“Empowering

Women to
overcome
violence”

Annual Report
2016

Talitha Kumi Welfare Society

Annual Report 2016 Talitha KUMI Welfare Society

Contents

About Talitha Kumi…………………………………………………………..3

Talitha KUMI Programs………………………………………………………4

Key Numbers 2016……………………………………………………………5

Message from Executive Director…..……………………………..………...6

Legal Aid Program………………………………………………..……………7

Awareness & Education Program…………….……………………………...21

Economic Empowerment Program……….…………………….…..……....23

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About Talitha KUMI

WHAT – Talitha KUMI Welfare Society (TKWS), commonly known as “Talitha KUMI” is a
non-profit organization. The purpose of organization is to help the marginalized,
underprivileged & oppressed women who are victims of various forms of violence and who find
it very difficult to pursue the injustices done to them in a male-dominated society in Pakistan.
WHEN - Talitha KUMI was envisioned in 2000.

WHO – Dr. Rev. Khushnud Azariah, Ms. Shunila Ruth and other like minded women
envisioned Talitha Kumi Welfare Center back in the year 2000. Now more than 15 dedicated
staff work for TKWS. The growing cadre of volunteers from diverse backgrounds supports
TKWS.
“Empowering women to overcome various forms of violence” is our mission statement. TKWS
trying to empower women through economic empowerment programs to help them become
economically independent and through awareness building programs to promote women
rights, gender-related issues to counter various forms of
violence, done against women.
WHERE – TKWS is located on Nazareth Road,
Bahar Colony, Lahore, Pakistan. Target group of Mission
the Talitha Kumi Welfare Society are poor
women from slum areas of Lahore, i.e. Kot Empowering women to overcome
Lakhpath, Bahar Colony, Nawaz sharif Colony, various forms of violence. Increase
LDA Quarters, Chungi Amer Sidho, Green economic and social status of
Town, Youhanabad and Bahadrabad etc. Out of marginalized, underprivileged &
one million population of these areas 52% oppressed women and provide legal
comprises women. 65% of the population is aid to those who are victims of
below poverty- line with wages less than a various forms of violence in the city
dollar per day. Mostly people are illiterate and of Lahore
unskilled. They work as laborers, domestic/street
cleaners, brick kiln workers
etc.
Core value
Vision

Equality
 Participatory
decision making
“Women rise in faith and
 Non discrimination
live with dignity,
 Commitment
courage and hope.”
 Transparency
 Accountability

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Talitha KUMI Programs

1. Legal Aid Program

The Legal Aid Programme is the core program of

Talitha Kumi and the reason of Talitha Kumi
existence. It provides accessible quality legal aid to the
most disadvantaged women of the society who are
victims of violence.

2. Education & Awareness Program

The Program raise awareness they can fight for

their rights among women & men about their
fundamental rights and cases of infringement.

The program helps women recognize

discrimination, domestic violence and harassment.
Empower women so that they are able to speak up
within and outside their families.

3. Economic Empowerment Program

Economic empowerment is a vital part of our

program activities at Talitha Kumi Welfare Society.
We believe that the economic empowerment is the
key to control conflicts between male and female.
Once women learn to earn, control and manage their
money they will be more confident and empowered.
They will be less vulnerable of being exploited.

Economic empowerment program was initiated so

that women can learn different skills enabling them
to become economically independent.

1. Midwifery Training

2. Beautician training Course

3. Tailoring, Embroidery, Fabric Dying etc.

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IMAPACT Report 2016

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Dear Friends of Talitha KUMI

Greetings
I am really glad to write few words being team leader of Talitha KUMI. While highlighting
some activities and work of Talitha KUMI in the year 2016, I am feeling honored and proud
that Talitha KUMI has achieved the targets set for the year. We are proud to be a leading
organization working for community development specifically women in district Lahore.

This year we as a team have been successful and it is only because of Grace of God over us and
committed and hardworking team in Talitha KUMI.

 Legal Aid Program dealt 30 cases of women in distress during the year 2016.

 12 activities have been undertaken during the 2016 to build awareness and education
about violence and women rights.

 318 men and women directly sensitize/educate on the issues related to women.

 74 girls completed different training under Economic Empowerment Program in

midwifery, tailoring/sewing & beauticians trainings.

Here, I must appreciate the support of Church of Sweden, Uniting Church of Sweden and
Conejo Compassion Coalition and many individual friends of Talitha KUMI. Without whom
we wouldn’t be able to serve the poor women victims of violence. Their generosity makes a
difference and dramatic impact on the lives of many women.

Shunila Ruth
Hon. Executive Director

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1. CASE STUDY
(Economic Empowerment Program)

Sonia Waris
20 year old Sonia’s father died ten years ago. Her mother took care of the family. Sonia being
the eldest of her 6 sibling could not continue her primary schooling after her father’s death. She
ended up joining her mother in doing odd jobs at very tender age.

Sonia Waris have joined skilled training program to learn sewing and tailoring. She has taken
up 9 month training course. She has learnt sewing, tailoring and embroidery and successfully
completed the course.
Now she is earning decent living while working from her home. She is offering her tailoring
and embroidery skills to the neighborhood. Sonia is determined and firm to send her youngest
sibling to school.
(Talitha KUMI would keep you updated about the progress in the life of Sonia.)

