The Express Tribune hi five - October 25

Ms OCTOBER 26, 2014

ISSUE NO. 123

From East to West

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Degree or Destiny?

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inside lifestyle — Beat the common cold

domestic goddess — Grilled Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk

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The Funny & Dynamic Hina Dilpazeer

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the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 26, 2014

Can a girl’s choice of career hamper her eligibility for marriage ?

by Ans Khurram When 32-year-old investment banker Mehnaz Shah* first decided to study Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics, she never suspected it would hinder her chances of getting married. “Much like everyone else, I was only 19 when I joined university,” she shares. “Being a young Londoner and studying a very challenging course — that too at a prestigious school like LSE — gave me little time to worry about my personal life. Of course, it was fun while it lasted but I have been atoning for my carefree attitude,” she adds.

Ten years later, Mehnaz is a successful officer at a top-tier bank in London, with a thriving social life to boot. Unfortunately, her personal life is still in shambles.

“Apparently, I am ‘too successful’ for the average Pakistani man,” says Mehnaz.

“Over the years, I have met with numerous prospective husbands, both in London and Pakistan. Some were nice, others not so much. Regardless, almost all of them were displeased with my choice of career, like female investment bankers are aliens or something!” Naturally, Mehnaz’s worried parents blame her demanding job for things not working out but she refuses to budge. “Yes, I want to marry and start a family but I don’t wish to give up my work for it,” she says. “I know I am capable of managing both a home and career. I just hope my next suitor realises that!”

As Mehnaz continues her quest for the ideal husband, she highlights a key issue that young women face all over the world: rejection for being too educated or too successful. Every year, hundreds of eligible women fall prey to the ideology that a thriving career is the antidote to a harmonious domestic life and therefore, find themselves at a loss when it comes to marriage prospects. “I think people don’t expect an ambitious girl to be equally ambitious about her domestic life,” explains 60-year-old housewife Sultana Habib.* “They think she might rebel or make her husband feel insecure and so, are wary of bringing her into their family.”

According to Dr Sumbal Nadeem, who works on school projects with the US Agency for International Developement (USAID), the problem stems from our deeply male-dominated society. “Education for boys is prioritised over girls,” she says.

“The general perception is that a boy must be equipped to compete in the public arena while the girl must stay home and be a good wife or mother.” And sadly, any woman who shows signs of going against this perception is shunned by society.

A Human Developement Report conducted by the United Nations Developement Program in 2011 lends credence to the poor state of female education in Pakistan, showing that approximately twice as many males receive secondary education here than females. Not to mention, girls who do end up attending school often have

Did you know?

The female literacy rate in Pakistan is

30%

SOURCE: HUMAN DEVELOPEMENT REPORT, 2011

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 26, 2014

According to an article published in Forbes magazine, following were the top five best-paying jobs for women last year.

1. Pharmacists — $1,871 per week 2. Chief Executives — $1,730 per week 3. Lawyers — $1,636 per week 4. Nurse Practitioners — $1,530 per week 5. Computer and Information Systems Managers — $1,527 per week

to deal with pressure to pick certain career paths — especially when it comes to marriage. “I had to fight my parents to get permission for what I do,” says 22-year-old communication designer Eesha Gul*, “I guess they were just concerned about my future.” There are also countless cases of girls having to discontinue their studies in favour of a decent rishta. Nasreen Qamar*, for instance, had been an architecture student at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture until she got engaged. “I didn’t mind the engagement until I found out that I would be shifting to Abu Dhabi with my husband,” shares Nasreen.

Things are no less confusing as one moves up the social ladder. Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts, enjoying equal success.

Greater acceptance of female education and advances in the teaching industry have led to a large variety of course options for women to choose from, regardless of whether they intend to pursue it as a career or not. From media studies to nanotechnology, everything is available for women to study. But experiences like that of Mehnaz indicate that there are still some preferences when it comes to choosing a spouse.

