Ms JANUARY 25, 2015
ISSUE NO. 136
Help might be a call away page
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Are you fat-talking yourself?
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inside En vogue — East meets west
Domestic goddess —
Spicy fish biryani
Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
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The creative Erum Kamal
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Ms
The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JANUARY 25, 2015
Help might be a call away
MsT sheds light on how a helpline might provide the much-needed support for women in crisis
By Rahat Kamal | Design By Aamir Khan
When a woman finds herself in any kind of trouble, she naturally seeks help from her family in the hope that they will fight for her rights and possibly resolve the problem for her. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and many times, particularly in matters related to marriage and children, a woman’s family fails to provide her the support she needs. In fact, she might even be dismissed by them and forced to accept and live out her troubles as a part of life. Not only does this fuel the internalised suffering of women in our society, ignorance of crimes against them gives the offenders a free hand to continue with their heinous ways. Many women find themselves alone and crashing under societal pressure to maintain their relationships and save face. They are also too afraid of the police to resort legal help. But in the midst of all this darkness, the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) of Sindh has provided a beacon of hope for women in need of help, in the form of a Women’s Complaint Cell. Thanks to CPLC’s efforts, the women of Sindh no longer have to live their lives out as silent victims, devoid of justice or a voice of their own. The complaint cell provides them with the support and shelter they are unable to receive elsewhere. The cases dealt with include a wide variety of issues from domestic disputes like divorce, underage marriage, spousal abuse and child custody battles to more ‘external’ ones like kidnapping, blackmail and property matters. Ever since its inception in June last year, the Cell has registered 123 cases out of which 58 had been resolved by December 2014. “Although CPLC had already been established and was helping women, we wanted to create a setup which catered specifically to women’s problems,” shares Nusrat Nusrat, a renowned TV personality and the head of the CPLC complaint cell. “The idea is to provide a platform where these women can speak freely, to train female personnel and allows them to feel at home.” Nusrat feels that the presence of female officers encourages the victims to overcome their inhibitions and speak about their predicaments openly. One such victim was Samina Ashraf* who sought help from CPLC following a complicated divorce. Not only did the couple part ways, Samina’s former husband took their son and had him sent away to distant relatives so as to cut off all ties between the mother and child. As much as it tore her heart, Samina, a health worker by profession, did not possess the necessary resources to fight for custody and it was then that she approached CPLC for assistance. She filed a case immediately and CPLC intervened
The Madadgar Helpline While the CPLC helpline caters to women in Karachi and other cities within Sindh, there are plenty of options available to those outside the region. For instance, the Women’s Developement Department established a similar helpline for Lahore in August 2014. Women seeking help in Lahore or its surrounding vicinities can dial 0800-93372 to lodge their complaints. Other than this, the Madadgar Helpline — Pakistan’s very first telephonic aid service for women and children — works at a national level with a main focus on Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar and can be reached on 111-911-922.
A helpline to help ourselves The CPLC Women’s Complaint Cell is open from 9:00am to 9:00pm for walkin appointments. If you are unable to visit them personally, their officers are available over the phone or via email round the clock. In case of emergencies, dial 021-35662222 or 021-35682222 to file your case.
free of cost to have the child returned to Karachi. “I would never have been able to see my son again had it not been for CPLC’s Complaint Cell,” admits Samina, who is now allowed to meet him freely until the impending custody battle is settled. “My son could have been taken away from me forever.” According to Nusrat, “Most of the cases registered at the Cell are those of domestic violence and divorce.” Much like Samina, another victim Mona Khalid* also turned to CPLC after her husband announced his intention to divorce her. The Cell provided Mona and her three children shelter and conducted counselling sessions between the troubled couple to resolve the matter. “This case was a great moment for us at CPLC because Mona’s husband was so staunch that we didn’t expect him to take her back,” admits Qurut-ul-Ain Raheel, an officer at the Cell. “Fortunately, our efforts paid off and the future of not just Mona but three innocent children was saved.” Qurut-ul-Ain goes on to say that, “Women should understand that a little perseverance and support from the right authorities is all they need to get their lives back on track.” Lack of finances and confidence should not deter one from lodging a complaint should they be unable to eradicate the problems themselves. The process of filing the complaint, Nusrat explains, is fairly simple. One can simply visit the Cell or register their case via the phone or email. Once the complaint has been shared, the complainant is called in by a CPLC officer who speaks to them, makes note of all relevant details and then registers the case. Upon registration, the case is disclosed to other CPLC officers who study it closely and try to come up with the best way to handle it. “The first step in this regard is contacting the other party to obtain their side of the story,” says Nusrat. This in itself can be problematic as the alleged offenders may not always be so compliant. “While many have shown a high regard for us and arrived immediately, others have brought in their own police officers and resisted our efforts,” she explains. “But it is necessary for us to speak with them before taking any action to ensure that the allegations are not baseless.” It is only when the defending party has been assured that they will be taken care of as well that they start to cooperate. “We treat both parties equally, emphasising on getting to the root of the matter,” adds Nusrat. “Our ultimate goal is to resolve the matter amicably but if all our efforts fail, we pass the case on to the courts via the Legal Aid Office (LAO).” Fortunately, the court tends to such cases on a pro-bono basis, saving the involved parties from additional financial worries. “Sometimes, interference from families, outsiders and even us pushes the couple further apart,” shares officer Zareen Hussain. “The issues keep escalating. But at other