2. CASE STUDY
(Legal Aid Program)

Farah 14-year-old orphan, escaped from her

parental uncle’s house in Sialkot city because she
was forced into marriage.
Her father died when she was only 5 years of age,
6 years later Farah’s mother sudden death left her
all alone. Therefore, she has been living with her
parental uncle. The behavior of uncle’s muslim
wife was so rude and cruel towards Farah because
of Farah’s Christian faith. She was denied
education and prohibited to exercise Christianity
and even forcibly attempted to convert her
religion. In short, Farah spent three year of life
like a slave in her uncle’s house.
At last, Farah escaped from the house because
now she was forced to marry a much old already
married muslim man. She reached Talitha KUMI
Center with the help of local Pastor. She was
immediately taken to the court by Talitha KUMI
lawyer to record her statement. Court ordered the
police to provide security to the girl and directed her uncle to stay away from Farah.
Talitha KUMI also helped Farah to resume her education. She is now living in a boarding
school and pursing her dream to become a teacher.

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Legal Aid Program

The Legal Aid Programme is the core program of Talitha Kumi and the reason of Talitha Kumi
existence. It provides accessible quality legal aid to the most disadvantaged women of the
society who are victims of violence.
(Some names and places are change to ensure privacy, safety and security of the women and men)

Date Date
No. Name Case Action Status
registered closure
Domestic divorce case Resolved in 30-1-
1 2-3-2015 Aroona Sohail
Violence filed favour 2016
FIR with
Violence, forced police, file 30-1-
2 19-5-2015 Mariam Bibi Case closed
prostitution divorce case 2016
in court
Maintenance Resolved and
Violence, 25-8-
3 26-6-2015 Rubina Waris suit filed in closed. Imran to
Desertion 2016
the court pay Rs.5000
Case registered
Forced conversion 14-5-
4 27-8-2015 Kiran Maqbool for dissolution Divorce effective
& forced marriage of marriage
2016
Petition for
Proceeding in the
5 4-9-2015 Rooma Domestic violence dissolution of -
right directions
marriage file
Dissolution of
Domestic violence marriage case 7-10-
6 17-9-2015 Monica Decree in favour
& desertion filed in the 2016
court
Separation
Judicial 23-6-
7 18-9-2015 Nageen Domestic violence granted by the
separation 2016
court
20-11- Case of Case of
Saleena Case in the court -
8 2015 maintenance maintenance
Husband was a Dissolution of 31-12-
9 1-12-2015 Mehwish Case withdrawn
wanted criminal marriage filed 2016
Application 20-1-
10 5-1-2016 Arooj kidnapping with police to Arooj recover 2016
recover Arooj
Rehabilitation, 9-2-2016
11 16-1-2016 Shamim Akhtar Drugs, narcotics Action against Closed
drugs sellers
Maintenance
12 10-2-2016 Maria Domestic violence Case in the court
suit
Life threats, illegal 8-6-2016
13 2-3-2016 Fazeelat Negotiation Case close
money lending

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Date Date
No. Name Case Action Status
registered closure
Petition
19-12-
14 5-3-2016 Nahid Domestic violence judicial Close
2019
separation
Registration
31-12-
15 20-1-2016 Liaquat Bhatti Violence, murder of FIR with
2016
Police
Kidnapping
Case withdrawn 31-12-
16 6-2-2016 Sana Kidnapping FIR against
by the parent. 2016
culprit
Implicated into
Imran escaped to 31-12-
17 20-5-2016 Imran Masih blasphemy Counseling
another country 2016
charges
18 2-6-2016 Neelam Domestic violence Counselling Close 9-8-2016

19 15-6-2016 Robina Property matter Counseling Close 4-8-2016

Bigamy, Null and Petition file in Pending in the
20 22-6-2016 Anita -
void marriage the court court
Petition for
Domestic
21 4-7-2016 Zarish dissolution of Case in the court -
violence, dowry
marriage
Counseling,
22` 7-7-2016 Parveen Property matter out of court Closed 8-9-2016
settlement
Father & Brother
Bail granted
23 11-7-2016 Anita implicated into Close 28-7-16
and acquitted
false case
Provide
Forced marriage,
24 27-7-2016 Farah shelter, and Close 16-12-16
Forced conversion
schooling
Report to the
Sexual 1-12-
25 20-8-2016 Mariam concerned Culprit sacked
harassment 2016
authority
Missing daughter Petition in the 29-10-
26 21-9-2016 Zarish Case closed
Kidnapping High Court 2016
18-12-
27 8-10-2016 Aroona Domestic violence Counseling Case closed
2016
18-11- Betrayal, fraud, 31-12-
28 Sarah Counseling Case close
2016 desertion 2016
Petition for
25-11- Case pending in
29 Noureen Domestic violence dissolution of -
2016 the court
marriage
Reconciliation
31-12-
30 2-12-2016 Mary Domestic violence Counseling couple happily
2016
living together

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1. Aroona is a beautician by profession. She took legal assistance from TKWS in 2013, on
the grounds that her husband beats her and the children and the husband are of the
view that she was involved with some other man. At that time TKWS helped her
reconcile and she was happy but again in April 2015 she asked TKWS for assistance for
a divorce from the husband. To which TKWS legal team along with the lawyer
supported her and counsel her not to take a divorce and got the matter resolved. But
later divorce case has been filed in the court.

