Think Creative - Issue 6

Creative Life

a mission-driven community

walk this way A day in the life of a Creative team member

Dr. Shaheen Ashraf Shah Director of Gender, Pakistan Reading Project

to narrow gender gaps. Let me give you an example of just one of my days.

Integrating gender into interventions and producing gender-equitable out- comes for one of the largest education projects—the USAID-funded Pakistan Reading Project—is a challenging task. Between examining gender sensitivity in teaching and reading materials, ensuring fair education policies, supporting policy- makers and representing the project’s gender work in national and internation- al forums, it is fair to say no two days are the same. But each day is rich in learning and contributes to our efforts to make sustainable education reform. I have come a long way frommy rural up-

Today, I am very excited to be making a presentation at a USAID conference on our project’s successful experience promoting gender equality. What is even more exciting is that the Pakistan Reading Project is the only implementing partner to be invited to talk about its outstanding gender-related work. After the presentation, it’s back to the office to work with thematerials development team to ensure that all the reading and

Shaheen (second from the left) and colleagues looking at reading materials.

My journey has been fueled by the belief that the key to success is not to view gender equality in isolated categories.” “

Shaheen speaking about gender integration strategies used by the Pakistan Reading Project.

bringing in Hyderabad, Sindh, to become the Director of Gender for the Pakistan Reading Project. My journey has been fueled by the belief that the key to success is not to view gender equality in isolated categories, but rather as an integral part of any development intervention from conception to completion. Over time, I mastered the art of helping others understand how integrating gender can make their work more valuable, espe- cially while responding to the needs of the most marginalized segments of society. Much of my time is spent conducting field research, speaking at conferences, writing and finding innovative solutions

learningmaterials being developed, printed and distributed are gender-sensitive and inclusive. The project has reviewed the curriculumof grades 1 and 2 through a gender lens, and its findings have convinced the respective provincial governments to change the textbooks tomake themmore sensitive, inclusive and current. Two quick but intense meetings follow to plan an upcoming celebration and the filming of a video on the project’s gen- der-inclusive material, all amid much dis- cussion and cups of tea. Finally, my busy but rewarding workday ends. However, as the doting mother of three young kids, my day is also just beginning! n

Shaheen with Pakistan Reading Project materials.

Photos by Saboor Chaudhry

30 | Think Creative | Fall 2019