Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Refugee Crisis Opens Doors for Pakistan's Secluded Women

Women uprooted by fighting gain new access to health care, education

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 4, 2009 1:30 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Women's leaders in Pakistan have found an unexpected silver lining in the country's refugee crisis, the Globe & Mail reports. A million women have been forced from their homes by the fighting, upending the Pashtun code of honor that forces women to spend almost all their time secluded in family compounds. Many women are deeply disturbed by the displacement, aid workers say, but they are also deeply curious about the outside world.

Aid agencies see the crisis as a rare opportunity to provide the women with health care and education. Some women in refugee camps have joined classes to learn skills that may provide an independent income when they return to their homes. "Women's role is definitely going to change after this displacement," says the leader of one women's group. "When you expose women and they survive, they become confident.”

Displaced Pakistani women wait to receive a medical checkup at a medial center in Yar Hussain refugee camp in Swabi, Pakistan.
Displaced Pakistani women wait to receive a medical checkup at a medial center in Yar Hussain refugee camp in Swabi, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
Displaced Pakistani women with children leave a medical center after receiving medicines at Yar Hussain refugee camp in Swabi, Pakistan,.
Displaced Pakistani women with children leave a medical center after receiving medicines at Yar Hussain refugee camp in Swabi, Pakistan,.   (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
Men and women line up separately to receive buckets, blankets and other items at a refugee camp in Mardan, in northwest Pakistan.
Men and women line up separately to receive buckets, blankets and other items at a refugee camp in Mardan, in northwest Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

These were the powerless women. They are still powerless now—but maybe this can be a blessing in disguise - Mosarrat Qadeem, leader of a Pakistani women's organization

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

 
Taliban • Pakistan • feminism • women • refugee camp • refugee

More Newser Stories

US, Afghanistan, Taliban: Secret Talks Under Way

US Kills Taliban Commander With al-Qaeda Ties

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

US-Taliban Talks Stumble

Taliban: We're in Peace Talks With Pakistan
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne