10/29/2012, 00.00
PAKISTAN
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For Christian activist, youth and women education key for a multicultural Pakistan

by Shafique Khokhar
Religious extremism, the caste system and marginalisation are obstacles to the country's social and economic development as well as that of minorities. Women's emancipation is among the key factors for the redemption of the most marginalised in the population. A young Christian woman tells AsiaNews about her work. At a time of uncertainties for Christians, "reliable leaders" are needed.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Religious extremism, the caste system and marginalisation are but some of the many obstacles to the social and economic development of Pakistan's Christian community. In the past few years, the minority has seen the acts of violence against its members and communities increase exponentially, in many cases in the name of the blasphemy law, including the number of forced conversions to Islam. However, many young Christians have not given up; people like 26-year-old Kehkshan Newton, an educated woman with a great career in sustainable development and human resources, who wants to improve living conditions in her community and ensure that non-Muslims can find a place in decision-making positions, start their own businesses and promote new innovative projects against poverty and marginalisation.

For the past three years, the young Catholic activist has collaborated with the Association for Women's Awareness and Rural Development (AWARD) on a number of sustainable development projects. She is also taking a specialised course in human resources management.

Active in the Diocese of Faisalabad (Punjab), her home town, she has contributed to a number of events. For many younger Christians, she is a source of inspiration as well as a role model for her activities at home and abroad. In fact, she took part in the Youth Training on Climate Change organised by the Asian Resource Foundation in Bangkok in 2009. She also represented the Diocese of Faisalabad at World Youth Day last year in Madrid.

However, her greatest commitment is to "Women empowerment programmes,' which are designed to increase opportunity for women in 16 areas of the districts of Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh, starting with the fundamental right to an education. In addition, she is involved with flood victims and marginalised communities. This is especially important in Pakistan at "a time of uncertainties in the history of Christians, when there is great need for reliable leaders with experience and professionalism."

Here is Kehkshan Newton's interview with AsiaNews:

What are your proposals to improve the country and make it more tolerant?

I want to contribute to problem solving in various communities, in particular break the vicious cycle of poverty. Innovations come from better information and knowledge about problems. For this reason, I believe that community-wide mobilisation through interfaith dialogue and activities are key to improving society and making it more tolerant.

How can chronic poverty be overcome in marginalised communities?

The key point is the precarious conditions at the start, which cause a series of problems later on. Women are our reference group because AWARD believes that we shall not have economic stability as long as women are prevented from playing their role in economic development.  For this reason, we want to educate women, increase their capabilities and skills, and provide them with seed money to start their enterprises.

Can you describe the challenges and threats you have to cope with in your work?

Religious extremism and the caste system are the main obstacle to bridge the gap between communities and groups, especially in Kyber PakhtunKhawan province.

Local [Fundamentalist] leaders are against NGOs and their work. Threats increase if women take part in seminars and meetings.

AWARD is involved in social development without discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, caste or colour. It is an apolitical, non-governmental organisation based in Faisalabad, Punjab.

In the areas where we operate we have not encountered any major problems because we respect everyone's religious beliefs and values.

When minorities face problems, it is because of political conflicts with the West. Pakistanis associate Christians with Western nations.

Do you work only with Christians or have you developed ties with Muslims as well?

No. We do not work only for Christians. About 50, perhaps 60 per cent of our beneficiaries are Muslim. Christians and Muslims participate in AWARD. Through our projects and programmes, we try to promote concrete ways to achieve inter-confessional harmony and dialogue between faiths and religions.

What are main challenges and difficulties?

Most Muslims think we are promoting our religion, engaging in proselytising.  This is the first great barrier to tear down. Generally, Christians face many problems, including widespread discrimination.

Although there are no major impediments to worship, there are many difficulties in the workplace or in getting jobs. Nowadays, most Christians prefer not to give their children Christian names like Peter, Paul, Anthony, Matthew or John, even use 'Masih' after their names to avoid discrimination.

What is more, all minorities are the victims of forced conversions, fearful of the abuses done under the blasphemy law. Surveys indicate that more than half of non-Muslims have been asked to leave their faith and accept that of the majority.

Are there hopes for the future and for new Christian leaders?

Young Christians have a huge potential; they also have the courage needed to lead their community. They need opportunities to explore and develop their talents and become capable and competent professionals. This will enable them to acquire a good reputation and recognition in their own community and with the government.

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