Update: Case was resolved as degreed in favour of Aroona.

2. Mariam Bibi is 18 year old, Christian girl, who married a boy named Sherry, 20 years
old. They had a love marriage in 2013. During their marriage they had several episodes
of violence where Sherry used to beat Mariam and told her to leave her and go to her
parents’ home. Mariam left Sherry & went to her parental house. While Mariam was
pregnant in 2014 and gave birth to a baby girl, Sherry was sorry for his acts and wanted
Mariam to come back and live with her. So Mariam agreed and she went with Sherry.
Later Sherry took Mariam to another city Karachi and sold her for about Rs. 20,000.
One of Sherry’s uncle came to know about it and called the lady in Karachi to whom
Sherry sold Mariam to send her back otherwise she will be handed over to the police.
Due to the fear of the police Mariam was sent back to Lahore. Meanwhile, Sherry got
married to another lady. Mariam has requested TKWS to conduct a legal proceeding
against Sherry and her family for selling her and for abuse. FIR (First Information
Report) has been registered in the police station against Sherry. But Sherry could not be
arrested because he went underground. Divorce case has been registered.

Update: Legal aid team learnt that Sherry has converted to Islam and married to
another lady Sana. Sherry is not appearing before the court. This case will go into ex
parte proceeding. Mariam is living with her widow mother.

3. Rubina Waris is a housewife and married to Imran a house-painter since 2000. They
have 3 sons (14, 13, 5 years of age respectively). Imran the husband converted to Islam
and married a woman called Irum in 2012. Imran also used to beat and torture her. At
last he left Rubina on the road side. Rubina came to her in-laws house where she was
tortured and escaped rape attempt by his father in law and brother in law. Rubina came
to TKWS for assistance and on our advice she was told to leave her in laws house and
now she is staying at her brother’s house with the children. Maintenance petition has
been filed in the court.

Update: court order Imran to pay Rs. 5000 to Rubina monthly

Meanwhile, Talitha KUMI has facilitated Rubina’s illiterate elder son to admit in skill
training institute to learn Welding.

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4. Kiran, 18 Christian by faith forcibly kidnapped, converted and married to Shahzad.

Kiran went to meet her neighborhood friend and kidnapped by friend’s cousins. They
took her to a village. Where she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to
Shahzad.
Shahzad families never accept Kiran as their daughter-in-law. After three months of
their marriage Shahzad expelled Kiran from the house although she was expecting.
She has arrived in her parental home. Her poor father contacted Talitha Kumi for help.
Legal Aid team filed the case for the dissolution of marriage.

UPDATE: This case has been closed. Shahzad had sent a talaqnama (divorce paper) to
Kiran. As per Islamic law husband does not need any reason to divorce the wife but he
has to follow the legal procedure to make the divorce effective. One copy of written
talaqnama should be send to the wife and one copy should be sent to the chairman
Arbitration council. Arbitration council will send notices to both the parties and try for
reconciliation between them. If no reconciliation takes place within ninety days the
divorce will be effective however if the reconciliation between husband and wife takes
place within 90 days the divorce will deemed to be revoked and ineffective.

5. Rooma is a former midwifery student of Talitha Kumi. She completed her training in
2010. She lives next to Talitha Kumi Center.
She works in a clinic. Her marriage was in trouble. Her husband does nothing but he
suspects her cheating on him. He often beat her. One day Rooma decided to leave along
with the kids and came to her parent’s house. Next day when she was on her way to her
workplace, her husband stopped her and started slapping & kicking her badly. Rooma
went unconscious. Her husband lifted her up and took to the nearby sewerage water
drain. He was about to throw her into the drain when passersby stopped him. He ran
away leaving Rooma unconscious on the road. People took Rooma to the hospital.

After this episode Rooma came to Talitha Kumi. Legal Aid team tried to contact her
husband but he did not respond positively. So it was decided to file a case of dissolution
of marriage. The case is now in the court.

Update: Still in the court proceeding.

6. Monica has completed her sewing & tailoring training course from Talitha Kumi
Center in year 2009. She was married at that time but did not have kids. After 5 years of
her marriage husband divorced her and married to another woman.

After sometime Monica also remarried to a man namely Tajumal. They had a child.
Tajumal was not a family person. Often he remained out of home for months. Whenever
he came home he used to beat Monica on petty issues. Now it’s been over a year that he

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never returned back to Monica. Therefore Monica decided to get rid of him. She filed a
petition of dissolution of marriage through Talitha Kumi’s counsel.

Update: Decree in favour of Monica after ex parte proceeding

7. Nageen case was also dealt in the past. Nageen was married to Samuel when she was
only 14 and was brought into an extended family with three other daughters-in-law.
Nageen’s “misfortune” is that she gave birth to four daughters and no male child. This
is considered taboo and a curse in the Pakistani society. Hence, there was nonstop taunt
and torment directed at her by her in-laws.

