Akhuwat

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Confucius.
Throughout the ages the sagacious have promoted a culture of generosity and philanthropy which nurtures and fosters the human spirit. As Pakistanis were are witness to the extreme economic disparity within our country; millions survive in abject poverty. The poor are indeed too poor to be able to help themselves.
Akhuwat was founded on the principles of humanity and generosity. The aim of the organization, from the start, was to help alleviate the suffering of the poor – our poor. Poverty is a disease that has permeated all corners of our land. In order to help the impoverished break this vicious cycle of poverty, Akhuwat disperses interest free loans in order to help people get ahead in life.
Akhuwat propagates that the needy need not remain forever “needy”. If given an opportunity they can live a financially stable life. What this organization does is truly worthy of admiration. Not only do they dispense interest free loans, they do so very willingly and reach out to the destitute through community centres such as churches and mosques. Furthermore they ensure a gender balance in their loan dispersals. What is even more astounding is the fact that they have an almost one hundred percent recovery rate, thus shattering the myth that only interest rates ensure repayments.
Akhuwat’s main aim is to reach out to as many poor people as it can. It would also like to promote a culture of micro finance which does not contradict, or offend our religion. When the first Muslims left their homes and embarked on a journey to a foreign city, they were not left to fend for themselves. They were not exposed to the elements without shelter, nor did they perish because of hunger of thirst. This is because the people of Medina welcomed them with open arms and helped them create homes. This is what Akhuwat is doing. It is working towards building a more humane society that does not turn the other cheek, but reaches out and helps those who need it.

Rape Me Musharraf

As an unpublished, disillusioned feminist writer, I don’t make money. My writing is considered too controversial and bleak. I’m very black and white I will admit. My short stint in a bank left me depressed and I felt terribly guilty about the capitalist money I was making. I can not seem to compromise my feminist principles with big corporations. I’d rather not make money. I would like to sleep at night. I would love to do research at an NGO but I am too irritated with them at this point. Outside they display boards stating “we are non-hierarchical and feminist” and once inside I am shocked by the deceit. They are hierarchical. They are not very feminist. They are extremely judgemental and unyielding. They do not pay well.
So I’m not making money. And frankly right now I am tired of Lahore with all its superficial hedonistic lifestyle. And I’m also dreading Ramzan because the country will shut down for a whole month. I miss Toronto and I never thought I would say this, but I miss York University—the insanely ugly campus, the pubs, the energy, and especially my Women’s Studies classes. I want out. I want to go back. And I want money.
So rape me Musharraf. Help me out. You state that all we, the women of Pakistan, have to do in order to get a Canadian citizenship and become a millionaire is get raped. I want out. I no longer want my green passport that makes me state my religion and my father’s name instead of my mother’s. I never again want to sign a form stating that I believe Ahmedis to be non-Muslims because I don’t. I don’t like your bullshit “enlightened moderation”. So help me Musharraf. Rape me. Do it publicly. Rape me Musharraf and let’s broadcast it the world over. And then… I will seek refuge in Canada and maybe I will get lots of money. Hell, it might even help save your tarnished image at this point because this rape will finally produce a woman who wants to get raped in order to make money and get a Canadian citizenship. So rape me Musharraf, I want out, I want to get away from you, you useless puppet.

PROTEST

WAF (Women’s Action Forum) is organizing a massive protest in response to the attacks in Islamabad. Laal Masjid has declared that any woman not wearing a burqa will have acid thrown on their face. Please do come and show your support! Details to follow.