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JANUARY 25, 2015
Domestic violence in Pakistan is irrespective of religion, class or creed. Even educated women from relatively affluent families are turning a blind eye to their difficulties for the sake of their marriage and children Head of the CPLC complaint cell Nusrat Haris times, all the couple needs is a place where they can talk openly and communicate their problems to each other.” With proper counselling and guidance, some of the cases are wrapped up in just a few sittings. However, not all of the complaints registered are as simplistic in nature — some require much more intervention than others. Also, not all of the cases involve domestic disputes between distraught couples. The case of Nasreen Adam*, who was extorted by a religious charlatan for over two years lends credence to the variety of cases the Cell addresses on a daily basis. Nasreen had come under the influence
they fail, we are here for them. We don’t want to break up their families but improve their relationships and save them from injustice.” It is only when a criminal is identified and given adequate punishment that others will refrain from committing the same crimes. To improve the domestic lives of women and the standing around the world, it is imperative for us to come forth against injustice and suppression. Speaking from experience, Mona urges all women to muster up some courage and fight for themselves. *Names have been changed to protect privacy.
78 of the young boy who piqued her interest through baseless religious predictions regarding her family and demanded compensation in the form of money and jewellery. It wasn’t until he asked for a donation of 1.3 million rupees that Nasreen and her husband became suspicious and enlisted CPLC for help. The Cell arranged a pseudo meeting between Nasreen and the boy where the latter was apprehended and arrested. “The case is still underway but we are trying to retrieve Nasreen’s money and belongings,” says Nusrat. Nonetheless, domestic issues remain the leading cause behind most of the cases filed at the Cell. According to Nusrat, “Domestic violence in Pakistan is irrespective of religion, class or creed. Even educated women from relatively affluent families are turning a blind eye to their difficulties for the sake of their marriage and children.” Naturally, Nusrat is staunchly against the concept of overlooking spousal oppression and living one’s life in unspoken misery. “Women must seek help upon the first incidence of abuse as it only escalates,” she advises. “They should try and stop their offenders themselves and if
Women Worker’s Help Line (WWHL) The Women Worker’s Help Line (WWHL) Pakistan caters to women employed in cottage industries (eg home-based stitching, embroidery, decoration etc) who suffer from exploitation, discrimination and even violence at the hands of their employers. WWHL hopes to promulgate a just and economically equitable society and also provides funds for its participants to purchase raw materials and establish their work for a better life. They can be contacted at 042-36363915 or mail@wwhl.org.pk for help.
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En vogue
Hamza Boukhari’s latest collection is ideal for the modern Pakistani woman. Coordination : LOOP Hair & makeup : Hamza Boukhari Designer : Hamza Boukhari Concept & post : Infinity Conclusion’s Photography : Fahad Chaudhry Model : Femina
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JANUARY 25, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JANUARY 25, 2015
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Nilofer Shahid’s latest collection is perfect for grooms. Coordination : Umer Mushtaq Grooming : Shoaib Khan Label : Meera’s Designer : Nilofer Shahid Styling & photography : Mohsin Khawar Model : Omer Shahzad
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Lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JANUARY 25, 2015
Are You Fat-Talking Yourself?
Research confirms that negative perceptions of your body can actually hinder weight loss and happiness. MsT explains why this happens and how you can overcome it
By Nisma Chauhan | Design By Aamir Khan Do you look into the mirror and feel disappointed by how large you look in your favourite pair of jeans? Have you stopped looking into a mirror altogether or switched to dark-coloured clothing to appear slimmer? Are you planning to enrol in yet another futile diet plan when all you really want is to relax and eat to your heart’s content? If this sounds like you, it is likely that you are amongst the millions of women around the world who suffer from a negative self-image and are ‘fattalking’ themselves. According to the Special K Positivity Study 2014, women who think of themselves positively are more like to lose weight successfully. The study implies that fat-talking oneself perpetuates a negative self-image and insecurity in women which actually deters them from meeting their weight loss goals. Couple this with the media’s relentless onslaught of celebrities’ weights and continuous portrayal of an ideal body type that we should strive for; the results of the study are hardly surprising. In fact, about 57% of the respondents Special K worked with agreed that newspaper, magazines, social media and the entertainment industry fuels insecurities and another 70% admitted this indirect ‘fat-talking’ should stop.
