Simorgh

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre held a District Forum via Zoom, with active participation from the Lahore community and key stakeholders.

The forum served as an important platform to discuss pressing community issues, including the lack of access to safe drinking water, the need for more water filtration plants, Garbage disposal issues, and the lack of daily garbage disposal, and legal challenges faced by women, particularly regarding divorce rights and legal awareness.

Participants shared valuable insights, community concerns, and practical recommendations to address these challenges through collective action and stakeholder collaboration.

Grateful to everyone who joined and contributed to this meaningful discussion. Together, through dialogue and partnership, we can work toward stronger communities and sustainable solutions.

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre had an engaging and eye-opening climate change awareness session with the students of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Riphah International University.
The discussion was based on some of the most pressing environmental challenges affecting Pakistan today — from the rapid expansion of housing societies leading to a massive reduction in green spaces, to the alarming activities of the timber mafia removing forests from the northern areas.
The session also highlighted how deforestation is directly contributing to:
Unpredictable weather changes
---Rising temperatures and severe heat waves
---Water shortages caused by poor management and wastage
---Increasing smog levels are affecting public health and quality of life
---Effects of climate change on vulnerable groups
---Adapting climate-friendly habits, reduce kitchen garbage by converting it into organic fertilizers
---Save water and raise awareness about it
It was encouraging to see students actively sharing their concerns and ideas about sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the urgent need for better government planning and long-term policies.
Climate change is no longer a future problem — it is impacting our daily lives today. Awareness, collective action, and responsible development are essential if we want a healthier and safer future for the coming generations.
A big thank you to the students and faculty for their participation and thoughtful discussion. 🌱
We are sincerely thankful to Ammar Hameed for facilitating and supporting this advocacy session. Special appreciation to Dr. Arooj Iqbal for joining us on such short notice and graciously delivering an insightful career counseling session at the request of Riphah International University.

The wait is over, Simorgh has launched its 7th episode of a podcast based on --------The Climate Crisis in Pakistan through a Gender-----

Thank you to our respected guest
Prof. Dr. Ra’ana Malik, Department of Gender Studies (University of the Punjab)
Host: Zil E Huma
Videography/Video Editor: Laeeque Ahmed

The podcasts include:
--Climate change is affecting women more due to their livelihood issues
--Effects of climate change on health and education
--Reproductive health issue: Migrated women in Gilgit Baltistan gave birth to weak children and had more stillbirth cases.
--Initiation of studies of climate change at initial schooling is a need.
--Other vulnerable communities: transgender people and persons with disabilities face more issues than women.

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre 2 likes. "Climate Crisis in Pakistan through a Gender Lens Ep.7"

✨ A proud milestone for Ittehad Simorgh Women’s Resource & Publication Centre! ✨

We successfully conducted a District Forum with community women of Nankana Sahib, creating a powerful platform where women could raise their voices and highlight pressing social issues.

Through this initiative, community members directly engaged with government officials via Zoom, bringing attention to a critical concern — the lack of proper garbage collection and disposal, which was leading to an increase in diseases.

We are pleased to share that the officials not only listened but took immediate action. Within just 24 hours, the issue was addressed and resolved.

This is a strong step toward community empowerment and collaborative problem-solving. Together, we are creating change! 💪🌸

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication centre has launched its 8th Episode of the podcast, based on:
The prevalence of gender based violence and its psychological & emotional impact among youth.

Thank you to our respected guest
Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan- Head of Department Gender and Development studies, Lahore College for Women University.

Host & Creator: Arshia
Videography/Video Editor: Laeeque Ahmed

Today’s youth are facing serious mental health challenges that are often ignored or misunderstood. These struggles not only affect their emotional well-being but also impact their safety, confidence, and sense of dignity. Many factors, including environmental influences and hormonal changes, can turn personal trauma into harmful social behavior.
Unfortunately, there is still a lack of acceptance when it comes to seeking mental health support, which makes things worse. Poor conflict management skills also affect students’ learning and disrupt their educational journey.

In addition, depression is often linked with social expectations and gender norms, adding more pressure on young individuals. This is why parents need to adopt healthier behaviors and create a supportive environment, so children can grow, feel safe, and thrive.

Prevalence of gender based violence and its psychological & emotional impact among youth Ep- 8. The series of podcasts is created under the project “From the Margins to the Mainstream’ funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Follow Simor...

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre organized an advocacy campaign on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in collaboration with the Punjab University Public Relations and Advertising Department, engaging students from different semesters.

The session focused on building a clear understanding of the difference between gender and sex—an essential foundation for addressing social inequalities. We also discussed the wide-ranging impacts of GBV on individuals and communities, highlighting why awareness and collective action are so important.

Students were informed about available support systems, including helplines, Police Khidmat Markaz services, and the importance of using women's safety applications as practical tools for protection and assistance.

It was encouraging to see active participation from students, reflecting a growing commitment among youth to challenge harmful norms and advocate for safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

We are proudly presenting our 6th episode of a podcast with our honorable guest Dr. Sadya Salaar– Advocacy and Partnership Manager- KSS and Transgender Rights Activist
Host & Creator: Shazia Azam

The podcast has highlighted that before colonization, transgender people in many societies were respected and had recognized roles in communities. However, over time, negative propaganda portrayed them as immoral, which damaged their dignity and social status, diminishing their basic human rights, including education, shelter, and food. This changed the whole generation of transgender people, and they became vulnerable.

