Sindh Rural Support Organization(SRSO) organized the retreat of “Union Council Based Poverty Reduction Program (UCBPRP)” on 2 – 4 October 2016, at SRSO Complex, Sukkur . The objective was to develop a future strategy and to strategize institutional strengthening and sustainability, through collaboration by defining role of the Community, Government and SRSO. Different stakeholders, government officials, RSPs experienced professionals, community representatives and program staff attended this event. The Union Council Based Poverty Reduction Programme (UCBPRP) was funded by Planning & Development Department (Govt. of Sindh), aimed at reducing poverty in rural areas of Sindh, was launched in February 2009, in district Shikarpur and Kashmore-Kandhkot. After analyzing the performance in both the districts, Government of Sindh subsequently expanded this program in Jacobabad district as well in Mar 2010. The UCBPRP aimed at improving the quality of life of the rural communities, especially poorest of the poor, through the conceptual package of social mobilization, organizing them into “organizations of the poor” at the community, village and union council level. The main objective of forming these community institutions is to foster and nurture inclusive, democratic and accountable grassroots organizations of the poor through social mobilization approach which is a problem-solving approach, whereby the community is empowered with the knowledge and skills to identify and prioritize its needs and problems, harness its resources to deal with these problems and take action collectively. Thus, the program has really proved social and economic empowerment of rural women. The UCBPRP is creating an impact in transforming the social mobilization process into a more effective tool for empowering people and distinguishing the community organizations, as effective sources for poverty reduction and delivery of services. These institutions / organizations had not only empowered the most neglected segments of the society, but also made positive impacts on the social fabric of the society. Nonetheless, in their effort to contribute towards the social well-being of their areas, women venturing into the development sector are contributing to the social cause by adhering to the social norms and values of their areas. The trust in these poor women social workers was evident from the support they are getting from SRSO. To expand the impact of social mobilization, this program focused on; expanding the role of community activists; increasing participation of women in the socioeconomic development process; accountability and equitable distribution; independent fund management by the communities, self-help; civic responsibilities and forging linkages. Thus, these poor women have started to develop concrete action oriented solutions to identify problems and challenges.
Prominent development policy makers and practitioners who attended the event stressed on strengthening and sustainability of people’s organisations to complement government’s political and administrative pillars by defining role of the Community, Government and the SRSO. The event concluded on 04 October with the commitment to continue strengthening of institutions of the people.