The ideal body type — a must or a myth? The media is quick to criticise should a female celebrity gain a few extra pounds. The blistering criticism Bollywood diva Aishwariya Rai Bachchan was flayed with following the Cannes Film Festival 2012 — her first public appearance after becoming a mother — lends credence to our obsession with stereotypical beauty and the ideal body type. The question is whether this ideal body type really exists off camera and if so, is it really the secret to our happiness? “People should strive to be their healthiest selves — not the most attractive one,” advises fitness enthusiast and aspiring doctor Maleeha Khan. “Yes, the media moulds our perceptions of beauty but the features it prefers are also usually the healthiest so it doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.” Undergraduate student Anum Khan agrees, claiming that watching her favourite celebrities gain and lose weight actually motivates her. “Instead of making me insecure, the media actually made me realise there might be something wrong with my body that I needed to work on.” Nonetheless, both Maleeha and Anum profess a no-harm, healthy weight management regime as opposed to the rat race of becoming skinny. Being content with your body should be the ideal aim for anyone trying to alter their physique. Not to mention, many celebrities are now warming up to the idea of having more than the typical waif-like body. Sonakshi Sinha and Vidya Balan are two such actors who have openly embraced their curves and proven that one does not need an ideal, dream-girl figure to achieve success in the media.
How to overcome a negative self-image? The first step would be to understand that if you exude negativity, you will only get negativity in return. Adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude towards everything, be it weight problems or any other aspect of your life. Once you make yourself feel more positive inside, you will automatically become more accepting of your outer appearance too. This will boost confidence and also encourage you towards achieving your health goals. If self-discipline is one of your weak spots, seeking professional help could prove beneficial. Speaking to someone about your insecurities and understanding why they exist will help you eradicate them altogether. “The best option would be to visit a professional physical trainer and have them conjure a customised weight programme for you,” advises Maleeha. “Exercise releases endorphins in the brain; these are chemicals that relieve pain and also trigger positive feelings within us. It can even eradicate depression!”
The link between a negative self-image and weight problems Contrary to general opinion, criticism of our bodies, subconsciously self-deprecating and viewing ourselves as ugly are things women tend to bottle up within themselves. This negative self-image becomes a hindrance in not just the weight loss process but also other aspects of life, such as your career, relationships or overall happiness and satisfaction. Therefore, it is important to understand what this habit could do to you and why you must overcome it. The accusatory and discouraging voices you hear every time you try to fit into old clothes, for example, are related to events of the past and are stopping you from moving ahead. It may seem difficult but you must snap out
of it to continue with life happily. “It has been over a year since I began my quest to lose 10kg off of my current weight but I have failed,” shares 25-year-old teacher Nida Javed. “The person I see in the mirror is unattractive,” says Javed. “My goal is to drop to a size 10 — that would bring some joy into my life.” Scientifically speaking, mental negativity increases stress. When you are stressed, your body produces additional amounts of cortisol, a steroid hormone which can cause fat to accumulate around the belly. In other words, a negative self-image not only perpetrates depression and anxiety, it can also bring on eating disorders and ultimately, increase your weight further. The concept is simple: if you think you can’t do something, you probably won’t end up doing it. Putting oneself down and self-pitying are great demoralisers and can make one feel defeated right from the start, preventing them from trying in the first place. Not to mention, running after a single-track goal (in this case, becoming thin) can often become tiring and less appealing for an individual. Unfortunately, if you have been fat-talking yourself for a long time, chances are that you probably don’t even realise the damage you have done to yourself. But it’s never too late to change the way you look at things, especially yourself.
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JANUARY 25, 2015
By Tanveer Khadim
Spicy Fish Biryani
This scintillating biryani takes a little more time to cook than other types of biryani but the rich and aromatic dish is definitely worth the extra effort.
Ingredients For the rice: • Rice 1/2 kg • Boneless fish fillets (cut into 1-inch pieces) 1 kg • A large onion (sliced) 1 • Tomatoes (chopped) 2 • Green chillies 4-6 • Mint leaves (chopped) 1/2 cup • Coriander (chopped) 1/2 cup • Oil for frying • A pinch of saffron For the fish marinade: • Lemon juice 3 tbsp • Garlic (ground) 1 tbsp • Ginger (ground) 1 tbsp • Red chilli powder 1 tbsp
Method • Place the fish in a large bowl and cover it with lemon juice along with all the other ingredients for the marinade. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and ensure that the fish is covered on all sides. Cover the bowl and allow the meat to rest for about 20 minutes. • Once the fish is marinated, heat some oil in a deep-frying pan and cook the fish until it becomes golden. Carefully transfer the fried fish chunks onto a plate and set them aside. • In the meantime, boil the rice, and make sure it doesn’t overcook and become soggy. • Prepare the gravy in a separate pan by heating some oil and frying the onions in it until they become golden. Add in ginger and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about one minute before adding in the remaining spices for the gravy. Cook for another minute or so, stirring the gravy intermittently. • Add yogurt to the gravy and let it simmer for two to three minutes. Add in the chopped tomatoes along with four tablespoons of water and cook the gravy for another five minutes or until the oil rises. Once this is done, drop in the chopped green chillies, mint and coriander leaves and cook for one more minute before taking the gravy off heat. • Layer another large, non-stick pan with some oil and spread a layer of boiled rice on it. Add the gravy and fried fish pieces on top and then cover this second layer with the remaining rice. • Garnish the biryani with saffron, mint and coriander leaves, cover it and cook on very slow flame for about six to eight minutes. The saffron should be mixed in a tablespoon of milk to water before use. • Mix all the layers of the biryani before serving. • Garnish the dish with cucumber slices and serve with cooling raita.
