Family matters

The joint family system has its own pros and cons. This week You! talks to some families regarding their experiences of this system

By Gul Nasreen

Since our eastern society is marked by joint family system, most families have at least one elderly person to look after. This joint family system has been a part of our culture and society for centuries. Usually sons are supposed to take care of their old parents. They make sure to provide them with all the facilities and comforts. But in some cases sons fail to come up to the expectations of their parents owing to a number of reasons. Sometimes the sons are not financially stable to take care of their needs, if married, they have their own families to support and sometimes their wives don't happily accept their parents-in-law. You! takes a look at a few tales... 

Rukhsana, 60, and her husband Imtiaz, 62, are living in separate portions of the same house, with their two married sons. "Although both sons are living separately but they are very obedient and caring ones. Every evening when they return from their work, first they come to see us and then go upstairs. I think by living separately, relationships don't suffer. It all depends on how caring your children are," says Rukhsana.

Shazia and her husband are both retired schoolteachers living with their son, daughter-in-law and grandchild. Since their daughter-in-law is also working, they take care of their grandchild. "We are living happily by sharing our responsibilities and taking care of each other," says Shazia. They also help their son financially by pitching in their pension in the household budget.

Naeema, 65, has arthritis and therefore has very little mobility. She relies on her three daughters to look after her, as she has no son. Naeema shuttles between the houses of her three married daughters, who take turns to look after her. "Sometimes her condition deteriorates, particularly when she is in the hospital and then one of us helps out in the morning, one in the afternoon and another in the night," informs her daughter Sumbul.

Former school principal, Zubeda, and her husband, a retired company executive, are living in a bungalow. They have every facility at their disposal. However, Zubeda says that she is suffering from the 'empty nest syndrome'. "My sons are living abroad, while my daughters are married and have children to take care of. We do pray for their success and long life, but we do miss them a lot."

"A mother can easily look after her children out of love but children usually find it difficult to take care of their old parents. I think it's a natural cycle," says Zulekha, 65, living in a separate portion with a housemaid.

But there are some parents who think that living alone is a much better option. Shahnaz, 55, has been working as an 'Aaya' in Defence. She says that she was a housewife but after the death of her husband and marriage of her children, she found herself to be a burden on her sons and daughters-in-law. "Choosing not to be a burden on them I opted for a job and now I am at peace. In my opinion, old parents should let their married children live separately as the majority of daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law do not get along. I think there is no harm in living alone. Now, not only I am supporting myself, but also extend help to my children if they need it."

In some cases there are those who undergo difficult situations because of their in-laws. Sana, who is a workingwoman, says that she is facing a lot of difficulties due to her bed-ridden mother-in-law and father-in-law. "My husband is of the view that I should look after his parents. In fact my own mother is blind and paralysed, and I have to look after her as well. I believe children should look after their parents collectively by taking turns and should not transfer the entire burden on the daughters-in-law, who also have to look after their own parents."

Salima, 38, is married with three children. Her father-in-law is in good health, but her mother in-law suffers from depression. Salima finds it difficult to cope with her responsibilities between her children and mother-in-law. "We should have our own space and that is the biggest source of conflict. My mother in-law wants pin drop silence which is not possible with children. She has become mentally deranged and interferes in almost every household affair."

Bilquis Edhi at Edhi Centre, Karachi informs that there are a number of elderly women living at their centres. "Some of them are tired of family quarrels and have opted to live there. Sometimes, the family members leave their ill and fragile elders at the centre when they find it difficult to support them financially."

Prominent psychiatrist Dr. Mubin Akhtar says, "The elders living with their children or separately can be both positive and negative. There are advantages and disadvantages of the joint family system with older people being an integral part of the family. These people in our society fulfil multiple tasks that help the function of the family - taking care of household tasks and most importantly providing childcare for their grandchildren. But at the same time, problems do occur. For example in some cases, the elders become over-possessive and try to impose their notions on the family members, particularly on their daughters-in-law. The daughters-in-law are mostly the oppressed members of a joint family. This relationship needs to be checked and improved. Usually, the 'bahu' faces a lot of pressure within this system and we need to provide justice to her.

