s the anticipation of the general election builds, the Election Commission in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not just gearing up for the logistical challenge but is also orchestrating a robust campaign for inclusion and awareness. The commission, working hand in hand with Blue Veins, a non-profit organisation, recently held a comprehensive awareness session aimed at empowering women candidates and voters from minority communities.

On December 5, at the Election Commission’s office in Peshawar, around 15 women from diverse minority groups, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Ahmadis, participated in the session. The director of the Election Commission of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took centre stage, shedding light on various aspects of the upcoming election, from preparations to eligibility criteria for general seats and those reserved for various minorities. The session was designed to empower these women with the knowledge of how to exercise their voting rights effectively.

The interactive nature of the session revealed a palpable eagerness among the participants to actively engage in the upcoming elections. Questions were raised about eligibility, requirements, expenditures, and security concerns. These spoke of the interest of minority women in understanding and participating in the democratic process.

Saireen Sarafeen, 45, a Christian woman residing in Peshawar, passionately voiced her anticipation for the upcoming election. She said these marked a pivotal moment for her and her community. She reflected on centuries of facing hardships in the region. “A majority of Christian voters are poor. They are facing problems accessing education and health. Our people are mostly engaged in menial labour as sweepers and cleaners due to a lack of education,” she said

Having served at a missionary hospital for 25 years, Saireen’s commitment extends beyond her own community to encompass Muslims in Peshawar. Her dedication to humanitarian service paints a picture of inclusive ethos, transcending religious boundaries. Despite her contributions, she chose not to disclose any political affiliation, underlining a commitment to a cause rather than partisan interests.

Saireen’s aspirations transcend personal gain. She expressed a fervent desire to champion the cause of education for girls in her community. Should she be elected on a reserved seat, her focus would be on empowering the next generation, irrespective of their background or beliefs. This commitment not only reflects her individual ethos but also underscores the broad societal impact she envisions through her potential role.

However, the path to such aspirations for minority candidates, including Saireen, is fraught with challenges, as she aptly highlighted. Contending with financial constraints and security concerns, minority candidates face a unique set of obstacles on their journey to electoral participation. Saireen acknowledged the complexity of this endeavour. She said she realised that the road ahead was not an easy one and security was always a concern for them, but she had decided to take part in the coming election.

She said that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it was harder for women to step out of their homes and campaign because the society was quite conservative.

Rebecca Nadeem, affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party in Peshawar, has announced her candidacy for a reserved seat in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Expressing her commitment to the party’s ideals, Rebecca Nadeem aspires to represent her community and contribute to the legislative processes that shape the future of the province.

These sessions go beyond the traditional electoral procedures; they serve as a platform to educate and inspire. Minority women are provided with insights into the significance of their role in shaping the political landscape.

Rebecca Nadeem highlighted her dedication to the principles and values, emphasising her party’s historical role in championing the rights of the people. Her decision to contest for a reserved seat in the provincial assembly reflects her desire to actively participate in the democratic process and contribute to the development and welfare of her community.

She also expressed her commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of her constituency, focusing on key issues that impact the lives of the people she aims to serve. She highlighted the importance of inclusivity and vowed to work towards policies that promote the well-being of all citizens, irrespective of their background or affiliation.

Aliza Mehfooz, programme manager at Blue Veins, shed light on their collaboration with the Election Commission. She said they were holding seven awareness sessions involving approximately 110 women from various minority groups. The primary objective was to elevate awareness about electoral structures and procedures, motivating minority women to participate as voters and potential candidates.

According to the 2017 Provincial Census Report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s population is predominantly Muslim. The minorities constitute 0.24 percent of the total population. Christians make up the largest share at 0.15 percent, followed by Hindu and Sikh communities.

Mehfooz said that these awareness sessions empower minority women, ensuring their active participation in the decision-making processes.

Assistant Director Syed Aun Yasin revealed a proactive initiative by the Election Commission, illustrating their commitment to inclusivity and democratic participation. He said at the onset of the current year, the Election Commission had embarked on a concerted effort to bridge gaps and empower minority communities through a series of orientation sessions. Around 20 sessions were organised in Mardan, Chitral and Peshawar with the overarching goal of enhancing minority turnout in the upcoming elections.

Yasin said that the Election Commission, committed to fostering inclusivity, had initiated minority orientation sessions at the beginning of this year. “We conducted approximately 20 sessions across various districts, with a specific emphasis on motivating minority women to participate in the electoral process” he said.

These sessions go beyond the traditional electoral procedures. They serve as a platform to educate and inspire. Minority women are provided with insights into the significance of their role in shaping the political landscape. The awareness sessions delve into the importance of their participation in the decision-making processes that impact not only their communities but also the rest of the democratic fabric.

Asif Ali Yasin, the Election Commission Khyber Pakhtunkhwa director, said that preparations for the general election were under way. He said lists of school teachers and other staff to be trained for election duties were ready, and the training sessions had been initiated. In the awareness sessions, minority women candidates and voters were being encouraged to actively participate in the upcoming election.

He highlighted the unprecedented participation of minority women in awareness sessions and encouraged their involvement in both reserved and general seats. These initiatives, he said, will contribute to fostering a more inclusive and representative democratic process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in Peshawar