National advisory forum launched to bridge gender gap

As part of 100th International Women Day celebrations, the Gender Equity Programme (GEP) of Aurat Foundation has launched its National Advisory Forum (NAF) that will provide broad policy guidelines to GEP.

Aurat Foundation has received a $40 million (over Rs3 billion) grant from the USAID-Pakistan for a five-year GEP that aims at advancing women’s human rights and empowerment in Pakistan.

The Gender Equity Programme aims at bridging the gender gap in Pakistan by proactively supporting the development of women.

Aurat Foundation, as primary recipient of this grant, and the Asia Foundation, as its sub-contractor, will work together to award over 400 small, medium and large grants to local civil society organisations, concerned government gender entities, policy think tanks, academic research and training institutions, professional, business and media associations. The volume of grants will range from $20,000 to $200,000 in a grant cycle starting on a quarterly basis every year through competitive applications.

The main role of NAF is to provide broad policy guidelines to GEP, align GEP with government’s gender commitment, including international commitments and provide guideline for on-going cooperative with USAID.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Party GEP Simi Kamal stated that NAF is an important national forum for consultation and brainstorming broader gender equity and equality strategies and it can provide direction to GEP, as well as to the government and other gender entities in the country.

She said that GEP has four objectives, which revolve around core women’s rights issues including enhancing gender equity by expanding women’s access to justice and women’s human rights, increasing women’s empowerment by expanding knowledge of their rights and opportunities to exercise their rights in the workplace, community, and home, combating gender-based violence and strengthening the capacity of Pakistani organisations that advocate for gender equity, women’s empowerment and the elimination of gender-based violence.

The event featured short speeches by provincial ministers of women development in which they highlighted the efforts done by provincial government to empower women.

Secretary Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Dr. Nafeesa Shah was the chief guest of the event. Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, wife of US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Anis Haroon and Advisor to Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Sadai Danish also spoke on the occasion.

A documentary titled ‘Main Safar Main Hoon’ was also screened at the event. The documentary focused on the 100 years journey of women all over the world, particularly highlighting the achievements and sacrifices of Pakistani women starting from 1911 to 2011. The objective of the documentary was to portray a positive image of Pakistani women and highlight their achievements in different fields of life. The documentary carried a very motivating message that women can excel and do everything they just need to be determined, committed and strong.

Provincial Minister Baluchistan Ghazala Gola, Provincial Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sitara Ayaz, Provincial Minister Sindh Tauqeer Fatimah Bhutto, Provincial Minister Punjab Kamran Michael briefed the participants about the steps taken by the provincial governments to empower women. Kamran Michael announced that the Punjab Government will soon establish women complaint cell and the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women.

Nafisa Shah said that there is no lack of role models for women in Pakistan as women have been able to achieve highest positions in every field especially politics but we are far behind in providing them smooth access to basic facilities like education and health. “To work in this direction, it is vital to have effective pubic private partnership,” she said.

Dr. Marilyn Wyatt said that United States has made a long-term commitment to improving the lives of women in Pakistan, and that all US development strategies reflect the importance of women’s core roles raising families, providing health care, running business, providing education, and feeding children.

Source http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=38338&Cat=6&dt=3/27/2011

Learn life insurance basics before it's too late

Many readers will remember that for many years, I have authored an article regarding financial planning and insurance matters. Recently, the decision to start writing again was made, and I thought I would start with basics. Insurance is certainly the foundation of any financial plan, whether formal or informal. Several recent studies have shown that the bulk of middle America is grossly underinsured, so I thought I would start with the basics of life insurance.

Insurance of any kind is based upon the idea of sharing risk. There are only three ways of dealing with the risks we face as we walk through life. We can do whatever we can to avoid the risk (the risk of an airplane accident is avoided if one does not fly). We can assume the risk, or we can share in the risk. This is where life insurance fits. The purchase of life insurance is based upon a recognition that the financial impact of a death cannot be avoided nor assumed, it needs to be shared with an insurance company.

Life insurance is available in two primary varieties, term, and permanent insurance, the latter in many varieties. Historically, many people have fallen prey to believing the decision is either/or, either I buy term or I buy permanent. The prudent decision is to buy term when the need is temporary, such as under 15-20 years. Term is very inexpensive, especially when purchased at younger ages. A young family should buy as much term insurance as reasonable to provide for educational funding, mortgage redemption , and income should something happen to the breadwinners.

How does one determine the amount of life insurance needed ? It's pretty easy -- what would the insured have contributed over time financially to the family or business? For a family, that's a pretty big number. Another test: How would the survivor answer the question of "did he/she have enough life insurance?" There are a number of websites that will help you determine your needs. Once the decision is made to move forward, one should really work with someone who specializes in life insurance.

Permanent insurance is designed to be in place for the rest of one's life. It is a very valuable asset in any portfolio with performance measured by premiums invested versus death benefit provided to the survivors. One of the first questions asked at a funeral is "Did he have life insurance?" I doubt that there has ever been a beneficiary who complained about having death benefits. Permanent coverage is more expensive initially than term, but over the course of the time, the reverse is absolute. In addition, there are cash values which can be used to recover costs or as an emergency fund.

A few other little known benefits of life insurance policies: Cash values accumulate on a tax deferred basis and can be pulled out of the policy on a tax-free basis via a loan against the policy. Very tax efficient. These same cash values can be invested in a variety of ways within the policy, in equity or bond accounts, interest rate driven accounts, or accounts reflecting the performance of an index such as the S&P. Life insurance is a protected asset in most states when it comes to the reach of creditors. Finally, and most importantly, death benefits are received totally income tax free.

The purchase of a life insurance policy should not be seen as any other commodity. The process can be difficult and guidance from an experienced professional is recommended. An independent agent is probably the best. Note that there is no need to use the various shopping services you see on TV or the internet, there is no savings, rates are the same. Underwriting is the issue, it is important to know which carriers are more favorable to an problematic health histories.

Finally, do you need life insurance? Don't ask me, ask those who will survive you. If there is a financial consequence to your passing, you have two choices, A) buy life insurance, or B) let them figure it out later. I think we know which is more expensive and difficult.

Source http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110307/BUSINESS/103070320/1006/Valencia-leads-Twins-atop-O-s/Learn-life-insurance-basics-before-s-too-late?odyssey=nav|head