After the birth of her fifth daughter "Efra", her in laws termed her “cursed” and she
went into deep depression. Her husband and her daughter too thought of her as insane.
When things became unbearable, Nageen moved, with her youngest daughter to her
brother Shahid’s house.

The Talitha Kumi Welfare Society legal aid team held several counseling sessions with
Nageen and her husband in the presence of her brother at the Talitha Kumi Centre. The
husband admitted having maltreated her and promised not to repeat it again, but after
sometime the relationship between the two again got tense. Again Nageen contacted
TKWS for advice. She doesn’t wants to live with her husband. TKWS helped husband
and wife to go for judicial separation.

Update: Judicial separation granted by the court. Case closed

8. Saleena married to Faisal Baloch in 2006. They had a baby girl. Faisal’s behavior was
not good towards his wife. He often beat Saleena on petty issues. He had extra marital
relation with other women. In year 2014 he married to another woman and converted to
Islam. He wanted Saleena and his second wife to live under the same roof. But Saleena
refused to live with him and left home along with her daughter.

Saleena started to work in a factory. She approached Legal Aid team because she
wanted Faisal to pay monthly expense to his daughter.
A case of maintenance has been filed in the court.

Update: Case still in court.

9. Mahwish joined Talitha Kumi as midwifery trainee. Soon after she came to know about
the Legal Aid service in TKWS, she shared her pain with Community activist. Mahwish
married to Rafaqat in year 2010. She has two kids. She did not know before marriage
that her husband Rafaqat in a wanted criminal. He is constantly in hiding. He remained
out of home for months. Therefore she left him and came to his parental house.
Mahwish life is too difficult. She has two kids. She has no skill or education. She is living

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with her parents. She decided to join midwifery training in Talitha Kumi Center. But
she has to travel 50KM every day to reach Talitha Kumi Center and it cost around
Rs.100. Often she is absent from the class because of non availability of travel money.

TKWS arranged for her monthly fee through a generous donor. Legal Aid team also
filed a suit.

Update: Case withdrew on the request of Mehwish. Mehwish gone with her husband to
another city.

10. Arooj, 16, a matriculation student, went missing returning from school on 18th
December 2015 in Abbottabad, a city situated in 110 KM north of capital Islamabad.
Her parents went looking for her in Abbottabad and its surrounding but could not find
her.
After two weeks parents got clue from Arooj’s cousin that she had a love affair on
facebook with a boy in Lahore namely “Arsalan” and she might has eloped with him.

Arooj’s parents made a contact with Shunila Ruth through a local councilor on 5
January 2016. Talitha Kumi took up this case to find Arooj and Arsalan in Lahore.
Arooj’s parents wished to verify if their daughter left on her own or forcibly abducted.

Arsalan was traced down via phone call data. The police raided his residence and found
Arooj. In her statement to the Police, Arooj said that she has converted to Islam and
married Arsalan with her free consent. But Legal Aid team negotiated with the police to
let Arooj talk to her parents. Arooj met with her parents in Executive Director Shunila
Ruth’s house. They had overnight talks. Legal Aid team also directly talked to Arooj
and asked if she is happy with her marriage. She told that she is happy and no question
of any pressure and forceful abduction.
Next day, Arooj appeared before the court, stated that she is now muslim and married
Arsalan with her free will.
Although, Arooj’s parents were dejected and disturbed but thankful to Talitha Kumi for
the help finding their daughter.

11. Shamim Akhtar a widow has 7 children (4 sons and 3 daughers). The two of her elder
sons’ drug addiction started in school, with what at the time she considered to be
“normal” experimentation with alcohol. Now they are 24 and 22 years of age. She never
expected that use of Charas and Alcohol would escalate into full blown addiction and
that it would progress over the years all the way to intravenous injection of drug. Now
they even steal money from their own house or sell household items to satisfy their
drug craving. They hit themselves or those who tried to stop them.

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Shamim cried, pleaded and begged while sharing her painful story. She is the only
breadwinner of her family. She works in different homes as domestic cleaner. Her other
children are too young to work. She did not know how to deal with the situation due to
her ignorance.
Legal Aid teams met with the boys and convinced them to go for treatment. The team
took both the boy to “fountain house” a drug rehabilitation facility in Lahore. They were
admitted into that rehab Center.
Legal Aid team also approached Anti narcotics Force Lahore and complaint about the
supply of drug in that area. A woman and man have been arrested by Anti Narcotics
Force who sold drugs to those boys.

12. Maria married to Nazir Masih in year 2011. She was blessed with two kids. Before
marriage Nazir lied that he works in a Government Office. After marriage it was
revealed that he did’nt do any work.
Nazir behavior towards Maria was not good. He often beat and abused her. Couple of
time he kicked out Maria from the house on petty issues. “Five years passed since their
marriage but the situation was getting worse,” say Maria. She came to Talitha Kumi
for legal support.
Legal aid team called on to Nazir and he refused to meet the team. They also tried to
approach Nazir through his family relatives. But He took least interest in Maria.
Therefore case of maintenance has been registered in the court.

13. Fazeelat married to Shahid Gulzar in year 2004. They have 4 kids. Her husband drives
a leased rickshaw to earn livelihood.

