Daily Times

According to a policy brief of the UN, a total of 106 countries had introduced or adapted social protection and jobs programs in response to COVID-19 by April 3,2020 and 65 countries had passed the fiscal response packages equivalent to a total of US$4.8 trillion, as of March 31, 2020. Yet, the course of Pandemic Covid 19 is still imprecise. What is clear and certain by now is the confusion-durable confusion and disgusting apathy in the leadership responses of some powerful men-led governments. Vulnerable populations like indigenous people and tribes, migrants, asylum seekers, people with disabilities, etc. are disproportionately shaken even in many developed countries. The world was never fair. This current Pandemic has merely exposed some more details of the extent of injustice and monopolies.

The situation in Pakistan is not only perfectly tragic but tragically ironic too. After a relatively dispassionate overview of a diverse range of the development, political and social media content produced in the last 60 day , I can claim that a calamity of this magnitude failed to bring out the required national solidarity and cohesive response at many levels. A number of those who hold any office especially public office are not at all careful in choosing their style and words while showcasing their success on social media. They must sound (at least sound) humble. The virus is still around and there is no meaning in the display of pre-mature and over excitement on completing the needful (actual or perceived). While acknowledging the hard work and the zeal of a number of civil servants , special advisers, influencers and well-funded NGOs and enterprises, (as projected on social media) , I sincerely believe that exhibiting humility , politesse and decorum is not a bad idea.

Dedicated to the denigrated women headed households and voiceless non-tech and traditional entrepreneurs and wage earners

This pandemic necessities prioritization plan in each and every sector of national development. Most of the factors that affect health sector lie outside this very sector. The weaknesses of our health systems are no longer any secret. Nepotism and political postings have not spared this sector as well. While apparent attention is going to COVID 19 patients, some urgent issues may also command the attention of those who are in the corridors of power. Health and Hygiene are interlinked and interlocked. Water supply sources must be reexamined. Public toilets( not so public here), are simply UNUSABLE. Even toilets in large power studded buildings are in miserable shape. Pay attention to existing rest rooms and water supplies in all official buildings and health care facilities. Most of the hospitals (both in public and private sectors) lack standard waste management system – it should be in place-ASAP.

Understanding the needs of 212.2 million Pakistanis is inevitable for an effective leadership, mentally healthy society and a stable state. People, including Women and People with Disabilities are Not homogenous. Can Pakistan create an opportunity (out of this highly complex challenge) by taking advantage of the spirit of philanthropy and transforming its public policies and practices? Imagine a post Covid 19 Pakistan filled with accessible public spaces, Ramps Voice Traffic Signals , all sign boards/ visiting cards with Braille, Hospital staff trained in sign language, shelter homes and free legal aid for the survivors of violence etc. A serious and strategic approach is needed to make ordinary people’s lives better through correct solutions. Our governments must announce Hardship funds for employees and ask the private sector organizations to do the same. The spirit of charity is priceless and irreplaceable. However, there is no harm in reimagining and re-establishing expanded roles of mosques, shrines, temples, churches etc. through the elected representatives. These can offer many services to the disadvantaged without damaging their self-esteem. The innovators and experts can and should Go beyond the Charity Model.

Gender becomes a misplaced and misunderstood priority in times of crises. What needs to be realized is that the Gender mainstreaming, does not disallow women-centered actions. Women and girls (including trans), who are harmed and harassed in real spaces need to be rescued immediately and actually (not digitally). Their rights and representation need to be genuinely protected. Managing a family Business, doing social entrepreneurship with boot strap model and selling fruit or driving a taxi/truck by women due to destitution are commendable, but not interchangeable. Lines of compulsion and choices must not be muddled. Many Pakistani women and families experience different harmful practices that are often endorsed in the name of culture. Can our legislators challenge ;the system of dowry , child and forced marriages , the curse of big fat weddings and the discrimination based on marital status in the taxation system? These are preventable forms of problems that lead to violence including emotional abuse.

Inclusive and well-coordinated planning processes must be started for the recovery phase while responding to the immediate needs with empathy. The technology must be redirected as a new normal, towards reducing rather than exacerbating exclusion and inequalities. It is time to understand Triage and observe it even outside the ICUs of hospitals and e-meetings. People especially the marginalized ones need basic minimum services and facilities. Take technology to the forlorn places, fields and farms and invest in traditional sectors and workers with the spirit of shared prosperity.

The writer is an intersectional feminist