A Celebration of International Mother’s Day in Pakistan

Mother’s Day is a special day celebrated around the globe as a tribute to all mothers and motherhood.  This month, our Sindh Community Mobilization Program (CMP) is holding celebrations across its target districts in recognition of  mothers in Sindh Province, Pakistan.

In Larkana district, CMP  facilitated an event in collaboration with Kehar Government Girls Middle School  to celebrate International Mothers’ day at the school level. All students invited their mothers to attend, and the event provided mothers in the audience an opportunity to feel important and recognized. These efforts lifted spirits ensured that mothers do not feel ignorant or neglected as part of the community.

Participants of the Mother’s Day celebration included mothers of Kehar village, students, teachers, parents, School Management Committees (SMCs), community members and government officials from the education department.  The objectives of the celebration were to raise awareness among students, SMC members, teachers and community members regarding International Mother’s Day and the reason behind its celebration all over the world; to provide an opportunity to mothers to discuss issues of education, resources and nutrition with Government stakeholders;  to create a link between mothers and the school, teachers and government officials for good management at the school level; to recognize the importance of mothers’ role in the education of children; and to recognize and pay tribute to the advancements and achievements made by the women in Sindh Province.

A student performing part of a skit during the Mother’s Day event.

In keeping with the cultural practices of Sindh, CMP staff organized a “Mothers’ Kachehri” or “Mayrio Kachehri” in Sindhi language. Kachehri is a traditional practice of gathering in Sindh. During the Kachehri event, mothers discussed issues of education, dropout of girl students, lack of resources, health and hygiene, women’s membership in SMCs and child nutrition. Additionally, attendees participated in decoration of the venue with Charpaies and traditional Rallies.

Discussion between mothers and other event participants highlighted many thoughts about the value of mothers in society. They agreed that the love, affection and sacrifice of mothers is with us at every moment throughout life, and added that no human being, religion, nation or sect can deny respect to mothers. Mothers stressed the importance of girls’ education, and agreed that without  an education that there is no way to achieve a high quality of life. Several mothers who are illiterate spoke about the feeling that something is missing in their life, and said they have given special attention to the education of their daughters.

Group Photo of the CMP Gender Advisor with Mothers and Children.

During the event, a Mother from  Kehar village said that it was a big day for all mothers to recognize their achievements and their role in development, and in history women or mothers have played key roles in social and economic development. She concluded by assuring CMP team members that from that day onward all mothers of Kehar village would support CMP activities.

International Mother’s Day 2017 was celebrated across all CMP targeted districts i.e. Dadu, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Qamber Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Karachi. During the events, CMP District Managers delivered speeches to the crowd and gave tribute to the spirit of motherhood. They said that from the moment a child is born, mothers gives countless sacrifices, and in return it is only right to make them feel special and loved at least once a year.

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