I don't feel my age. I have CNIC!
“At this age, I am unable to bear more as I have already paid a huge cost for not having CNIC. In our culture, women rarely go to school and cast vote, and one of the reasons for this all is poverty” shared Saforah.
It was surprising to see when 77-year-old women entered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to apply for her Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for the first time in her life.
Saforah Bibi 77-year-old resident of village Dhariyan of Tehsil Chakar was approached by the field staff of the Roshan Youth Welfare Organization (RYWO) under “Supporting Women’s CNIC Registration and Political Education” campaign.
“In a patriarchal culture, our men never told us about the importance of CNIC instead kept saying is a waste of time and money. I lost my house during an earthquake and never got a chance to take the benefits from government and NGO programs. The poverty survey also selected me under the BISP program in 2012, but due to the absence of CNIC, I missed the opportunity. In this age, I am unable to bear more as I have already paid a huge cost for not having CNIC. In our culture, women rarely go to school and cast vote, and one of the reasons for this all is poverty” shared Saforah.
RYWO advocated Saforah on the importance of CNIC and the benefits of participating in the electoral process in mobilization and sensitization training. Organized the NADRA registration camp and brought her to the camp for registration by providing a transportation facility. After the registration process, in two weeks, her CNIC delivered by RYWO staff to her doorstep.
” I never thought that I could get my CNIC at the age of 63, and it would be a hassle-free. Now, I am very enthusiastic about casting my first-ever vote in the upcoming elections.”
“CNIC registration could cost us more than PKR 5000 (approx. $45) as we don’t have any CNIC registration center in our tehsil. The cost is equal to the cost of half month groceries, which I didn’t want to lose.”
“I was so demoralized by the response from the officers at NADRA my husband and I decided not to try again as it was a waste of money and effort.”
“Before attending the meeting, I was unaware of the benefits of a CNIC. I applied for the financial aid services of several governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) but never received any assistance due to the non-availability of a CNIC.”