Fazeelat underwent a critical surgery upon the birth of her youngest kid, which cost
exuberant amount of money to the tune of Rs. 100,000. This money has been borrowed
from the unregulated private money lender on exponentially higher rates. This debt
spiraled out of control that added up weekly. The debt doubled within two years of time.
Fazeelat family was bombarded with threatening phone calls demanding money.

Desparat Fazeelat was driven to brink of suicide by evil loan sharks. Fazeelat
approached Talitha Kumi for legal advice. Legal Aid team told her that it is illegal to
lend money above the rate of interest set by the Central Bank.

Legal Aid team negotiated with the money lender on behalf of Fazeelat. They were
warned that we are going to lodge complaint with the concerned department that they
are involved in illegal business. This warning exerted pressure on Money lender and
agreed to follow the official rate of interest.

They recalculated the money and mark ups and both the party came to an agreement
that Fazeelat family has be pay total of Rs. 62,000 in 12 monthly installment. Fazeelat
was very thankful to the team. The little effort by Talitha Kumi helped Fazeelat only to
pay Rs. 62000 in easy installments instead of Rs. 200,000.

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14. Nahid married to Shamoon Masih. She has 4 children but she does not want to live with
her husband anymore because of his cruel behavior. He does not do any work. He drinks
a lot and has extra marital relationship. Nahid wanted to get rid for Shamoon to save
her children for their father bad habits.

The case of judicial separation has been registered.

15. Liaquat Masih was illegally detained by the policemen. Police tied his hands with rope
and hanged him and started beating him with bamboo sticks until he was dead. The
police had detained Liaquat in Jewelry stealing case. This accusation was levied by his
employer. The post-mortem pronounced death due to heart attack to cover up killing.

Police refused to register case against the policemen.

The family relatives of Liaquat and local community staged protest and blocked roads
demand arrest of Policemen involved in torturing and murdering Liaquat.

The Executive Director of Talith Kumi reached Gujranwala consoled Liaquat family
and met with the police high-up. FIR (First investigation Report) has been registered
against the policemen and S.A. Hameed the employer. Next day the accused murderers
were arrested.

Talitha Kumi Legal Aid is following up the case in the court.

In a statement issued by Talitha Kumi Center demanded Chief Minister of Punjab Mian
Shahbaz Sharif to take notice of the incident and arrest Police Station Head and
investigation officer involved in torture and killing of Liaquat Masih.

16. Sana Shahid, 14 years old girl was going to School when Waheed Akhter S/O
Muhammad Bashir, resident of Mohallah Kasayian, Roads
Road,Sialkot, abducted, forcibly converted her to Islam and
forcibly married.
Legal Aid team filed a petition to recover Sana. She recorded
her statement u/s 164 of Cr.P.C that she is not under undue
influence of any one. An FIR has been registered u/s 365-B
of PPC against her husb0and and other in-laws. All accused
nominated in the FIR are on bail by the order of the Court of
Session. The case is still in the court.
Her birth certificate, School certificate and Catholic Church
records confirm her birth in year 2002 which calculate as 14
years of age. Marriage of 14 year girl is a criminal act under Child Marriage Restraint
Act 1929.

We have to prove the minor age of Sana by submitting relevant documentary evidence
etc. The Court will also order to conduct the Ossification test of the minor for her age
determination and will summon to the relevant birth record holder UC (Union Council)

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for its entire satisfaction. Age is a matter of evidence which will be decided by the
Court at this stage.

Meanwhile, Sana’s twin sister Hina and her brothers have left school as Hina is so much
psychologically upset that she says that she is afraid that she would also be treated in
the same way as her sister Sana if she is on her way to school.

17. Imran Masih, 30-year-old Imran Masih, a Christian resident, scuffled with colleagues
on 19 April in the village Chak 44 near
Mandi Bahauddin, 170km south-east of the
capital, Islamabad. Several people said that
the scuffle broke out over a video of Samie
Samson, a fiery preacher from Pakistan
now in the US, who posts anti-Islam
videos in Urdu on YouTube. Others, who
requested anonymity, said that Masih had
an argument about religion, while drinking
alcohol with a Muslim. Still others said
Masih was in a relationship with a Muslim
widow, and that this angered his
workmates. The top Pakistani newspapers
in English, Dawn reported that land
grabbers were behind the tensions. The situation in the village only became tense on 6
May, during Muslims’ Friday prayers.

After Friday prayers, Chak 44 Jamia Mosque Committee discussed Imran Masih, who
had been accused of committing blasphemy. They discussed to send warning message to
Christian to accept Islam or leave the village; otherwise their houses will be burnt
down.

Police took hold the situation and provide security to the Christian community. Heavy
contingent of Police have been deployed in the village. But Most of the Christian left the
village. Talitha Kumi Legal Aid team decided to visit that village to meet with the
community especially the women to stand with them and offer any support.

Team met with the Christian people of that village, although there was a fear in the air
but they were determined that peace and harmony would be restored and everything
will be alright. People who fled away will come back soon. Legal aid team also met with
the Police officials and they said that there was no incidence of blasphemy occurred.
Police appreciated the efforts of Christian organization in cooling downing the tension
between the two communities. Talitha Kumi Team also met with the members of peace
committee formed by local muslim and Christian.

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All Christian have now returned back. Imran is still in the hiding.

