By: Laila Rubab Jaskani, International Exchange Alumna and Fellow under the Legislative Fellowship Program (LFP) Spring, 10 October to 13 November, 2015
I started my journey from Islamabad to Washington, DC on the 10th of October, 2015. With 19 fellows, each from a different professional background and geographical identity, we set off to experience cultural, professional and social diversity in the United States that was offered to us as fellows of the Legislative Fellowship Program. Each of us had worked passionately on an issue that was close to our heart. I have been actively involved in the development and implementation of national legislation on national food fortification and nutrition in Pakistan. I strongly believe that malnutrition and lack of fortified food is the biggest challenge in Pakistan, which also contributes to the high number of maternal and neonatal deaths. Igniting the political and industrial will to address the problem at hand is my primary role. Thus, my placement at the Mayor’s Office in Atlanta, G.A. was the perfect learning experience for me to draw parallels and understand advocacy and lobbying in the first-world.
Working in the office of Kwanza Hall, City Council member in Atlanta, Georgia, I had the chance to attend city council meetings in City Council Hall and observe best practices on city governance and community-led initiatives. The role of civic education and engagement was of keen interest to me as an advocate of food fortification and nutrition legislation. What truly added value to my experience was the ambiance of justice that was in the air at Atlanta, the hub of civil rights movements and the birth place of Martin Luther King Jr. I had the opportunity to meet with many activists from civil society organizations, government officials, and child rights advocates in Atlanta, GA. I was also lucky to be among the 443 fellows from 45 countries who attended the Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C.
Along with the unique opportunity of an all-encompassing professional learning experience, the cross-cultural travelling I was exposed to was a window of opportunity for me to rediscover and get closer to myself. The interaction with the diversity in the United States was an eye-opener for me and the stereotypes that we had formed back home. I was welcomed with warmth, treated with respect and what inspired me the most was the sheer humility that I witnessed. The experience aptly exemplified how humanity transcends boundaries, cultures, and religion. There is one connection that we all share: the connection with each other on the basis of humanity, respect, and love. And this is one of the key takeaways from my exchange experience that I have brought back with me to Pakistan.
Last but not the least, the Legislative Fellowship Program equipped me with the understanding of cultural diversity, the tools of effective networking with civil society and government and best practices that I now fully intend on implementing in my work pushing the nutrition act legislation in Pakistan. As part of the International Exchange Alumni and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, I am more committed to advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized communities of my country. A big thanks to the U.S. Department of State and World Learning for providing me with this amazing opportunity of a professional fellowship.
About the author: Laila Rubab Jaskani is working as the national technical lead, public advocacy for nutrition and food fortification program with a global and multi-national consulting company. She has an MSC in Sociology and a Master in Public Administration with Specialization in Public Policy. Previously, she worked with a DFID funded EVA-BHN project in Punjab.