"It's right that Islam forbids us not to insult our parents, but it does not mean that we should not stop them from perpetrating injustices or cruelties on another member of the family especially the daughter-in-law. Islam seeks justice even if it is against our own interest or that of our parents," concludes Dr. Mubin.

Dreams soiled on foreign shores

Pakistan is used as a transit as well as a destination country for human cargo - specifically women trafficking...

Dozens of Iranian girls are brought to Karachi, Pakistan, to be sold as sex slaves every day." - Ms Mouna Zadeh, observed during the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights (2005). Ms. Zadeh, lecturer in philosophy, represented the National Federation of International Immigrant Women Associations.

Trafficking of women is an abhorrent phenomenon. The problems associated with trafficking of women have steadily worsened over the past three decades. The flesh trade has produced both a health epidemic and a weakening of political and legal institutions that is an additional obstacle to vital economic and political development.

On our home front, as if the situation of women trafficking wasn't bitter enough, another vulnerable stratum that has emerged in the country is that of the women-headed households of the post 8 October 2005 earthquake affected areas. These households are especially vulnerable to not just women trafficking but children trafficking as well. Clearly, reliable studies, data and extensive research on sexual exploitation and trafficking of women and the link to displacement are urgently needed.

While skimming through various sites on women trafficking, one of the most coherent and specified meaning of trafficking, which I came across was:

The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, fraud, deception, of the abuse, power or of a position of vulnerability or the giving and receiving payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

A report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) suggests that a minimum of 2.45 million people are victims of trafficking at any one time. Of this number, around half are found in the region of Asia-Pacific. Women and girls make up 98 per cent of those who are forced into commercial sexual exploitation. In addition to the use or threat of force associated with trafficking, women are placed at further risk of sexual and other violence from 'owners' or clients, with exposure to damaging psychological and physical effects. Women and girls are also at risk of sexually transmitted infections, which includes HIV, and unwanted pregnancies.

Now, if we scan the global scenario there are many important organisations working against the deeply rooted network of human trafficking. Like the Coalition against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is a non governmental organisation that works internationally to combat sexual exploitation in all its forms, especially prostitution and trafficking of women and children, particularly girls. CATW is composed of regional networks and of affiliated individuals and groups. The Asia-Pacific network is one of them. It serves as an umbrella that coordinates and takes direction from various organisations and networks in the region in its work against sexual exploitation and in support of women's rights. Apart from CATW, there are numerous such NGOs working in this field.

Our part of the world especially Pakistan, is used as a transit as well as a destination country for human cargo. On the local front, one of the pioneer organisations to initiate a struggle against women trafficking in Pakistan is the Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA). This platform provides free legal services to victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence trafficking etc. LHRLA was also the first one to initiate the issue in Bangladesh, when a meeting was held in 1991; since then, over 20 NGOs have been established with a strong focus on trafficking which has become a very urgent regional concern. Way back in 1990 the 'Flesh Trade Lawyers' of LHRLA, on their jail visits had found thousands of Bangladeshi and Burmese women languishing in jail. They had been lured by dreams of riches to be found in Karachi, by unscrupulous people. There was a network of trafficking syndicates consisting of recruiting agencies, transport agencies, moneychangers, hotel owners and promoters. Even the heartless members of their own families were involved in this nefarious trade. These unfortunate women were first raped, even gang raped and then sold into prostitution. Young boys were sold as camel jockeys to the oil rich Middle East Sheikhs. LHRLA is into a massive research all over Pakistan and has broadened the scope to cover all women in Pakistan, whether of Central Asian, Afghan, Burmese or Bangladeshi origin.

Organisations like these have played a major role in sensitising us about the heinous network of women trafficking. Here the efforts to combat trafficking will have to be a major part of efforts to stabilise a country and the wider Asian region. Only limited attempts have been made to combat the crisis over the past decade. A lack of commitment and implementation of policy are obstacles to solving the crisis. Given the gloomy scenario, governments have not been able to come up with very concrete and effective programmes to curb women trafficking in the region.

The challenges that confront Asia are enormously immeasurable and Flesh Trade is perhaps the most heinous of all. So, how long will we allow the current situation to continue?