18. Neelam married to Majeed Masih in 1999. She has 5 daughters from this marriage.
After the birth of her fifth daughter her already awful married life plunged into despair.
Sadly, the birth of a girl in Pakistan is unwelcomed and far from being celebrated.
Giving birth to a daughter is considered a heinous crime and mother is responsible of
committing it.
Neelam faced the wrath of her in-laws and the husband. Her husband’s shouting and
yelling at her using very abusive words. So she left the house along with her children
and came to his brother. She gave her fifth daughter to her barren sister.
After couple of week her husband Majeed contacted Talitha Kumi for a help to resolve
their matter. Talitha Kumi staff told him that he is the reason of dispute and he need to
change his behavior if he wants to have a successful and happy married life. He admitted
his mistake. He said now he acknowledged the importance of wife and family after her
wife left him. He said he was not happy with his mother and sister’s behavior towards
his wife. So he is going to permanently shift to Rawalpindi with his wife.
Neelam and Majeed are now living in Rawalpindi. We hope for the happiest and blessed
married life.

19. Robina David 44 years of age, has been forcibly kicked out of her parental house by her
brother after the death of their parents. She had been living in that house for the last
ten years after her divorce. Her father and mother gave her shelter in their house when
she was left alone by her husband for another lady. But unfortunately this shelter has
also been snatched.

Then she went to her friend’s house where she lived for three days. Her friend
demanded her to convert her religion if she really needs accommodation. Again she had
to flee from her friend’s house.
Hopeless Robina reached Talitha Kumi Center for help. Legal Aid team consoled her
and promised to look after her.

Legal Aid team contacted Robina’s brother and told him that Robina is also legal heir of
their parent’s property. He was told that if he refused to share the property he would
have to face the court. Meanwhile, Talitha Kumi also involved their family elders and
community leader in this matter. Finally, Robina’s brother realized the situation and
agree to distribute the property according to the Christian Inheritance and Succession
Act. 1925. Both the parties also agreed to divide the money after the disposal of the
property under the supervision of Talitha KUMI legal Aid Team.

20. Anita married to Barnabas in year 2015. But soon after their marriage Anita left
Barnabas when she came to know that he was already married and have 4 children
although she was expecting that time.

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She started living with her sister. After the birth of her daughter she tried to contact
Barnabas for financial help being the father of the daughter. But he refused to pay
money since he wanted Anita to come to his house and live together with his first wife.
Anita did not want to live with Barnabas anymore but he forced and threatened her to
live with him. Anita contacted Talitha KUMI for help. Anita was told by the Talitha
KUMI lawyer that bigamy in not allowed under Christian Marriage Act. 1860 and
second marriage is null and void. But for a formal declaration of marriage null and
void through a court decree you will have to file a petition.
Hence, petition was filed with the court.

21. Zarish marriage life went into despair within a month after her marriage to Imran
because she failed to arrange a sizeable amount of dowry in her marriage.
She lived through persistent torture from her in-laws. Incidents of degrading treatment
and blackmailing result in recognized psychiatric illnesses.

Finally, Zarish left that house and came to her parent house. She was referred to
Talitha KUMI for legal support. Petition for dissolution of marriage has been filed in
the court.
22. Parveen was kicked out from the house with two kids by her in-laws after the death of
her husband. Even her own parents refused to give refuge to her. But her friend came
forward to provide her shelter in her house.
Her husband owned a cargo van but her in-law also refused to hand over the vehicle to
Parveen. In this hard times Parveen did not know how to deal with situation. She did
not have any money to even feed her kids.
Then a midwifery graduate of Talitha KUMI informed Parveen about Talitha KUMI
Legal Aid Program. Immediately, she came to Talitha KUMI and met Legal Aid team.
She presented the ownership documents of the cargo vehicle owned by her husband.
Legal Aid team contacted her in-laws and requested them to return the possession of
vehicle to the widow. But they refused and even threatened the team.
Keep in mind the situation, report was registered with the police that Parveen in-laws
have illegally snatched the vehicle owned by her deceased husband.
Finally, by the involvement of police Parveen got the possession of the cargo van.
Talitha KUMi legal Team also helped Parveen to transfer the ownership to her name.
Parveen has now rented out the vehicle to a company.

23. Anita is doing short beautician training course in Talitha KUMI. In June 2016 her two
parental uncles had verbal arguments in the street that escalated into large fight and the
opponents opened fire on them. One of Anita’s uncle wounded by the bullet and taken to
the hospital. Police registered the report and arrested the opponents with the arms.
The opponent party is very rich and influential. They also registered false case and
nominated Anita’s father and brother (her only sibling) for stealing, although Anita’s

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father and brother was not involved in fight and even not present at that place. Police
also arrested Anita’s father and brother.
Anita and her mother were very frightened and helpless. No one was there for help.
Desperate Anita shared her story with the Legal Aid Team.
Legal Aid Team filed a bail petition and the court granted bail to Anita’s father and
brother and charges against them was set aside and they were acquitted.

