After being schooled from the best schools of the colonial era, which were later administered by missionaries and the state, Fareha Arshed completed her education at The University of the Punjab. She worked on Save the Children’s project for formal and non-formal education, including teachers training and developing syllabi. For the first time, she developed a syllabus for basic education through phonics.

Hailing from a traditional Pir family in Sandal Bar near Chiniot, education in liberal institutions followed by her professional engagements sparked a unique kind of rebellion in her. This rebellion is evident not only against religious extremism but also against traditions and even some forms of liberal extremism. In her stories, we can see how she carves a third path between the two extremes, leading towards humanity and peace...

Work:

Fareha Arshed worked as a qualitative researcher in a research consortium “Women Empowerment in Muslim Context”, which was simultaneously running in five countries: Iran, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. She also presented various papers on women empowerment at conferences in universities and NGOs in different countries and did advocacy for this.

Fareha Arshed also contributed to recommendations for laws against violence against women based on fundamental research discussions by an international NGO. She started writing in high school. Fareha wrote about state oppression, women’s psychology, issues of traditions and rights, as well as social oppression and poverty. She writes boldly and fearlessly, and is well expressive to write what she feels to be presented.

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