“I promise to learn…if you agree to polish my shoes whenever the maid takes the day off!” “No, no, no!” I had stormed out yesterday leaving my Mum baffled and Shabbi Auntie angry, when she brought in yet another rishta-seeking brigade. Can you blame me? Who do these women think...

“Education for all is important for three reasons. First, education is a right. Second, education enhances individual freedom. Third, education yields important development benefits.” John Daniel, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education. How committed are the South Asian...

The ring was beautiful. She couldn’t take her eyes off it. The solitaire shone with all its brilliance, and mesmerized her. She knew instantly, the ring she was to choose for her engagement would have to be the one she held in her hand. “I love it!” she squealed with delight. “So be it, darling.”...

Human societies have traditionally been male-dominated, owing to the male’s superior physical strength. However, as higher intellectual concerns gained importance, change became inevitable in the status quo with some cultures being more receptive while others, resistant. Over the last hundred years,...

Mental illness affects people around the world, transforming their lives into a continuous struggle for preservation of their dignity and human rights in societies that do not always understand them. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” -The Universal Declaration...

Murad Ali lay huddled on his charpoy, cursing the cold weather. The winter chill was at its peak in the small village bordering the forest. Murad’s small hut barely held itself together, and the icy winds twirled their way carelessly through it. Despairingly, he looked at the children. ‘They’d...

Raniya peered out as the huge airliner glided smoothly through the clouds. Her mother, Jehan Ara, sat in the adjacent seat, deeply engrossed in her reading. She unbuckled her seatbelt and took a deep sigh, “Here I come Ahsan!” Eighteen, and full of dreams, Raniya sat thinking about her fiancé with...

Hello? Zareen Auntie? THANK GOD I found you! You’ve just GOT to help me! Zara? What’s the matter, dear? It’s a NIGHTMARE…its…its…how could it be HAPPENING? I jus’ can’t… Sweetheart…calm down, now… Oh, Zareen Auntie…you’re the ONLY one who can help… Zara,...

The joy and pride of loving, and the pain of betrayal… A teacup in my hand, I sit here quietly pondering, And watch the day unfold A long, enduring journey… Sonya sat at the kitchen table early Monday morning with a cup of hot tea. She had some time to herself before setting off to her job,...

“Violence against women is a violation of human rights that cannot be justified by any political, religious, or cultural claim.” ( Amnesty International ) Are women’s human rights given the importance they deserve? Discrimination against, and exploitation of, women is rife in many societies...