“My colleagues are very specific about the careers their bahus might belong to,” shares housewife Hameeda Peracha.* “They ask for doctors usually. Some even go for engineers. These preferences may be eroding away gradually but they still matter a lot.” As a result, many young women like medical student Sumayya Altaf* pick a degree that they feel will attract most suitors. “My parents have not raised my sisters and me to be particularly career-oriented but they knew the demand for a ‘doctor larki’ in the marriage market never goes down,” explains Sumayya. “The decision to join medical school was primarily based on that.”

On the other end of the spectrum, there is considerable evidence which suggests that gender-based disparities in education and literacy may not be as bad as it seems. For instance, the Gender Parity Index for Basic Education Students by Level of Education, issues by the Ministry of Education in 2006, showed a ratio of exactly 1.00 for higher secondary education in rural areas of the country. This implies that at university level, there are as many female students and males. Another interesting fact to note is that the achievement level of female students in Pakistan exceeds that of male students year after year. “Girls generally outclass boys in school exams. They are high achievers during university as well,” says Sumeira, a student counsellor at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology.

Tehmina Qamar*, who runs one of Karachi’s leading marriage bureaus, is of a different opinion. To Tehmina, the degree held by both a potential bride and groom is nothing but status symbols that depend on the personality and background of the expectant groom. “Every client has his/her own criteria,” explains Tehmina. “Yes, the demand for girls studying medicine remains the highest but some boys ask for MBA-holders who will help them run the house. Others don’t even ask if a girl has studied anything at all!” Of course, Tehmina keeps a firm check on her clients to ensure the quality of the services she is providing. “In my experience, most families allow their girls to work now. The bahu may be asked to quit in certain situations only, such as post childbirth.”

The question that remains unanswered is just how much weightage ought to be given to the degrees of the prospective bride and groom within an arranged marriage setup. Granted the level of education and career prospects matter for the

overall well-being of the couple but is it not wrong to judge a girl based solely on her degree? “Personally, I believe there is much more to a person than what they study or work as,” says Sultana. “My own bahu was one of my son’s classmates. I must admit even I was apprehensive about having a chemical engineer come into my home. Thankfully, I was proved wrong.”

Sultana’s husband Kamran agrees. “What is important is that both the boy and girl are good people and remain committed to one another,” he says. “That is what will carry the marriage on — not the courses they took in college!” Times are definetly changing but Pakistanis by and large still have a long way to go in terms of female education and empowerment.

The new 50:50 quota for male and female students in local medical schools Earlier last month, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) abolished its age-old merit-based admission policy for local medical schools. It has, instead, adopted a 50:50 quota rule to ensure equal representation for both male and female students, reserving 50% of the seats for each gender. This was done as an attempt to counter the growing trend of girls acquiring medical education but leaving the profession soon after graduation or not entering it at all. The new rule will be put in effect from the 2014-2015 academic year. It is also hoped that the rule will encourage more males to become doctors so that they may be appointed to rural areas of Pakistan where female doctors often find it difficult to work.

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en vogue

Akif Mehmood showcases prints reflecting Japanese culture in his latest collection.

Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & makeup: Akif Ilyas Photography & styling: Akif Ilyas Designer: Akif Mehmood Model: Sara Loren

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 26, 2014

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 26, 2014

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Layla Chatoor’s new collection is ideal for semi-formal events.

Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Makeup: Nabila’s Designer: Layla Chatoor Photography: Umair bin Nisar Model: Saima Azhar

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lifestyle

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 26, 2014

Buckle up against the changing weather with these speedy cold and flu remedies The temperature is dropping, as is your resistance to the common cold and flu that accompanies winter.

Try as you might — there is just no escaping the vagaries of the October weather and with almost everyone coughing and sneezing, you’re even more likely to catch a cold or develop flu. But while there is no exact cure for either virus, you can make the experience less agonising and speedup your recovery by knowing what to do when the big bad bug knocks you down. According to Dr Bushra Jamil, an internal medicine and infectious diseases specialist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, the first step to a cure is recognising whether you are suffering from cold or flu.

by Nisma Chauhan The Common Cold “The common cold has no serious implications as such,” explains Dr Jamil. “It occurs due to the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, leading to a runny nose, sneezing and sore throats.” The cold may be a temporary lapse in otherwise healthy bodily function, the coughing and wheezing can get annoying and therefore, need to be fixed. Dr Jamil prescribes the following ways to beat the common cold: • Stock up on medicine: It is advisable to invest in an adequate supply of cold medicine right around the time the weather starts to change. Anti-allergies taken at the first symptoms of a cold can nip it in the bud.

