January, 2021
Dastekaram joins the initiative of Trust for Democratic Education & Accountability (TDEA) towards the “Electoral Quality and Inclusiveness in Pakistan (EQuIP)” Project. The three-year project is being implemented in the Sargodha region. (Districts: Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Bakkhar, Layyah and Chiniot).
The objective of EQuIP is to strengthen regional networks and the political participation of women, persons with disabilities, transgender and religious minorities. Under this project, Dastekaram is working in close liaison with NADRA and Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP).
In this project, election observation is being done including elections of cantonment board, bye-elections, local government, provincial assembly and national assembly in collaboration with FAFEN and Tehsil Member Organizations (TMOs). Another major activity is the assessment of the preparation of elections such as delimitation of constituencies, preparation of voter lists done by ECP. The project also targets to train women political workers and those from minorities in order to improve their political participation. Political parties are also engaged to discuss different issues.
Under EQuIP, Dastekaram established a network of civil society organizations (CSOs) called Shaheen Regional Network. It consists of 24 CSOs in 24 Tehsils of 6 targeted districts. The member CSOs of this network have expertise in various areas such as good governance, human rights, children’s rights, women’s rights, labor rights, women’s political and economic empowerment, health and education which are playing an essential role in the network. Some of the member organizations in the network have experience working with donors and implementing donor-funded projects as well maintaining an active presence in their work areas.
