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From electrical Wiring to Political Wiring: how One Woman is Transforming Rural Pakistan
Roonjho, a 33-year-old woman from the village of Sheikh Soomar in Pakistan’s Sindh province, is rewriting the rules of community development – and she’s doing it one electrical connection, and soon, one political campaign, at a time.Her story isn’t just about bringing electricity to homes; it’s about empowering women, challenging deeply ingrained societal norms, and building a future where every girl has the prospect to thrive.
For years, Sheikh Soomar, like many rural communities in Pakistan, faced meaningful challenges. Access to basic amenities like clean water, reliable electricity, and proper roads were limited.Traditional beliefs often restricted women’s access to education and economic opportunities. But Roonjho decided enough was enough.
The Spark of Change: Becoming an electrician
Initially, Roonjho’s ambition wasn’t politics, it was practical. She enrolled in a government-sponsored program to become a qualified electrician. This wasn’t a common path for women in her community, but she was determined to learn a skill that would allow her to contribute to her family and her village.
Successfully completing the training, she began offering her services, going door-to-door to wire homes and repair electrical faults.This work quickly gained her respect and trust within the community. It also provided her with a platform to interact with families, understand their needs, and demonstrate her capabilities.
Building Confidence and Community Trust
This hands-on work proved transformative for Roonjho. It helped her develop the confidence to speak up in meetings and negotiate with local officials - skills she never thought she’d possess. She discovered a knack for problem-solving and a passion for advocating for her community.
The impact extended far beyond just brighter lights. Manzoor Ali, a 60-year-old village elder, observes a remarkable shift. He notes that the transformation of sheikh Soomar is the most significant change he’s witnessed in his lifetime. “She has done so much for this village without even having a seat in politics,” he says, expressing strong support for her future endeavors.
A Ripple Effect: Education and Empowerment
Roonjho’s success has had a profound impact on the attitudes towards girls’ education in Sheikh Soomar. Previously,many families believed that educating daughters was unnecessary,fearing they would eventually leave the family.
Now, witnessing Roonjho’s achievements, parents are prioritizing their daughters’ schooling. Ali proudly states that he doesn’t believe there’s a single household in the village that isn’t sending their daughters to school. This change represents a fundamental shift in mindset, fueled by one woman’s courage and determination.
Setting Sights on political Office
Roonjho isn’t stopping at electrical repairs. She’s now setting her sights on a seat on the local union council (UC) – the lowest tier of government in Pakistan. She believes that having a voice within the political system is crucial to addressing the long-standing issues facing her village.
She’s already begun campaigning, going door-to-door to understand the concerns of her constituents. Her platform is simple: to be the voice of the poor and to deliver the basic services that her community deserves. “I will stand for UC chairman,” she declares.”I want to solve these problems.”
A Vision for the Future
Roonjho’s motivations are deeply personal. She wants to ensure that her own daughters have the opportunities she was denied. “My biggest wish is that my daughters study and live with respect,” she shares.
She’s determined to create a future where no girl in her village is told that education isn’t for them. “I wasn’t allowed to study,” she says, ”But I will make sure no girl in this village grows up hearing those same words.”
Roonjho’s story is a powerful reminder that change can come from unexpected places. It’s a testament to the transformative power of education,