• Indulge in fluids and warm foods: Heard of the saying ‘Feed the cold and starve the fever?’ That is exactly what you should do to clear your sinuses. Water, for instance, boosts the expulsion of

mucous from the throat. Warm milk is a great comfort for an aching, sore throat but produces more phlegm in the lungs. Some people also resort to orange juice and other foods rich in Vitamin C it is believed to cure the virus. Bear in mind that too much of anything can make you sicker, even if it’s just water!

• Listen to your body: You may continue your daily routine as per normal but do not over-exert yourself. If you are feeling more drained than normal, take some rest.

• Handle with care: A cold is the most contagious when your nose is the runniest and it is important to follow respiratory etiquettes and avoid infecting others. When infected, carry a packet of tissues with yourself and dispose them off immediately after use. Washing hands with anti-bacterial soap or even alcohol-based hand sanitisers is important as germs are transferrable via touch. Some health experts even recommend sneezing into the crook of your elbow rather than hands to prevent the cold from spreading.

Foods that fight the cold • Fish • Garlic • Citrus fruits • Yogurt • Tea • Red peppers

• Mushrooms • Leafy greens • Dark chocolate • Carrots • Oats

The Flu Blues Influenza, popularly known as flu, knocks you down much harder than a cold. “The flu infects our respiratory system much deeper and can be a cause of concern if the body temperature constantly rises, increasing the risk of pneumonia or even death,” explains Dr Jamil. Fever and aching muscles are some of the ailments brought on by flu. According to Dr Jamil, “Warm, tropical countries like Pakistan don’t have a specific period during which the flu is at its peak.”

Therefore, getting vaccinated against flu can go a long way, especially for smokers, expecting mothers and patients with chronic diseases like diabetes. So the next time you are down with flu, try these easy home-based remedies and bounce right back!

• Hydration is key: A bowl of warm chicken soup is great during flu as it not only keeps you hydrated but the chicken helps maintain energy levels as well. Coconut water can also relieve symptoms of flu.

• Slow and steady wins the race: Typically, flu has a three-day recovery period but your body still needs at least a week to revive itself completely. Therefore, it is advisable to cut down on excessive activity during the illness, at least until you have completed the course of your medication. Remember that your inner immune system works less effectively when you are tired so unnecessary stress and exertion will only make you feel worse. You may take some pain-killers to relieve stress if need be.

• After the flu: Monitor your health for a few days following the illness. If symptoms persist, see your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of flu • • •

Cough or sore throat Blocked or runny nose Headaches and/or body aches

• • • •

Fatigue A fever of 100 degrees or higher Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 26, 2014

By Hirra Pervaiz Some musicians are venerated for their talent; some are remembered for their style and others have had personalities worth remembering long after their passing. Along with being known for all of the above, Elvis Presley is also remembered for a peanut butter sandwhich! Well, not just a peanut butter sandwhich but which included banana chunks and bacon in it too. Although this particular brand of sandwhich — popularly known as the Elvis — predates the late singer, it has been reported that Presley frequently asked his mother to prepare it for him. According to various sources, he believed the grease gave his voice the husky tone it is famous for. Ever since Presley’s death in 1977, countless celebrity chefs, have concocted their own recipes for the Elvis, which is now a staple offering at many eateries across the world.

• In a small bowl, prepare the banana filling by mashing the fruit with the back of a spoon.

• Toast two slices of bread in a toaster or on a skillet.

• Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, generously.

• Apply the banana mash on the other slice and spread evenly.

• Place the two slices together and press the sandwhich lightly.

• Apply some butter on the outside of both slices and place the sandwhich on a pan or grill.

• Grill the sandwhich until both sides become crisp and golden-brown.

• Cut the sandwhich as you please and serve warm.

• If you want to be a little creative, slice the bananas instead of mashing them completely.

• Drizzle some honey, maple syrup or even chocolate sauce on the sandwhich for added taste.