- Compiled by Fatima Zehra

Oil for Hair Care

Having thick and beautiful hair is no more a dream.
With proper hair care and oiling one can achieve lustrous hair

By Samra Arshad

Hair that is soft, fluffy and has body always catches the eye. Thin and lanky hair that lies flat against the scalp looks unflattering. To achieve the full-bodied look, women resort to  various hair  products - shampoos, conditioners, styling aids and oils. It is very necessary that hair is given proper treatment.

Many of us have a hectic schedule due to which oiling and washing our hair holds the last priority. Well, if you want healthy hair, oiling is the best therapy. There are many hair oils in the market, which tell you ample benefits they provide. Healthy and beautiful hair requires an on going care routine that starts with nourishment. Massaging the scalp with warm oil, which is infused with hair-friendly herbs, is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically. Not only does the massage work wonders for your hair, it also relaxes the mind and nervous system. You! summarises the many advantages of oiling for our readers... 

Benefits of oiling:

- It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.

- It helps to enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp becomes 'tensed' from stress, circulation and hair growth impedes.

- It helps to relax the scalp and increase pliability.

- It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.

- It helps in softening and conditioning the hair, making it more manageable.

- Increases hair lustre and vibrancy.

- Prevents hair from falling and removes dandruff.

- It helps in protecting hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.

- It is replenishing and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.

- It also helps reduce body heat in general, especially if you have been up late a few nights or your eyes are burning from too much work on the computer or reading.

- The massage can help promote sound sleep at night.

Although there are many oil products available in the market but Herbinol seems to be the favourite among women owing to its effectiveness. It claims to be the extracts and distillates of 42 different herbs, roots, flowers, leaves and valuable essences. "The preparation of Herbinol oil is based on a rare prescription from the manuscript of the Court physician to the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam.  We made Herbinol hair oil in 1956 for the first time and since then we have been exporting it to Dubai, Jeddah, Mauritius, Yemen, Philippines etc.," comments Farrukh Mahmood, proprietor, Orient Chemical Industries.

 "Generally oils are mixed with white oil but the base of this oil is sesame oil. Besides herbs and other natural ingredients of Herbinol, its base adds to its effectiveness. Also, the amla-reetha mixture is also good for hair care as it does not contain any unnatural chemicals that are dangerous for hair," comments Irfan Danish, manager, Orient Chemical Industries.

Scalp and hair self-massage:

Pour some oil into a bowl and warm the oil by placing the bowl in hot water. The oil should be warm and not hot. Using the tips of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp, parting your hair as needed. Also work some oil along the length of your hair. Then, work the oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation. Cover your entire scalp, all the way down the sides to your ears and at the back to your neck. Leave the oil on for at least 30 or longer if you can. If you like, you can dip a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around your head after your massage for added conditioning. You can even leave the oil on overnight - place a thick towel over your pillow to protect your linens. Shampoo out with a gentle, natural shampoo.

Oiling your hair everyday would be too much to ask for. But do this at least thrice a week. It does make a lot of difference if you keep doing this regularly as it is bound to show on your hair. Having thick and beautiful hair is no more a dream. With proper hair care and oiling one can achieve lustrous hair.

Race against time

Tretinoin has become a part of the beauty jargon. It has been around for many years for the treatment of acne but now it has been adopted as an anti-wrinkle product...

By Dr. Khurram Mushir

We all want to look young forever, although it's not possible to retain your youth, there are safe and effective ways to reduce the signs of aging. Over the past ten years, many new techniques for combating the signs of aging have become available.

Let's look at how and why skin ages. Skin becomes thinner and less able to hold moisture over a period of time. Elasticity decreases as collagen and elastin are damaged by time and sunlight. Skin becomes hyper-pigmented. Facial muscles starts to deteriorate and become somewhat contracted, contributing to wrinkles. Some of the major causes of premature skin aging are excessive sun exposure, smoking, poor nutrition and lack of skin care.

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It works to alter the skin cells by modulating gene expression. The effect of tretinoin is the speeding of skin cell turnover, reducing breakouts and producing smoother, younger looking skin. It also suppresses the melanocytes which are responsible for skin pigmentation and reduces the fine lines and wrinkles making the skin appear smoother and evenly coloured.

However, many people only know that Retin-A was the first tretinoin brand to appear in the market which was effective for treating severe acne. Later it was adopted as an anti-wrinkle product and has also proved to be helpful in the treatment of other skin problems. 

