example, RA had to do: -

i. Provision/Purchase of Stationary items, on approved rates, for all the sessions; as the

request of ADLG was honoured after denial from FA to meet with the responsibility.

ii. Arrangement to carry the stationary items from Multan to the Training Venue

iii. Composing formats on Attendance and Payment Sheet(s) using computer application

tools.

iv. Preparation of Payment Sheet(s), completed in all respect, at close of every session

v. Provision and affixing receipt-stamps on the payment sheet to make cash payment.

In the circumstances, it is suggested that in future, a competent FA bearing required

qualification and skills as per designed ToRs, should be appointed so that assigned tasks be

get completed in letter and spirits; because FA is also paid with handsome remuneration in

the Project.

Overall, it has been good experience to work with Local Government officials in pursuance

of one common objective to enhance the capacity of women councilors. Hopefully, these ties

will be strengthening in future by minimizing the problems with mutual understanding.



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6. Media Coverage

In most of the training sessions, Certificates and TA/DA were distributed by the Mr. Allem-

Ud-Din Ghori, ADLG & RD Lodhran, and no media coverage has been arranged in this

regard. The guests invited to the sessions other than the ADLG – Lodhran distributed the

Certificates and TA/DA to women councilors; are detailed here as under: -

At 1st Session, Tehsil Nazim – Lodhran, grace the occasion to inaugurate the session,

but press coverage could not be arranged.

At 5th

Session, TMO – Duniya Pur honoured us on 1st day of the session. Press

coverage could not be arranged on proceedings of the session.

At 7th

Session, District Coordination Officer – Lodhran honoured us with his presence

accompanied with District Information Officer, at 1st day of the session. Press

coverage was arranged in almost all of the leading newspapers.

At 10th

Session, Mr. Zafar Iqbal, Principal, Govt. Degree College (for boys), Karor

Pacca was the Chief Guest. He honoured to the participants by distributing

Certificates and TA/DA.

The media report pr, printed in the local newspaper is attached as Annexure – D, for kind

perusal please.



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7. Conclusion

In pursuance of the objective of capacity building and to observe the change in skills and

behaviour of women councilors in order to have realistic interpretation of the dream to come

role of the women councilor effective in development of the sweet homeland in scenario of

local government at grass root level; after having conduct of 11 Training Sessions and to

come up with the view point of trainees; it is need of the day to concentrate on other side of

the picture showing Literacy rate and Education level. No doubt, training plays a vital role in

changing behaviour leading to work hard; but education level nominates. An educated

woman thinks and works exactly in the same way in which the mind of a common person

works in different situations of life. But the only difference between the two is that of a

degree. Education acts as catalyst in adopting new skills and acceptable behaviour

particularly for the woman. Only training cannot provide the best results. The mixture of

education and training can provide fruitful results.

During the training sessions, we saw desperation in the eyes of the illiterate women

councilors remained deprived of education. Some of them said, “Why Government provided

the opportunity to us (illiterate women) to lead?” Also, the health status of women councilors

above the age of 50 years does not allow them to play an effective role in the community.

In the last but not the least, the prevailing feudal system in Pakistan has played a dominant

role in the way to come educated women councilors in the council. With an optimistic

approach, in order to get best results on gender equality, there is need to act seriously so that

educated women enter in the mainstream for development of the sweet homeland and to

strengthen the local government system.

Also, work experience with the Local Government has been fair but needs to strengthen the

ties with extended cooperation for meeting responsibilities in letter and spirit.

Documents

Trainings Evaluation Report WPS Phase-I Lodharn