Northern Areas Development Project NADP PROJECT SUCCESSES IN GENDER MAINSTREAMING Northern Areas Development Project

Some Facts About Women Folk in Diamer District Northern Areas Development Project Women live under very difficult social, cultural and economical conditions; Have a subordinate role with no participation in decision making; Lack of education (<1% literacy rate), with only one girls high and five primary schools in entire district; Invisible contributors to the household economy, particularly in agricultural production; No access to cash income; lack of job opportunities due to traditional restrictions; lack of health facilities (only one district hospital with only two lady doctors, no mother child health care centers in the whole district (roughly 10% of women suffer from tuber closes);

Key Challenges to Gender Mainstreaming Northern Areas Development Project Resistance from religious groups; Cultural and social norms; Lack of qualified local female staff; Creating working environment for non local female staff; Mobility problem for female staff; Inappropriate introduction of WID component;

Strategies Adopted to Overcome Challenges Northern Areas Development Project Continuous dialogue with religious leaders and key stakeholders to clear their concerns; Formation of District Advisory Committee of Ulema for continuous guidance; Adopted flexible approach to get support and enhance acceptance level; Appointment of local female mobilizers with in specific locality; Fully regarded social and cultural values and commitments made with religious leaders;

Northern Areas Development Project Continued Northern Areas Development Project Indirect approaches to address inaccessible (Socially & Culturally) areas through female education; Launching of woman focused specific interventions (Sanitation, DWSS, etc); Develop linkages of WDGs with line departments; Awareness raising and capacity building workshops for females with in socially acceptable environment; Creating opportunities for women in income generation;

Northern Areas Development Project Achievements Northern Areas Development Project 164 Women groups ( WDGs) were formed; Permanently Stationed GAD Officer and JSO (F) in Core Project area; Frequent visits of female staff to implement WID activities in Core Project Area; Appointment of 6 local FCMs through test and interviews among 13 candidates; High demand of new WDGs formation from all COUs; Raised awareness among community for girls education and health related issues. Continuous support and guidance from Ulema Committee;