Ms JUNE 22, 2014
ISSUE NO. 105
Bridal Galore
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Breaking the Barriers
Why we should talk about human reproduction at an early age
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inside lifestyle —
The 42-Day Challenege
domestic goddess —
Straight from the tropics
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Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editor: Amna Hashmi
The Dream Designer — Khadija Shah
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Ms
the buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
Is teaching others about human reproduction a woman’s responsibility or a shared dilemma? by Muhammad Ahmed Saigol Within the Pakistani elite, there is a general consensus that sex education is important. It not only helps improve developemental variables like healthcare and population but also broadens one’s knowledge regarding the biological mechanisms that underlie human reproduction. In stark contrast, the less-privileged consider it the worst of social taboos. What psychological rationale causes them to think this way? Why is lowerincome and rural Pakistan so against the concept of sex education, steering clear of topic altogether? Over the past few years, several programmes promoting the idea for the youth and adults alike have been initiated but met with great controversy. Lack of awareness perpetuates problems not just at the domestic level but for the nation as the ever-increasing population depletes scarce resources and increases the burden on government officials. On most accounts, Pakistanis simply shy away from the topic or refuse to respond. According to 33-year-old domestic worker Farzana, “Discussing such issues is taboo.” This hints at the inconsequential role women play within this realm: they hardly have much of an opinion and those who might are too afraid of expressing it. Unfortunately, Farzana is hardly alone in this predicament. Many other women like Khursheeda Begum disregard the importance of education claiming, “The role of a woman is to bear children for her husband and that is all.” They seem to have internalised and sort of accepted this
single-track ideology, fearing that awareness and education will create egalitarian friction between them and their husbands. What is even worse is that their submissiveness reinforces their own subservient nature and the idea that they are nothing more than vehicles of child-birth. The experiences of domestic workers Rashida and Laveeza fuels the story further as both women admit to having no say in the number of children they wish to conceive.
Due to the lack of knowledge, Pakistani women are unable to differentiate between consensual and non-consensual activities. This has created a rape culture that has pervaded Pakistani domesticity When asked about their ideal family sizes, both responded by saying that, “It depends on our husbands — women have no say in the matter.” Even though most academics, humanitarians and the general public would advocate that family planning and fertility are the responsibility of both the husband and wife, Rashida, Laveeza and countless other women feel is it solely their burden. This indicates either an avoidance or wilful internalisation of skewed stereotypes that discourage people from discussion. In contrast to this attitude, academics like Dr Framji Minwalla campaign for greater awareness of the
subject as part of our academic curricula. As Assistant Professor and Chairperson of Social Science and Liberal Arts at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, Framji believes that, “It is truly necessary for people to know and inform others about such things,” he says. “It should be explained as a natural occurrence without any moral editorialising. This will help our children in the long run.” “The problem is that women in the lower income brackets of society are often too oppressed to do or say anything against their in-laws, especially their husbands,” says educationist Azra Hasan. “Discussion should be
encouraged, at least with one’s spouse or even an immediate family member. Its time we wake up and accept it as a part of normal family life.” However, while women are the child-bearers, discussing the importance of sex education would be incomplete without consulting their male counterparts. There is an interesting dichotomy between the views of the educated man and educated woman: most men with even the slightest bit of academic exposure consider such discussions important for a happy family life. One such individual is Mufeez who works as a driver to an upper middle class
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
family. After speaking about Alexander the Great in order to confirm his educational prowess, Mufeez goes on to say, “Education, be it academic or any other, is important for both men and women.” Even though the average male domestic worker propagates early marriage for women, the size of the family, intricacies of child-bearing and contraception are issues they willingly accept. This highlights an important link between education and the prevailing attitude towards family life, implying that a more educated person is less likely to adhere to age-old, pre conceived notions. Another driver, Riasat, shares the story of his daughter saying, “Even though she got married early and her mother-in-law insisted on a grandchild, my daughter and son-in-law agreed to wait before starting a family. Also, it was a mutual decision. They want to be