Today, there are very few positive transgender role models visible in society, making it harder for people to understand and accept them. Transgender individuals often face disrespect and unequal pay in many types of work, including labor jobs and domestic work. They also face difficulties in obtaining National Identity Cards, which limits their access to basic rights and services. Many families feel fear and shame when raising a transgender child because of social taboos. Some families even forcefully hand over their children to a “Guru” due to weak support systems and societal pressure.

Transgender people frequently experience discrimination from society, government offices, and hospitals. In extreme cases, they become victims of honor killing, especially because of their way of earning, such as dancing, or for refusing inappropriate physical contact.

Although laws exist to protect transgender rights, they need proper implementation. Society must accept transgender people as human beings and ensure they have equal respect, protection, and access to education, jobs, and other opportunities.

The Real-Life Challenges of Transgender People, Rejection and Exploitation- EP. 6 The series of podcasts is created under the project “From the Margins to the Mainstream’ funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Follow Simor...

🌍 Climate Change Advocacy Campaign at The SAGE Law College, Lahore.

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre has organized an impactful Climate Change Advocacy Campaign at SAGE Law College, where a detailed presentation highlighted the environmental challenges faced in Lahore.
The discussion covered several pressing issues affecting the city:
🔹 Tyre burning and garbage burning – major contributors to toxic air pollution
🔹 Smog crisis – worsening air quality and public health concerns
🔹 Water crisis – groundwater depletion and unsafe water access
🔹 Rapid urbanization and deforestation – reducing green cover and increasing heat
🔹 Flood impacts – climate-induced extreme weather affecting infrastructure and livelihoods
🔹 Inflation and economic stress – how climate disasters indirectly increase living costs

The presentation emphasized how environmental degradation is not just an ecological issue, but a legal, social, and economic challenge. From policy gaps to enforcement weaknesses, the need for stronger climate governance and public awareness was clearly highlighted.
As a community member, it is our responsibility to advocate for sustainable policies, environmental justice, and accountability. Climate action begins with awareness, and discussions like these are essential for shaping responsible future leaders.

Appreciation to the organizers of The Sage Law College for initiating this important conversation among youth.

🌍 Advocacy Campaign on Climate Change at EQAN Girls College, Shahkot

The Simorgh team had the opportunity to speak at EQAN Girls College, Shahkot, about one of the most pressing issues of our time — climate change.

We discussed how climate change is not a one-day process. It has been happening for so long — through rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, floods, smog, and water scarcity. But most importantly, we reflected on how our daily actions contribute to this crisis:

▪️ Excessive plastic use
▪️ Poor waste management
▪️ Burning garbage and tyres
▪️ Food wastage
▪️ Water wastage
▪️ Lack of proper industrial and hospital waste disposal

A major concern highlighted was that Nankana Sahib and Shahkot currently lack proper garbage disposal systems, and there is no effective factory wastewater disposal mechanism. This not only damages the environment but also poses serious health risks to communities.

💡 We also explored solutions and responsibilities:

What we can do:

✔️ Reduce, reuse, and recycle
✔️ Avoid single-use plastics
✔️ Conserve water and electricity
✔️ Plant trees and protect green spaces
✔️ Raise awareness within our families and communities

What the government must ensure:

▪️ Establish proper solid waste management systems
▪️ Implement factory wastewater treatment regulations
▪️ Enforce environmental protection laws
▪️ Invest in renewable energy
▪️ Promote climate education at institutional levels

Climate action requires collective effort. Awareness is the first step, but action must follow — from individuals, institutions, industries, and policymakers alike.

We are proud to see young students engaging critically with these issues. The future belongs to them, and empowering them with knowledge is the foundation of sustainable change.

Simorgh conducted an impactful Advocacy Campaign on Nikkah Nama Rights with the bright and confident students of ACE Group of Colleges in Gujrat.
The session focused on creating awareness among college girls about their legal rights in the Nikkah Nama, including:
---Understanding key clauses in the Nikkah Nama
---The importance of reading the document before signing
---Haq Mehr (dower) rights
---The right to conditions in marriage contracts

It was inspiring to see young women actively engaging, asking thoughtful questions, and realizing the importance of being informed before making lifelong decisions.

Empowering girls with knowledge is not just awareness — it is prevention, protection, and progress. When women understand their rights, they strengthen families and communities.

Grateful to the administration and students of ACE Group of Colleges for providing a platform to discuss such an important topic. Together, we move towards a more informed and empowered society.

Proudly announcing the launch of our third podcast.

Topic:
Denial of Inheritance, a Form of Harassment based on

-Challenges in claiming inheritance rights, including emotional blackmail by family and community to give up the process

-Dowry and inheritance rights are not mutual responsibilities

-Inheritance includes immovable (homes, land, etc.) and movable (Gold, car, bikes, etc.) properties

-Christian and Indian laws

-Lack of financial literacy and awareness in women

-Consider inheritance rights a division by Islam and Sharia

Thank you to our respected guest

Nida Usman Chaudhary – Legal Consultant, Founder of Women in Law Initiatives

Host and creator: Nazia Zahid

Videography: Laeeque Ahmed

Denial of Inheritance, a Form of Harassment- Ep.3 This series of podcasts is created under the project “From the Margins to the Mainstream’ funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Follow Sim...