Punjab Region of Pakistan

The rural communities of Pakistan's southwestern Punjab region face a number of challenges and have often been neglected in the provision of government services. Rural populations have a literacy rate nearly 30% lower than that of urban populations (44% compared to 72%) and have less access to drinking water and sanitation facilities. While women across Pakistan face gender discrimination and gender-based violence, the problem is exacerbated for many Punjabi women by the sub-standard living conditions in rural areas. There, women face high levels of malnutrition and limited employment opportunities. PODA strives to free women from the constraints of rural society by linking them to markets, both domestically and globally.

The Papier Mâché Craft in Punjab

Papier mâché originated in China around the 2nd century, and was initially used to make lacquered helmets for armor. From there, the art migrated to Japan and Persia, and was introduced to Kashmir in the 15th century. The Kashmiri method, passed on to the rural villages of Punjab, involves first forming a pulp of soaked recycled paper with other recycled materials like cloth, rice, and straw. This pulp is left to dry in a mold for several days, coated with lacquer, and then painted with intricate designs. The patterns on PODA products include silver, gold, and red flowers, animals, and Arabesques. Woman artisans spend 7 to 10 days creating each item.

Region: South Asia

Capital: Islamabad

Population: 177,276,594 (2010)

Size: Slightly less than twice the size of California

Languages: Punjabi (48%), Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtu, Urdu (official), English (official), other

Major religion(s): Muslim 95% (75% Sunni, 20% Shia)

Literacy rate: Total 49.9%; Men 63%; Women 36%

Poverty rate: 24% of the population lives below the poverty line

Maternal mortality rate: Lifetime risk of death in childbirth 1 in 74

Economic participation and opportunity: 126th worst country for women (out of 128)

Did you know: Pakistan is home to the world's highest paved international road, the Karakoram Highway, which connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountains at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

All statistics from CIA World Factbook 2010, UNICEF, and the Global Gender Gap Report 2007

Pakistan, meaning "Land of the Pure" in Urdu, was established in 1947 when India was divided in two by the departing British. It was created as a Muslim state, leaving India to the majority Hindu population. The partition resulted in mass migration of Hindus and Muslims across the border, sparking communal violence that continues to erupt periodically today. The two countries still fight over the India-controlled regions of Jammu and Kashmir along the border.

Rural Poverty

Today, Pakistan has one of the fastest growing populations in the world, and is experiencing a period of economic growth. Economic advances have primarily benefited the urban population; 75% of the rural population remains impoverished. These communities lack access to basic services, infrastructure, education, and health care. After the September 11th attacks in 2001, Pakistan allied with the U.S. against the Taliban in Afghanistan. As a result, the U.S. gave Pakistan over $10 billion in aid, but most of the funding went to the military rather than to address poverty. Although governments under first General Pervez Musharraf and later, President Asif Ali Zardari have promised to restore the economy, the country has faced poor governance, corruption, and disregard for human rights.

Women

In Pakistan, over 70% of those living in poverty are women. In some areas as few as 20% of women are literate. They face mistreatment, abuse, higher rates of malnutrition, and severely limited access to education, health care, and employment. Despite the many obstacles to addressing women's rights, human rights, and poverty in Pakistan, the country is starting to make some changes. In 2006, the Women's Protection Bill was passed, transferring jurisdiction over cases of adultery and rape from Islamic law to criminal courts. Support is increasing for a number of organizations that support income generation, microfinance, and rights education for women across the country.

Natural Disasters

The earthquake in 2005 devastated regions of the country that already faced significant challenges; more than 74,000 Pakistanis were killed, 70,000 injured and over 2.8 million left homeless in and around Kashmir. The world responded with millions of dollars in aid designated to provide health care, supplies, shelter, water, and education to affected populations, but most people continue to live in poor conditions with limited access to resources. Endemic poverty and earthquake devastation were compounded by the floods of August 2010, the worst in Pakistani history. Thousands died and 13.8 million people, over half of whom are women and children, have been seriously affected; with high risk of diseases such as cholera, the toll is expected to rise.