Lack of awareness perpetrates problems not just at the domestic level but for the nation as the ever-increasing population depletes scarce resources and increases the burden on government officials more secure financially before becoming parents.” From this, one can conclude that financial stability has begun to take precedence within the Pakistani social fabric and people are warming up to the idea of family planning and related discussions. Perhaps Mufeez and Riasat’s long-term employment within upper social strata has encouraged them to move away from social conventions and change their beliefs. “The downside is that the average Pakistani man is not
so educated,” explains Azra. “The common man, especially one from the rural parts of the country, doesn’t generally care for such ‘feminine’ issues. Planning is low and contraception is solely the wife’s responsibility — the wife who is much too afraid of her husband to say anything.” This points back towards the patriarchal society we live in and how most women have no say in a range of discussions. What’s more, many like 28-year-old construction worker Hannan see nothing wrong with that. “Men are powerful and strong,” he says. “Women are not. They
Most men with even the slightest bit of academic exposure, consider discussion important for a happy family life should, therefore, serve the purposes of men whatever they might be.” There is an element of self-validation in the alpha male which comes across when speaking to these men. Abdullah, a colleague of Hannan’s, shares the same sentiments. “Such information is not important at all,” he claims. “The number of children I want is my choice. What need is
there for a woman to be educated about it?” Perhaps it is due to the lack of knowledge that Pakistani women are unable to differentiate between consensual and nonconsensual activities. This, coupled with the prevalent alpha male construct, has created a rape culture that has pervaded Pakistani domesticity on many levels. Women are frequently tormented, physically and psychologically, because the man ‘asserts his will’ and there is little they can do about it. It is then that sex education warrants even greater attention: in order to aid the destitute and cultivate a sense of equal responsibility between men and women, some degree of education must be provided. Views and opinions are something so abstract and varied in Pakistan that bringing about change is a daunting task. However, we must remember the link between education and social attitudes: if people are taught rather than left to their own devices, they will become more open to healthy discussions. Education is the key to social change. One can go on and on about the importance of awareness but until people are educated otherwise, there will always remain a dichotomy at the heart of the problem — the alpha male and the woman just standing. there on the wayside.
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Ms
en vogue
Ahmed Bilal displays his latest wedding collection for the summer bride and groom.
Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair, Makeup and Grooming: Saba Ansari @ Sab’s Salon Designer: Ahmed Bilal Photography & Styling: Umair bin Nisar Models: Omer Shahzad & Rubaab Ali
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
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lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
Is this fitness boot camp for you? by Zehra Qureshi When I returned to Pakistan after spending a semester in the US, I never imagined that the weight I had accidentally gained there would steal the limelight from the fancy academic credentials I had acquired. I knew I was at that age wherein maintaining the right dimensions is crucial for attracting potential suitors and so I needed a quick and effective solution. For a while I had been hearing of a new fitness programme called the 42 Day Challenge that a couple of my friends had already benefitted from and decided to give it a try. Little did I know that the challenge was nothing less than an army boot camp. The brainchild of budding lawyer Nusrat Hidayatullah and aspiring doctor Torsam Tajik, the 42-Day Challenge is not for the faint-hearted. The idea of the programme first arose when Torsam decided to conjure a quick and easy workout plan for himself, to fit around his hectic schedule. “Managing gym and school became really hard. I didn’t want to invest in expensive exercise equipment,” he says. “I designed my own hardcore workout and began exercising from home.” This proved quite beneficial for Torsam as more and more people started noticing the difference and seeking his advice. “I shared my regime with a few friends and got a positive response. Since then, there has been no looking back.” What truly works