24. Farah 14-year-old orphan, escaped from her parental uncle’s house in Sialkot city
because she was forced into marriage.
Her father died when she was only 5 years of age, 6 years later Farah’s mother sudden
death left her all alone. Therefore, she has been living with her parental uncle. The
behavior of uncle’s muslim wife was so rude and cruel towards Farah because of Farah’s
Christian faith. She was denied education and prohibited to exercise Christianity and
even forcibly attempted to convert her religion. In short, Farah spent three year of life
like a slave in her uncle’s house.
At last, Farah escaped from the house because now she was forced to marry a much old
already married muslim man. She reached Talitha KUMI Center with the help of local
Pastor. She was immediately taken to the court by Talitha KUMI lawyer to record her
statement. Court ordered the police to provide security to the girl and directed her
uncle to stay away from Farah.
Talitha KUMI also helped Farah to resume her education. She is now living in a
boarding school and pursing her dream to become a teacher.

25. Mariam lives in Talitha KUMI’s neighborhood. Often she attends seminars and
workshops that held in Talitha KUMI on the different social issues facing women.

After attending a workshop on sexual harassment she privately shared her experience
about sexual harassment. She told that she has been repeatedly sexually harassed by the
school principal where her children study. She had to visit the school from time to time
and she always been sexual harassed by the Principal. She told that she is so concerned
about this. She can’t tell anybody.
Talitha KUMI helped Mariam to understand sexual harassment, understand that she
should not sink into feelings of fault or guilt. Talitha KUMI helped Mariam to be
strong and regain a sense of control over her life.
The Executive Director, Shunila Ruth personally met with Principal through School
Board member. Immediate response of the Principal was complete denial. He was told
that under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, Pakistan Penal Code and the Code of
Criminal Procedure, harassment against women punishable with imprisonment of up to
three years or a fine of 500,000 rupees or both. So, he reluctantly admitted his deed and
told he would never face Mariam again.
Later, the School Management Board sacked the principal from the post.

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26. Zarish, 24 years old girl disappeared after leaving job place. Her poor mother and father
were looking for their missing daughter but failed. They were in contact with Talitha
KUMI.
The case was reported with the Police. Call record of the girl was ascertained by the
police and Police successfully recover the girl. Zarish informed the police she has not
been kidnapped but she married to Waseem and living with him.
But Zarish’s parents were not convinced. They felt that their daughter has been
kidnapped, forcibly converted and married against her free will.
Therefore, Talitha KUMI legal Aid filed a petition with Lahore High Court that Zarish
has been kidnapped, forcibly converted and married to Waseem against her wishes.
Zarish was presented before the Court she told the judges that she embraced Islam and
married Waseem of her own volition.
After her statement, the bench dismissed her parent’s plea and allowed her to go with
her husband.

27. Aroona works in Talitha KUMI. When she came to know about the services of Talitha
KUMI. She shared her story. Her marriage life was in trouble. Her husband does
nothing but he suspects her cheating on him and snatches her salary. He often beat her
on petty issues. Aroona wanted to counsel her husband Saleem and help him to find
some job.
Legal Aid Team met Saleem. His response was positive. Legal Aid Team had several
meetings with Saleem and Aroona. Saleem told that whenever I don’t find work my wife
scorned me that gets me angry. After counseling both came to realize their behavior
which was disturbing their family life. Both promised to mend their ways. Legal Aid
Team helped Saleem to find a job as a driver. Now they are living happy life.

28. Sarah from Jhelum met Adeel over facebook. They fell in love. As their relationship
grew they started secretly visiting each other. This relationship continued for a year till
Sarah came to know that Adeel is going to be married to another girl.
Sarah came to Lahore and met Legal Aid Team. She told that she is married with Adeel
three months ago. She told that Adeel is deceiving her and marrying another girl.

Talith KUMI contacted Adeel. He informed that he just married to another girl
yesterday. Talitha KUMI asked Sarah to provide marriage document of her marriage
with Adeel. But she was not able to produce the documents. She told that Adeel has
betrayed her. She became so depressed and explained how she felt very low, unloved,
rejected, abandoned and lonely right now. She said that it’s better for her to commit
suicide.

Legal Aid team tried to console Sarah that they cannot comprehend how much pain she
is feeling right now. But living with depression can be difficult, not only for her, but also

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for her ailing widow mother. She needs to actually erase the traumatic incident from her
memories. She needs to forgive herself and start new journey.
Talitha KUMI Team is consistently in contact with Sarah. She is now recovering and
started working as school teacher.

29. Noureen Rehmat is a tailor. She married to Javed 18 years ago. She has three children
from the wedlock. Javed never did work but remain in the house. It was Noureen who
earns livelihood for the family. Noureen worked hard to send her children to school. Her
lazy husband does nothing but drunk and coerces her on petty issues. Even he does not
like children to go to school.

One night he attacked Noureen with daggar while she was sleeping. Fortunately, she
survived and escaped from the house. That night she decided to get rid from Javed.

So, she approached Talitha KUMI Legal Aid team. Petition for judicial separation was
filed with the court.

30. Mary was working with a company where she got an opportunity to go abroad. She and
her husband spent lot of money on her travel. They had a plan to sought political
asylum when she would arrive in that country.

But she has had to return back to Pakistan because she was not able to escape. On her
returned her husband became so furious and he did not allow her to enter the house.

Mary came to her parental house. She was in contact with Talitha KUMI Center
through a Church Pastor.

