She dispelled pre-conceived notions created about self-defense by the media that suggest that self-defense involves big kicks and punches and is for frightening situations. Susie suggested that this hinders individuals from employing self-defense techniques.
Read MoreMenarche, or the first menstrual bleeding, is a major occurrence in the lives of girls, but it is often misinterpreted in rural areas as an indication that a girl is ready for marriage because she is growing up. Raaji has been invited to lead the activist workshop on Menstrual Health Awareness, and engage with over 50 community leaders/members, including Community Bookkeepers and Resource Persons from various villages within the Kamber-Shahdadkot district of rural Sindh.
Read Moreis the lack of affordable and accessible period products the only reason keeping girls away from school? In a survey we conducted in February 2021, 89% of respondents (mothers of adolescent girls) shared that girls as young as 9 to 11 who start menstruating for the first time become emotionally, psychologically, and physically ready for marriage.
Additionally, 72% of respondents shared that menarche also calls for a change to their dressing (taking up the hijab) and learning homemaking skills (e.g cooking and cleaning). When a girl is told at such an early age by her parents that she is ready for marriage, and will be married off as soon as possible, will her education be supported or encouraged by the same parents? Can she afford to go to school on her own if she wills to do so after her period?
Read More
