As we commemorate Women's History Month, host Amina Saqib sits down with Zebu Jilani, founder of Swat Relief Initiative (SRI), which aims to address the complex challenges faced by the Swat Valley community in Pakistan.
Zebu's involvement was spurred by the dire situation in the valley, with millions displaced due to Taliban occupation and subsequent military actions. She emphasizes SRI's unique volunteer-driven model, with all operational costs covered by her family to ensure that every donation directly aids relief efforts.
SRI's comprehensive approach spans education, healthcare, women's empowerment, environmental initiatives, and access to clean water. Concrete outcomes include school construction, significant reductions in mortality rates, and empowering women through vocational training.
Moreover, SRI fosters community mobilization and participation, ensuring programs align with local needs. Zeu Jalani's hands-on approach ensures financial transparency and accountability, boosting trust among donors. Despite challenges such as patriarchal norms, Jilani remains optimistic about education's transformative impact. SRI's work epitomizes a legacy of service and education in the Swat Valley.