Fish — The healthiest meat? • • • •
Turmeric powder 1 tsp All spice powder 1 tsp Black pepper 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp
For the gravy: • Red chilli powder 1 tbsp • Coriander powder 2 tbsp • Cumin powder 1 tsp • Turmeric powder ½ tsp • Black pepper powder 1 tsp • All spice powder 1 tsp • Black pepper (whole) 8 pieces • Cloves 8 pieces • Green cardamom 4 pieces • Yogurt 1/2 cup • Salt to taste
• Some breeds of fish, particularly salmon, trout, herring, sardines and tuna are a goldmine for essential omega-3 fatty acids which are imperative for health cardiovascular function and cancer. Cardiologists prescribe fish to their patients as it is believed that the unsaturated fats found in it reduce the risk of heart attacks and regulate cholesterol levels in the body. • Fatty acids replenish the skin and hair, boosting their shine and texture. A sufficient consumption of fish (at least thrice a week) can actually help the treatment of skin disorders like psoriasis. • Fish meat helps clear blood vessels and promotes the circulation of blood through the body, thereby reducing the risk of clots, inflammation and thrombosis. • Vitamin A found in fish meat which maintains eyesight and shields against age-related macular degeneration and blurry eyesight. Fish is also rich in Vitamin D, which boosts bone and brain development in children while reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in ageing people and prevents memory and cognitive decline as well. • Fish has been proven to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in adults. In fact, recent research has found that eating fish is highly helpful against depression. One research, in particular, found that including fish in expecting mothers’ meals can reduce the risk of post-partum depression. • Iodine, zinc, selenium and potassium in fish ward off many diseases such as thyroid gland related hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Woman of the week 8
Travelling th rough Paris.
My son Asad Kamal and I.
Designer and CEO at SoKamal
With my husban d
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to defend our body against antibodies and impurities. These can prove to be fatal if left unchecked. Of course, you already knew that. But have you ever bothered making sure yours is active? No? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. The good news is that science has uncovered a great new method for us to ensure our systems are all set: fasting! According to a report published by the World Observer Online, scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have found that fasting for three days can rejuvenate our entire immune system completely. The fasting period prompts blood cells to produce a whole new set of white blood cells which fight off infections. In fact, the report prescribes fasting for everyone, especially the elderly whose immune system may have become less effective with age and made them vulnerable to common illnesses. The best part about this practice is that you don’t need to starve yourself completely to make it work: abstaining from eating for just about two to four hours can be sufficient to trigger the blood cells. “When you starve, the system tries to save energy and one of the things it does to save energy is recycle a lot of immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged,” says Dr Longo, professor of gerontology and biological sciences at USC. This breakthrough discovery is hardly surprising though. Prior to this, scientists had determined that fasting for as long as 72 hours benefits cancer patients and can reduce the toxic impact of chemotherapy as well. However, it is advised that you consult your physician before fasting. The formula might seem easy and effective enough in preventing everyday problems like allergies but can be detrimental should there be any other undetected problem in your body.
and friends.
Power food to boost your immune system Want to reboot your immune system? Try these power-packed meals to break your fast with and be on your way to a stronger and healthier, new you.
DETOX VIA FASTING Give your immune system a much-needed boost.
Yogurt: The probiotics found in yogurt are actually healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-spreading germs and antibodies. Garlic: An active ingredient called allicin found in garlic fights infection and bacteria. Tea: Did you know that five cups of black tea consumed in one day can infuse 10 times more virus-fighting interferon into our blood than any other hot drink? Beef: This protein is a prime source of immunity-bolstering minerals such as zinc that are crucial for the development of white blood cells. Sweet potatoes: Vitamin A, which is commonly found in sweet potatoes, helps in the production of connective tissue that is a key component of your skin and a crucial part of the immune system. Mushrooms: These vegetables increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive in countering diseases.
Design By Aamir Khan