Her husband also called upon to the Center. Talitha KUMI team has several meetings
with them. Thank God the case was successfully resolved and husband and wife
reconciled amicably.

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Education & Awareness Program

Awareness & Education is a training program with the overarching objective of enabling women & men
to become aware of how laws and patriarchal social norms shape their lives, learn their rights and the
laws as well as develop a critical awareness about them; acquire the skills to exercise their rights and be
empowered to catalyze social change. Among the main goals of the program are to raise participants’
awareness on gender discrimination and women’s human rights violations.

The premise of the program is that when provided with the opportunity to learn their rights and the
support to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge. Women can find the power to take action,
for instance to exercise a right or resist the violation of a right.
Core objectives of the Awareness & Education Program can be enumerated as follows:
• Informing women and men on women’s human rights and the national laws and universal norms
regarding these rights,

• Enabling women to become aware of their rights as equal citizens,

• Encouraging men to support women to take action in cases of women’s human rights violations.

• Supporting the protection and implementation of women’s legal rights in daily life

A seminar in United Christian Hospital on protection of women

bill 2016

Seminar in St. Peter’s Church

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Key activities during 2016

No. Target community Topic No. of beneficiaries

Female Male Total
1 St. Peter’s Church Group Fundamental Rights 22 8 30
2 United Christian Hospital Violence against Women 18 15 33
Talitha Kumi Midwifery Fundamental Rights
3 21 - 21
students
The Punjab protection of
4 United Christian Hospital women against violence Act 14 12 26
2016
The Punjab protection of
5 St. Peter’s Church group women against violence Act 26 6 32
2016
Fundamental Rights
6 Bahar Colony 6 14 20
Talitha Kumi Midwifery Sexual harassment
7 23 - 23
Students
Talitha Kumi Sewing & Fundamental Rights
8 21 - 21
parlour students
9 Bahar Colony, Kot lakhpat Sexual harassment 25 - 25
United Christian Hospital Christian Law of
10 12 17 29
inheritance
Talitha Kumi Sewing & Gender sensitivity
11 18 - 18
Parlour Students
12 Q-block, Model Town Community meeting 22 18 40

Total 228 90 318

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Economic Empowerment Program

Economic empowerment is a vital part of our program activities at Talitha KUMI. We believe
that the economic empowerment is the key to control conflicts between male and female. Once
women learn to earn, control and manage their money they will be more confident and
empowered. They will be less vulnerable of being exploited.
Economic empowerment program was initiated so that women are able to learn different skills
enabling them to become economically independent.
1. Midwifery Training
2. Beautician training Courses
3. Tailoring, Embroidery, Fabric dying etc.

Promising young girl eager to learn tailoring

Table: Number of new students enrolled from January – June 2016

No. Training No. of Students

1 Midwifery Training 41
2 Beautician Course 16
3 Tailoring Embroidery 17
Total 74

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A New batch of Midwifery students

UPDATE:
Talitha Kumi Welfare Society signed an agreement with Central Park Teaching
Hospital (CPTH) in May 2016. Central Park Teaching Hospital is 160 bedded hospital
providing indoor and outdoor services in Medicine, Surgery, Gynae, Obs, Peadiatrics, ENT
& Eye. Department of Anaesthesia, Radiology and Pathology are fully functioning. The
hospital will expand and extent to 660 in due course of time.
CPTH agreed to admit midwives from TKWS for six months long Labour room practical
work after theoretical course.

CPTH under the leadership of Pakistan’s renowned Professor Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Head of
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, CPTH will award certificate to the trainee
midwives upon the passing of examination and completion of Practical work. CPTH is also
providing conveyance to the students.
This agreement will give midwife students a modern learning environment under the
guidance of renowned Gynaecologist which they lack in United Christian Hospital (UCH).

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Talitha KUMI Board Member

1. Rt. Rev. Samuel Azariah Chairperson

2. Rev. Dr. khushnud Azariah Vice Chairperson

3. Shunila Ruth Executive Director

4. Resha Qadir Bakhsh Treasurer

5. Mrs, Neelam Hayat Member

6. Rev. Dr. Qaiser Julius Member

7. Mr. Imran Titus Member

Talitha KUMI staff

1. Shunila Ruth Hon. Executive Director

2. Azher Adil Communication Officer

3. Haroon Suleman Lawyer

4. Aamir Gill Admin Officr

5. Daud Sohail Finance Manager

6. Sarah Shazad Community Activist

7. Joyce Bhatti Midwifery Teacher

8. Mania Instructor (sewing)

9. Nousheen Instructor (beautician)

10. Irshad Javed Support Staff

11. Khalid Masih Driver

12. Aroona Support Staff

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TKWC is a non-profit organization. The purpose of organization is to help

the marginalized, underprivileged & oppressed women who are victims of
various forms of violence and who find it very difficult to pursue the injustices
done to them in a male-dominated society in Pakistan.

Talitha Kumi Welfare Society

House No. 15, St. 24

Nazarth Road, Bahar Colony
Kot Lakhpat, Lahore
Pakistan
+92 42 35946251
+92 332 4567197
shunilaruth@yahoo.co.uk
www.talitha-kumi.com

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