Properties and effects of Tretinoin:

Tretinoin when added with aloe vera is less irritating, fights with skin blemishes and irregularities, making the skin healthier, more glowing and totally non-invasive to fight fine lines and wrinkles, as well as active acne lesions.

But it does not mean that it will work for everyone. Some people are unable to cope with the red, scaly surface that develops. For some the irritation increases with the usage and they too must abandon the treatment.

How to use Tretinion:

Use Tretinoin exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Mostly it is used at night over dry skin, twenty minutes after proper cleansing, preferably with a mild soap. It is applied thinly in an invisible layer for effects to be visible, the treatment must continue for at least four months, often increasingly, higher - strength creams, are used until the level of tolerance is reached. During treatment the skin becomes increasingly sensitive to sun exposure and must be protected by sunscreen. If that is not scrupulously adhered to, blotchy pigmentation may result. Make sure to avoid sensitive skin on the lips and under the eye area. While undergoing a skin regime using Tretinoin, you can wear make up, but be sure to clean your face thoroughly before using your medication.

Possible side effects of Tretinoin:

Burning, peeling, and skin redness are common side effects of Tretinoin. This transient skin irritation usually reverses quickly as your skin becomes accustomed to the medication. Using this medication will make your skin much more sun-sensitive. If you are exposed to excessive sunlight, your skin will be more quickly and severely sunburned. So, make sure to use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Results and doctors advice:

Several of the studies on Tretinoin confirm that maximum improvement of the skin is seen after about 24 weeks of use. It is necessary to purchase the products prescribed by the doctor from authentic pharmaceutical stores. Your dermatologist should monitor your progress and periodic visits after the initial three months are in order. Also, the strength of the cream or its frequency of application may be altered. Once these variables are determined, long term therapy is well-tolerated. In short Tretinoin is a biologically active metabolite of vitamin A. It produces multiple effects in the skin. It works by triggering molecular switches in skin cells called retinoid receptors. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) becomes overactive as we age and contribute to wrinkles and sagging skin and Tretinoin indirectly slows down the MMP, which are the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin - the skin's key structural proteins.

Dr. Khurrum Mushir,

The Skin Vision, 3rd Zamzama Lane,

Karachi.

Letters

CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Hopeless,

It seems that you have mishandled the situation right from the beginning. Preserving peace in the house does not mean giving in to unreasonable demands. I am sure that you meant it for the best, but that has made her puffed up in her own conceit. Here, I do not mean to say that a husband should not take his wife to Dubai for shopping if he can easily afford it. But, in case there are financial constraints and the wife still insists on going to Far East or Dubai, the husband should put his foot down firmly. So, I am afraid you are to be blamed in part for your wife's stubborn attitude. You encouraged it in the initial years of your marriage.

The only way to reform her would be to discuss your problems with your wife to make her aware that you cannot keep up with her pace.

However, your second problem, which is a lot more serious, needs to be addressed properly. You were caught by your wife, which made her lose her trust in you. Once that happens, it is not easy to get back on the previous footing right away. You said that you give her maximum time now; this will work your way, if you persevere. Make her believe that it was just a lapse, and she is the only one who is important to you. You dislike her attitude, but how would you have behaved had the she been on the other foot? If she is angry, she has a cause. Bear with her with patience and give her some time to get over the incident.

In addition, instead of giving in to her demands indiscriminately, discuss with her your problems. Tell her that you are discussing your problems with her because you believe that she was sensible enough to help you out. This would make her feel that you consider her important. Take your wife and kids out on weekends or whenever you have time. Your problems are serious, but solvable. Just handle your wife with tact, and refrain from giving her further opportunities of catching you red-handed. Best of luck!

Dear Nadine,

I am 25 years old guy. I am highly qualified and decently employed. I didn't have any girl friends or love affairs, but a couple of months back I met a girl on the Internet, and we became friends. We started calling each other. Since she lives in another city, I went there to meet her. We spent two days together, and she said she liked me. When I came back, I felt that I was in love with her. But there is a problem: we belong to different faiths. When I told her this fact, she backed away. She doesn't even attend my calls. I am really in love with her. Life is getting difficult for me. What should I do now?       

