Abstract
This chapter discusses Women’s Action Forum (WAF), a women’s rights organization in Pakistan formed during the era of Islamization of the state ushered in by military dictatorship. It is argued that the ideological and method of functioning choices made by WAF enabled it to continue its work in a hostile environment. The first main ideological choice was the collective decision to work towards a democratic, plural and responsive state as opposed to military rule and authoritarian forms of government. The second ideological choice revolved around the necessity to construct a secular, progressive and inclusive state in contrast to one based on a single religion. The manner of functioning of WAF as a pressure group was based on the principles of equality and a non-hierarchical approach; rejection of any form of external funding; non-partisanship and the absence of any affiliation with a political party or group. The combination of financial and ideological independence enabled WAF to become an autonomous body not answerable to anyone and able to take bold decisions without interference. The decisions taken by WAF early on made it a unique platform, very different from other civil society organizations.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call