• You may add bits of meat to the mix as well.

Give your children an early morning energy boost with this quick and easy peanut butter milkshake. We promise they will love it!

e world A glimpse into th rhouses we po i of Pakistan Why did you choose to become an actor?

Acting is something that just happened without any planning! Previously, I had done some theatre in Dubai and wanted a desk job at a channel or advertising company here in Pakistan. But when I went to interview at a local channel, they offered me a role instead! That’s actually how I got my first big break in Burns Road Ki Neelofar. Witnessing how the telefilm became a huge success just from the second episode was overwhelming and gave me the confidence to pursue acting further.

What inspires you?

I have always wanted to experience different characters in a society, ever since I was a child. The thought of Agar mein yeh hoti toh kya karti has inspired me to live so many different lives through my shows. It keeps me going.

What makes you different from your competitors?

Everyone in the industry is following their own paths. I have my own, they have theirs and so, I have no competition.

From catwalk queens to everyday fashionistas, no one can deny the instant glam effect a pair of fake eyelashes can add to your makeup. Whether you are aiming for the natural, demure look inspired by Zooey Deschanel or the mysterious aura of Mila Kunis, the right pair of falsies can help you hit the mark.

Nowadays, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the ideal pair – from full set lashes to half-set and even individual ones! And once you have found your pair, just applying them correctly is no easy feat. But fret not! Get ready to transform yourself with our step-by-step guide to your perfect falsies. After all, the eyes are the window to the soul so why not make them look great?

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How has the Pakistani television industry changed in the past years?

Even though an industry requires a collective effort, some people move forward and some people stay where they are. The Pakistani television industry is slowly moving forward but in its own capacity.

You are a working woman with a husband and children. How do you maintain a work-life balance?

During the first eight years of my working career, it was difficult maintaining both personal and professional lives.

Ultimately, I sat down and thought of a solution: a daily timetable. I follow this timetable now to maintain the balance.

Tell us about an idea that changed your life?

I think loving everyone makes a huge difference. If we love ourselves and everything and everyone around us without holding back, we will be able to find joy in the simple things in life.

On the sets of

Bulbulay.

What’s the best way to deal with failure?

Accept the failure as it is and then let it go and move ahead.

Who is your favourite director and why?

Mazhar Moin is my favourite! We have a special bonding and can understand each other.

Hanging out with actress Sana.

Actor

Any advice for aspiring female actors?

Be patient and honest with yourself and always remain loyal to your work.

With my little gir l.

1) Finding the right lashes: In order to achieve the glamorous false-lash effect, you must invest in a pair that suits the shape of your eyes. Just as different eye shapes call for different makeup looks, the same set of lashes can’t be pulled off by everyone either. If you have large eyes that pop, you can get away with a full set of thick, black lashes. On the other hand, small or narrow eyes can get lost in the effect, making them appear dark and overdone. Single lashes are great for those with small eyes as they can be applied individually on the spots where they are needed the most. If you feel your outer lashes are sparse compared to the inner ones, apply a few single lashes there or vice versa. Not only do single lashes give a more natural effect, they also give you complete control of the look you are going for.

2) Applying the lashes: More often than not, the glue that comes in the box is of poor quality, making your lashes fall off or eyes itch. It is advisable to purchase a good brand of eyelash glue separately. Also, make sure your lash-line is clean prior to application. To apply, put some glue onto the fake lash and blow on it. Wait for a minute and allow the glue to settle and then press the set onto your eyes, pressing well. Also, begin at the outer corner of your, moving inwards for the right effect. Use tweezers or cutips for more precise application. Finish off the look with some eye shadow, liner or mascara to blend your lashes in.

3) Maintain the lashes: The great thing about fake eyelashes is that they are easy to cut, clean and keep. Unfortunately, they are also vulnerable to bacteria. Most fake lashes are for one-time use but if you have re-usable ones, make sure they are clean. Once removed, dust them off to remove any leftover residue and place them back in the box until the next application.

4) Removing the lashes: Invest in a good quality makeup remover, dab it over your lash line and simply pull off the lashes. Make sure you pull them off slowly though, lest they rip.