Tabassum Adnan
In Pakistan, women are used as chattel, or property, to settle disagreements between men.  They are traded in marriage to pay debts and claims of honor, and to pay for crimes. Because women have little power, Adnan knew that her group needed to get the police and the courts to act. Her jirga has 25 women.  It works to pressure the police and the traditional court system, and it gives legal help to the victims. The Khwendo Jirga, or Sister’s Council also works for free education for girls, good health for women and girls, training in both home skills and work skills, loans for small business, and voting.    The jirga also works for laws to stop violence against women, especially honor killings, dowry harassments, acid attacks, and torture.