Remember Aisha Lareb from Kamber? Our very own UGRAD rockstar? Well, she’s been busy changing lives! Through her daring yet innovative community development initiative under Alumni Small Grant, titled “Empower Health,” she is tackling a super important issue: sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) for women in her community.

Her Alumni Small Grant wasn’t your average “let’s talk about periods” kind of deal. Aisha went all in:

• Open Mic for Health: Forget awkward silences! Aisha created a space for women to ask questions and openly discuss Sexual Rights and Reproductive Health (SRHR) topics, shattering those pesky social stigmas surrounding things like periods and birth control.
• Knowledge is Power: Aisha equipped women with the info they need to take charge of their health. This included learning about menstrual hygiene, how to do breast self-exams for early cancer detection, and the importance of birth control options.
• Closing the Gap: Aisha knew that economic struggles can make it even harder to access healthcare. Her project specifically helped women in under-resourced communities, providing education on affordable contraception and preventive health practices to keep everyone healthy.

The results? Amazing! Over 300 women directly benefitted, gaining knowledge and resources that can change their lives. Plus, countless others in their families and communities learned alongside them, creating a wave of positive change.

Why This Matters to Aisha

Aisha’s passion for SRHR issues isn’t new. Seeing the struggles women faced during the 2022 floods in Sindh, especially the lack of basic hygiene products, sparked a fire in her. This project wasn’t just about ticking boxes; it was about making a real difference for women who needed it most.

Hear from the Changemakers!

The project’s impact is clear from the voices of the women involved:

• Rabi Ali, a 19-year-old from Kamber, shared, “After the sessions, I went to 15 families to teach them about breast self-examination and early detection!”
• Khadija, a 21-year-old medical student from Larkana, admitted, “I never realized how important menstrual hygiene is! Now, I’m gonna fight those myths and create a healthier environment for all the girls around me.”

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Aisha couldn’t have done it alone. She gives a big shoutout to the U.S. Mission in Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for their awesome support.

Aisha’s story is an inspiration! It shows what happens when passion, collaboration, and knowledge come together. By empowering women with the tools they need, we can create a healthier and happier future for everyone.

Keep following our blog for more such inspirational stories.