Grassroots voices

The stark contrast between our comfortable surroundings and the harsh realities faced by struggling families creates an emotional distance that undermines our efforts to find real solutions. In such refined and comfortable settings, participants find themselves shielded from the brutal truths they are meant to address. How can one engage in meaningful discussions about poverty, inequality, and social justice when blissfully unaware of the lives of those who endure these hardships daily? These events, largely limited to academics, NGO personnel, and bureaucrats, rarely yield any meaningful change.

They may produce eloquent reports and glossy brochures, but these seldom reach the grassroots level, where true transformation is fundamental. Rather than funnelling resources into high-profile conferences, we must redirect our focus toward genuine engagement with those affected. It is imperative that we amplify the voices of those grappling with these issues, allowing them to share their experiences directly. Take for instance, rural poverty or gender-based violence. These issues demand practical solutions from people who live in the reality of these problems.

Muhammad Shahjahan Memon

Islamabad