Too often, women's issues in Pakistan are either ignored or given the brush off. This is not only to the detriment of women, but to Pakistani families and society in general.

If you're a Pakistani-American woman, there are plenty of things you and other Pakistani women can do to improve the lot of women back home from right here in America. Here are a couple of ideas.

1. Make your intention for the sake of Allah

Where does success really come from? It's from Allah. But without the correct intentions and methods, success at home and work won't happen.

"Actions are but by intentions," said Prophet Mohamed (peace and blessings be upon him) in a Hadith in Bukhari and Muslim. Make your intention to please Allah first and foremost. This is the first and most important thing no matter what type of activism you get involved in.

2. Make Dua (supplication)

Who can really answer your prayers and help you? Allah, of course. Ask only from Allah. Ask Him for Guidance, understanding, and a straight intention. Ask Him to accept your efforts for His cause.

Then watch as Insha Allah, He helps you throughout your work for His Cause.

3. Seek knowledge, a path to power

Once your intention is clear, how do you know what the right method is to help your sisters back home? The key is knowledge.

You may have an inkling or more of knowledge about the conditions many Pakistani women live in, whether they are rich, poor or middle class. But instead of just getting a general picture, try to find a specific area where you feel you can make the most difference. For example, if you're studying education in college or have studied it, then women's literacy will probably be a suitable cause to focus on. Take into account your skills, talents and interests when choosing the right area to help in.

4. Brainstorm ways you can put your knowledge and skills into practice

Brainstorm and research practical ways that you can use your talents to benefit Pakistani women in the cause of your choice. Once you've selected at least two or three ideas, find out if there are any Pakistani-American organizations which already have similar projects in place in Pakistan. But don't just look at the projects themselves. Consider the organization. Are its organizers and members individuals you would feel comfortable working with? Are you comfortable with its philosophy? Is the organization transparent and responsible? Or are its financial records a mystery and its leadership distant?

5. Start your own organization

If none of the organizations you've researched appeal to you, don't hesitate to start up your own. This will take more time and effort, but it's worth it if it provides you the platform you need to help women in Pakistan.

6. Dedicate your time, effort and money to your chosen organization

Once you've found the right organization, make a concerted effort to get involved in its activities. Start off simply by attending events like fundraising dinners so you can observe how things are handled. Then you can offer to help with the organization of an event or project. As you get more involved, you should feel greater commitment to the organization and its cause.

7. Encourage others to join in

As a card-carrying member and organizer, you should now make the effort to recruit other Pak-American women to join so that the pool of skills and talents to help the cause of Pakistani women is larger.

8. Regularly donate your personal money to your chosen cause

While you can give money in chunks to support Pakistani women, development work is better served if donors commit to giving regularly.

You may not have much money, but small things make a big difference. Maybe you can sell some of your jewelry? Or stop those thrice daily trips to the vending machine for a soft drink and chips? Or sell some of your other belongings?

Once you've got your cash, don't just hand over a wad of it to the organizations head honchos. Instead, commit to support a specific project over a year with a monthly commitment. For instance, you can support a girls' school for a full year by paying monthly installments for the project.

9. Write about your cause

Campus and city newspapers usually have a space where any member of the public who can write is welcome to submit articles about an issue of concern to them. Use this platform to write about your cause and generally, the state of Pakistani women, from a positive and negative angle. This will give fellow Americans an inside look into another culture, but also highlight the work you are involved in to make a difference.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/18/2002 8:07:43 AM

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