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

First of all, I would like to suggest that at 25 years of age, you can call yourself a man. Coming to your problem, I would not dismiss it as mere infatuation as a mark of respect to your age, but my advice would be to forget her. Affairs on the net have become very common nowadays. Unfortunately, many of them end up in heartbreak. Had you known that girl in real course of life, both of you would have known about each other's faiths.

The girl was sensible to break off when she learnt about the difference of faith, and you should do the same. In our society, inter faith marriages are not approved of at all. Such couples are shunned by family and friends, and later on it creates problems for their children, too.

You are still young and would come across many nice girls. Instead of wasting your time mourning for the loss of that girl, concentrate on career building and wait for Miss Right. Good luck!

Dear Professor,

I am a 36-year-old divorcee, and have three children. I belong to a very conservative Sindhi family. When I say conservative, I only mean that my family still adheres to age-old customs that determine the destinies of girls and boys. Though we are rich and highly educated, we have no say when it comes to marriage. My husband married me because my brother and his sister are married: you can call my marriage a watta satta thing, too.

My husband is 20 years older to me; nevertheless, we had a good relationship. But, in a fit of anger, he divorced me. He was penitent, but the damage was done. This has created problems for my brother and sister-in-law, too. Their relationship is under a terrible strain, and my brother is being pressurised by my mother to divorce his wife. My brother and sister-in-law love each other and are very happy. I don't want anything to happen to their marriage. To solve this problem, my in-laws have asked me to marry my youngest brother-in-law, who is only 18 years old.

This solution is repugnant to me; I have always treated him like a younger brother and cannot accept him mentally as my husband. Besides, I love my husband and don't want to marry any one else. The family pressure is building on me because a lot of property is also involved. I feel very depressed and had it not been for my kids, I would have ended my life. I don't feel the need to get married, but my parents think that I have to, sooner or later. I have my kids and want to devote my life to them. Besides, what if I get married and my husband is not good to my kids? Can you suggest a way out for me?

Divorcee in Distress

Dear Divorce in Distress,

Watta Satta marriages can be very bad, and yours is a case in point. First of all, you must try to convince your mother not to make your brother divorce his wife. You are the only one who can do it, because your mother is behaving in this way as she loves you and feels your life has been wrecked. Explain to her that she would be wrecking the life of your brother for no fault of his or his wife.

Ask your elders not to sacrifice you because of the property involved. I am sure that if you can settle the property issue amicably, and convince your mother not to break the house of your brother no one would insist on that unsuitable marriage with your brother-in-law.

Your parents are right in a way; you are still young. I can understand your concerns regarding your children, but all men are not narrow-minded. Tell your parents that if you get a proposal from someone who is willing to accept your children, you will say yes. Besides, my dear, your children are your husband's responsibility as well. So, don't deny yourself the happiness of married life if a decent man offers for you. I hope things work out well for you. Best of luck!

You & Me

Read on as You! shares this week a bit from its own slam book with a twist - the one-liners are from Zhalay Sarhadi, a well-known model, host and actress...

Interviewed by Asif Khan

Admit it girls, we all fancy our celebs. The glitz of their glamorous world attracts us - what they wear, where they shop, what they dream of, their love-interests, their favourite things - we love to get the scoop. Keeping this in mind, from time to time You! is going to share some interesting tete-a-tete with popular celebrities. This time around, we were lucky enough to get hold of Zhalay Sarhadi, a well-known model, host and actress. She is still remembered as the hostess of Shaadi Online. Let's see what are her likes and dislikes...

My

biggest asset: 

My brain

I wish I could:

Get (even more) better chances and choices of work

One person I would love to dine out with:                                     

Naseer uddin Shah

My worst nightmare:

To be left alone

My definition

of love is:

Basically it's a combination of  trust, faith, honesty

One thing I hate about myself:

My impulsiveness and anger

Something I would like to remember:

All the best moments of my life

I get dejected when:

I meet hypocrites

I feel over the cloud nine when:

When I do the kind of work that at the end of the day satisfies me the most

My strength:

My confidence

I regret:

I don't regret anything, actually!

I get turned on by:

A lot of things like sense of humour, intelligence, power of speech. When it comes to looks, that falls at the end of my list

Something that I am strongly possessive about:

I'm not possessive about anything in particular

When feeling low I prefer:

To be around people

The most unforgettable moment of my life was:

When I got engaged

What touches me the most?

