KARACHI, March 1: A study conducted by the Lyari Rabita Council (LRC) shows that women in Lyari are playing an active role in the development and economic management of their households.

However, their role seems to be unrecognised as no serious attempt has ever been made to collect data on the subject. The study conducted by LRC is based on informal discussions and interviews.

It shows that despite poor financial conditions, women residing in Ali Mohammad Mohalla, Shah Baig Union Council, play an active role in fulfilling the domestic needs of the family.

Ali Mohammad Mohalla in Kalri, a Baloch area in Lyari Town, comprises more than 6,000 people.

About 60 per cent workforce comprise fish workers, while 15 to 20 per cent people work in government and private offices.

The literacy level among women is low, most of whom are engaged in basket-making and help their husbands in their enterprises.

Many women interviewed for the study said their husbands’ income was meagre and they had to do some small vending business such as selling “bhujia-pakorey” (fried snacks made of lentil flour and vegetables) and “chattni roti” (sour sauce and bread), a popular snack.

Since a woman occupies a central position in the Baloch family system, she plays a decisive role in the management of the house.

The Lyari Rabita Council (LRC) study shows that women want to change their lifestyle and adopt new methods of generating income if facilities are made available.

In Baghdadi and other Baloch localities like Nawa Lane and Rexer Lane, most of the women do not earn, but receive an amount for household expenses, daily or weekly from their husbands.

Since most of the women in Kalri earn money through basket-making, they share expenses of the household.

A large part of their money goes into meeting daily expenses and healthcare needs.

The Lyari Rabita Council (LRC) study also shows that with the passage of time and media exposure, they now aspire for good food, expensive clothes and schooling for their children, as well as better housing.

There is also a traditional system of saving, called “bachat committee”, which has proved effective in meeting emergency expenses and helping families build pucca houses.