The majority of women in Union Council (UC) Chikar, district Hattian Bala, Azad Kashmir, did not exist in the State’s records because they had not applied for a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). This rendered them unable to attain any services from the State.

Identifying the root causes of the problem, which were cost, time and lack of awareness regarding the importance of a CNIC particularly in the case of women, Roshan Youth Welfare Organization (RYWO),  launched an awareness-raising campaign in the area to educate women about the importance of a CNIC card.

61-year-old Maqbool Jan from the village of Nagni Dhariya is a prime example of the way women live their lives without an official identity. RYWO, under the campaign for “Supporting Women’s CNIC Registration and Political Education,” which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), identified her and provided her with a birth certificate through the local government.

“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,” says Maqbool.

The RYWO team organized a CNIC registration camp and provided her transportation to reach the camp. She registered for her CNIC and received it within a few weeks. “I am extremely grateful to RYWO for fulfilling my wish,” exclaims Maqbool. She is now eager to reapply for poverty alleviation and social benefit programs.