People who go out of their way to help others What bores me the most?

Dumb peopleIf I could be another person I would like to be:

I would prefer to be myself againMy message:

Whatever you want to do in life, just go for it. Instead of wasting time you should strive to get the most out of it.

LSA 2007 in Malaysia?

It is that time of the year when activities related to the Lux Style Awards stir into action. The countdown to the most anticipated and awaited showbiz event of the land has begun. And this year, they are promising to be bigger, better and more bombastic than ever! Why? Because the LSA 2007 is being hosted in - wait for it! - Malaysia! This sensational news has already created quite a stir in the concerned circles with almost every body who is somebody rescheduling their summer travel plans. Just remember to pack a healthy supply of suntan lotion.

Name Game

Lately we heard the Indians were more superstitious about 'filmi' names and the good luck brought by those names. But, now our female actress has changed her name hoping to have luck in the industry. Funny but true, Gia Ali is now Nazneen. Recently, she signed a movie, Anjaam, with Iqbal Kashmiri who advised her to change her name. She took the valuable advice from friends and the unit members of the movie, changing her name to Nazneen. We are not really sure that just a name can merely bring fortune to your doorsteps? Wasn't it the talent which surpassed every other opportunity to work? Anyways, we can just wish Gia all the luck in life. Oops! Sorry, Goodluck Nazneen!Babra bouncing back

Fresh from the head-turning ad campaign that she's done for a leading dairy brand, we have Babra bouncing back to her original metier - acting! We have some sensational inside info that our very own Barbie doll has decided to come out of her self-imposed hiatus and has given the nod to a private telly serial. Titled Lamhay Khushi Kay, she is all set to set the mini screen ablaze in a powerful role. The script has been penned by Seema Ghazal while the cast of the venture also includes Moamar Rana, Javeria Abbassi, Laila Zubairi. But it seems she still hasn't found a big screen project enticing enough to return to Bollywood. Apparently she recently rejected an offer for a film as she didn't find it up to her mark. Hmmm! Are keeping our fingers firmly crossed.

Food for Thought

Chef Sanan Padtang
This week YOU along with Sanan Padtang, Executive Chef at Pearl Continental, Karachi brings a scrumptious Thai treat 'Gai satay'. This yummy dish is served with its own satay sauce made with peanuts and coconut milk, which adds to the taste of the dish. Happy cooking!

Gai Satay
Grilled chicken with peanut sauce

Ingredients:

- Chicken breast                150 gms.

-  Salt & pepper                50 gms.                                                   

-  Chicken powder                5 gms

-  Thai curry powder   5 gms.

-  Bamboo sticks                4

METHOD:

-  Slice the chicken breasts and marinate with salt pepper, Thai curry powder and cooking oil.

-  Add the chicken and marinate for 10 minutes.

-  Arrange the chicken on the skewers.

-  Now pour the marinating sauce into a pan and heat until it comes to a boil.

-  Place the chicken slices over a charcoal grill and apply the sauce to the chicken while turning over.

-  When cooked serve with peanut sauce.

For Peanut Sauce:

-  Massaman curry paste                10 gms                                               

-  Red curry paste                10 gms

-  Tamarind paste                5 gms

-  Plum sauce                50 gms

-  Peanut                50 gms

-  Salt                                                   20 gms

-  Coconut milk                                  20 gms                                                 

-  Cooking oil                                as required

Preparation of Peanut Sauce:

-  Combine oil, some coconut milk, massaman and red curry paste and cook over medium heat.

-  Cook till it thickens and add the remaining coconut milk.

-  Now add sugar and crushed peanut. Stir and mix well.

-  Pour in the tamarind juice and cook for 2 minutes.

The serene environment

The work environment is getting more cheerful and pleasant. Of late, our workplaces in general have assumed an aesthetic importance

  By Tazeen Hussain
Photography:
Zahid Rehman

The impressive configuration of stylish architecture along with fine quality construction has progressively come into the commercial vicinities of the country.

In recent years the trend to do up offices in an stylish manner has increased. Clap and lights turn on. Click a switch and you can see all your employees at their work-stations, in short intelligent offices are here to stay. HBL Asset Management has recently done up and shifted its offices to the beach front. The view is amazing and the building is planned in a way to match the mood and the nature of the organisation.