in favour of this dynamic duo is that they each provide a unique insight into the programme ,thanks to their divergent educational backgrounds. As a third year medical student, Torsam focuses on the physical element of the class while Nusrat looks after diet and nutrition. And together, they work to sell a healthy lifestyle to others. “Our challenge focuses on weight training one day and cardio and abs the other, alternating daily over the course of six weeks,” says Torsam. “Each class is about 35 to 40 minutes long, based on high intensity interval training (HIIT), in accordance to an interval timer. The timer dictates how long each specific ‘work’ period and break lasts.” Once the bell goes off, the class launches into a series of functional movements aimed at cutting fat. “We entertain clients that are underweight, overweight, injured and those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle,” adds Torsam. Of course, no exercise routine is complete without a stringent diet plan to supplement it. All meal plans are based on an individual’s fat percentage and that’s where the real magic kicks in. The plan, based on medical knowledge and the instructors’ firsthand experiences, consists
of six square meals daily, the first three of which include slow-release carbs which provide energy and regulate blood sugar levels. “The best part about our meal plan is that it makes even desi food healthy,” says Torsam. To make life easier for the participants, a 23-page guide to easy desi and continental recipes is provided; the decision to eat chicken pulao or a beef burger is left to the individual. A point to note is that even a bite out of place can render all your efforts futile. “No matter how healthy your meal is, if you eat more or less than your body requires, no exercise will work,” advises Torsam. But whilefollowing the prescribed diet plan is imperative, the fitness Nazis do allow for one cheat day a week to keep the participants motivated. Participants are allowed to eat anything during the day just so long as they do not cheat during the rest of the week. The stringent meal plan and strenuous exercise often causes participants to succumb to the pressures and drop out of class. Many like Adeel Ahsan* couldn’t keep up with workout and never returned after the first couple of classes. “I practically passed out during my first session,” says Adeel. “After three classes, I just couldn’t do it anymore and stopped altogether.” A point to note is that the programme focuses less on n weight loss and more on overall health and fitness. “The challenge has made me a lot fitter,” shares recent graduate Amna Ibrahim*. “My arms are much more toned and abs are well defined but unfortunately, my weight didn’t go down much in numbers.” Same was the case with Haneen Haider* who didn’t end up losing too much weight either. “Honestly, I didn’t follow the diet regularly,” she confesses. “If I had, the end results would have been much better.” “The problem is that people don’t understand the difference between weight loss and fat loss,” explains Torsam. “Weight is muscle mass and retained water. What the challenge focuses on is maintaining that muscle mass and cutting fat. When that happens, one loses inches more than weight.” Both Amna and Haneen also complain about having to prepare six meals daily as it gets both tedious and difficult. “Sometimes, I had to wake up in the middle of the night and eat,” says Amna. Haneen claims the meal plan is
not conducive to anyone with a full-time job as it takes up too much time. Nonetheless, I can personally vouch for the joy of being able to fit into an old pair of skinny jeans once the six-week programme is over. The challenge gave me the right push towards shedding my weight. The process is painful but well worth it, provided that the participant remains true to it. Going by word of mouth, the programme has successfully completed over 10 challenges and expanded to Lahore as well. Many participants fail but for those who persevere, the rigorous exercise and draconian diet culminate in a more tougher and toned body. Therefore, the 42-Day Challenge is highly recommended! *Names have been changed for privacy.
domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
Recipe
Tropical Papaya-Watermelon Smoothie Beat the heat with this chilled fruit cooler from tropical paradise. It is easy, delicious and full of nutrition! Huba Akbar is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. In her free time, she likes to write, design clothes and cook.
Method • Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix thoroughly. • Pour the mixture into separate glasses for serving. • Add chunks of Kitkat (or any other chocolate) for added taste and decoration.
Ingredient:
• For best results, serve the smoothie chilled. Note: This recipe serves three.
Watermelon (diced and seeded) 2 bowls
Papaya (cubed) 1 cup
Ice (crushed) 1 and 1/2 cup
Milk 2 glasses
Almonds 6 pieces
Condensed milk 1 tin
Sugar 2 tbsp
Fresh cream 2 tbsp
woman of the week 8
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JUNE 22, 2014
nd ta Ou t. ou ab A baby pictur e of me.
Diaries My t wo s ons.