Conflict and Culture Project Impact Report – Pakistan – Paiman Trust

PAIMAN Alumni Trust has played a vital role as one of the key implementers in the Gender Justice and Security Hub’s Culture and Conflict project within Pakistan. Focusing its efforts on artisans in Peshawar, Charsadda, and Swat, PAIMAN has chosen to work in regions that have been conflict-prone and continue to grapple with the aftermath of violent extremism. These areas have experienced significant challenges, including ongoing military operations aimed at stabilizing the region. By engaging with craft persons in these conflict-affected regions, PAIMAN aims to promote economic opportunities, preserve cultural traditions, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts. The organization’s commitment to these communities reflects a broader mission to address the multifaceted issues surrounding conflict, security, and gender equality in Pakistan. The conflict in KP has had a profound on craftswomen in Swat and Charsadda. These effects have proven to be very negative and far-reaching, thereby impacting various aspects of their lives and livelihoods. Conflict disrupts local economies, leading to a loss of income for craftswomen/persons. Furthermore tourism, which had been a significant source of income for artisans, was affected severely and dwindled down to no tourism. In such volatile and uncertain conditions access to markets was severely limited due to security concerns and transportation disruptions, made it difficult for craftswomen to sell their products. The craftswomen faced physical threats and violence during the extremist group’s takeover of Swat and during and after the military operation while women in Charsadda have to deal with violent extremism and violent extremist groups on daily basis. In fact prolonged conflict led to stress, anxiety, and trauma, affecting the mental health of craftswomen and their families. In such circumstances the craftswomen had very limited access to resources such as raw materials and financial support, making it challenging to sustain their craft businesses. Owing to the multiple issues faced by crafts women, the Gender Justice and Security Hub’s Culture and Conflict project intervention was a wonderful effort to mitigate these negative impacts on craftswomen in Swat and Charsadda. The project basically focused on access to economic opportunities and initiatives aimed at preserving traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
Authors (TBC) Conflict and Culture Project Impact Report – Pakistan