The philosophy was a bright open space with lots of light and a happy environment. The space had to be welcoming and friendly so as to make the new customers feel comfortable.

The design firm did a good job of translating the requirements of the company into actual space. They used the philosophy of solid colours and understated elegance. Dim lights and more natural light have been used. Small louvered niches bring in solid wood accents to the otherwise pristine walls.

Mainly wood and glass have been used to add sophistication to the interior. The white washed walls give the vibes of a spacious office. Wood has been extensively used. Little green spaces have been developed inside with lovely bamboos and earthenware pottery giving it a touch of nature. Besides that stainless steel pots have also been strategically placed to house the lovely plants.  

The main offices have a lovely view of the sea front and a lot of light pours in from the huge windows. The divisions are made of glass with sand blasted done in panels to provide privacy without disturbing the view of the sea. The new idea is of sharing and all the employees need to have a share of the panoramic view. In keeping with the work being done there TV screens - consisted of business channels - have been mounted all over the place in order to keep the employees updated with the market economy and business. These are the only ornamentation on the walls. The screens bring a sense of energy and excitement which goes well with the transactions taking place. There is not a hint of patterned fabric; everything is planned on neat and clean lines.

The cafeteria is another area to check out. It is done in the shade of yellow, which is used artistically to maintain a casual and happy mood. And the corporate colours have been played around to create a more dynamic and lively environment. Small round tables have been closely placed to give a cosy feel. A wall has been painted entirely in yellow. The furniture here is of a lighter beech colour and sleeker. 

The place not only looks modern but is also wired intelligently and boasts state of the art communication system. The premises is what the new office spaces are all about. Especially in today's world where customer services are important, the management has done a good job.

Empowering women

Expos not only showcase works of art but also enable women artisans to exchange their expertise and explore markets for themselves. Recently, an expo for women entrepreneur was held at the Arts Council, Karachi...

By R. Khan

Usually women in our part of the world are dependent on men when it comes to decisions regarding finance. Naturally there are various difficulties, which arise when women have to do something on their own. Initiating small business is one such activity which needs a lot of financial backing. That's why financial empowerment is a must for making the women participate in the economic spheres of life. It was with this motto in mind, that the wife of the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC), Ms. Heat requested the banks to extend financial support to women entrepreneurs so that they can carve a niche for themselves by establishing their small businesses.

Recently, the inaugural ceremony of the first Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Arts Council Micro and Cottage Business Women's Expo was held at the Arts Council, Karachi. 

Speaking at the occasion Ms. Heat said, "The chances of default in case of women entrepreneurs are far less than that of men and though the big businesses are important but the small businesses generate more jobs and play a pivotal role in the national economic set up, which helps in reducing poverty."

According to her, expos and exhibitions not only showcase the work of art but also enable women artisans to interact, exchange their expertise and explore markets for themselves. "Such kind of exhibitions should be held frequently as it would encourage the women entrepreneurs to reach out to the customers as well.

Ahmed Raza Ghulam Mahmood Essac, leader of visiting Mauritius delegation, on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the Chamber and Arts Council and said such expos send very positive signals about the status of Muslim women. "I find Muslim women entrepreneurs active and capable of participating in international showcase events."

"The Chamber has initiated a small programme with the European Union under which the small and medium enterprises would be given access to EU markets. They have collaborated with Bank Al-Falah for extending the financing facility to the women entrepreneurs. In the next managing committee elections, three seats have already been reserved for women," expressed Mr. Majyd Aziz, President of Karachi Chamber.

The exhibition comprised 110 stalls by women entrepreneurs. The stalls were allotted on concessional rates of Rs. 1000 each. Some of the NGOs even provided free stalls to encourage participation from the far-flung areas of the province.

One of the stall owners Shahla Yasmin, with her hand-embroidered collections, was of the view that such exhibitions boast women entrepreneurs' morale and is a good way of marketing their products.

By giving the women more opportunities to establish small businesses, they can increase their incomes, build assets and help in making the lives of their families better. Masood Hashmi, Vice President of the Arts Council informed that it was the first joint venture of Arts Council with the Karachi Chamber  of Commerce and hoped that it would encourage women entrepreneurs in meeting their targets.