Empowering Young Voices: Zuha Ayub's Journey of Change as Young Parliamentary Associate

In the serene valleys of Abbottabad, amidst the whispering pines and rolling hills, a young woman, named Zuha Ayub embarked on a journey that would shape not only her future but also contribute to the strengthening of parliamentary democracy in Pakistan. Born and raised in this scenic region, Zuha's early experiences instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility towards her community and country. 

Having graduated with a degree in Political Science, Zuha faced the prevailing challenge of the socio-economic constraints that often hamper professional growth, especially in Pakistan’s remote regions. Despite these obstacles, her determination remained unshaken. As she started working in the realm of social organizing and advocacy, Zuha encountered firsthand the importance of robust professional networks and mentorship opportunities, which were often elusive due to resource limitations. 

However, Zuha's resilience and passion for public service led her to seize every opportunity for personal and professional development. From serving as a full time Female Social Organizer, empowering women, and marginalized groups through skill development initiatives, to internships in the provincial legislative body (Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Zuha's journey was marked by unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Dedication Paying Off

It was amidst this backdrop that Zuha's path intersected with the Young Parliamentary Associate (YPA) programme, a flagship initiative under the European Union funded Mustehkam Parlimaan project. Designed to support the consolidation of parliamentary democracy in Pakistan, the project aimed to enhance legislative, oversight, budgetary, and representation capacities at both federal and provincial levels. 

For Zuha, the YPA program proved to be a life changing experience that not only developed her skills but also provided her a platform to actively contribute to policy development and parliamentary processes. While engaged in the vibrant atmosphere of the KP Assembly, Zuha collaborated closely with office staff members, contributed to drafting the democratic history of KP assembly through collection and retrieval of archives from libraries and other resources as well as gained invaluable insights into parliamentary dynamics. 

As Zuha completed her assignment with the YPA programme, she embarked on a new journey. Equipped with the knowledge and experience gained through her engagement with legislative institutions, Zuha secured a prestigious scholarship - the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) for a master’s degree in Governance and Public Policy, expanding her commitment to public service and policy advocacy. 

Mustehkam Parlimaan: Bringing Up Changemakers of Tomorrow

Zuha's success story shows the real-life impact of the Mustehkam Parlimaan project in promoting young leaders and strengthening democratic institutions. From the scenic valley of Abbottabad to the hallowed halls of the KP Assembly, her journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. As we celebrate Zuha's achievements, let us also reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant democracy, where every voice is heard, and every citizen could contribute to the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.  

 

By Riaz Khan