Photo by Deidre Eitel courtesy of Tom Eitel

"Here you have the freedom to do whatever you want," Naseer said. "I'm trying to experience everything."

Genevieve Chabot expects that the investment MSU and the Central Asia Institute is making in Naseer will pay dividends when she returns home.

"When I met Fozia, I learned her story," Chabot said. "I saw this incredibly strong young woman. I saw that if we gave her support, she would take it forward."

Naseer and Chabot plan to work together to communicate with girls and women in the region, which historically has been a challenge for the CAI.

Social mores in the rural, conservative Muslim areas in which the institute works dictate that men and women should not speak to one another. But because the CAI emphasizes grassroots work and community empowerment, communicating with both men and women in these rural communities is essential.

"We also focus on girls' education," Naseer said, echoing the philosophy of the Central Asia Institute: "If we can teach or educate one girl, we can educate one family..." And, teaching girls about the importance of education can be passed down from generation to generation, she said.

Chabot's work with the CAI, as its first female field staff, has helped make communication possible. However, because she does not speak Urdu, Chabot needs a translator. That's where Naseer can come in.

"They need someone who can understand the language," Naseer said. "I can translate for Genevieve. I can ask questions."

It's likely that Naseer, who already has earned degrees in law, political science and education, will become a natural leader in her community, Chabot said.

"She's probably one of the most educated, highly driven women in her region," Chabot said, adding that Naseer could do "amazing" things in Kashmir.

Naseer predicts that helping families understand the importance of education ultimately will provide more freedom and economic opportunities for girls and their families.

"It will change the culture," she said. "If you are educated, your mind will be totally changed. You will think ahead. You will think, 'I want to do something for my family, for my children.'

"Without education, you are nothing."

Return to regular view	Text-only              Email this article	Published: 4/27/2009