White Rice

19/04/2024

Following the catastrophic floods of 2022, women and girls in Naushahro Feroze, Sindh, faced severe adversities, impacting their health and resilience. Amid these challenging conditions, UNFPA Pakistan, with the Government of Japan's support, launched a crucial response to safeguard women's health and rights. Initiatives included lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services via mobile camps and establishing a Women and Girls Friendly Space. This space aimed at bolstering mental, physical, and social well-being through awareness programs and vocational training.

Amidst these efforts, White Rice Communications collaborated closely with UNFPA, embarking on field visits to capture the heart-wrenching stories of those affected. Through in-depth and empathetic interviews, White Rice illuminated the tragic circumstances and the indomitable spirit of resilience among the women and girls. This collaboration not only shed light on their plight but also celebrated their strength, offering a tribute to their courage. These collective efforts underscored a significant shift from vulnerability to empowerment, marking a journey of recovery and hope for the entire community.

10/04/2024

This Eid ul Fitr, we pay tribute to the brave hearts in Palestine. Amidst adversities, they still embody hope and resilience. May Allah bring them peace, health, and a brighter tomorrow!

05/04/2024

In Pakistan, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face daunting challenges in securing employment. Recognizing this, Sightsavers, in partnership with Standard Chartered, launched Futuremakers, an ambitious initiative designed to bridge the gap. This program equips Youth With Disabilities with vital skills for the evolving job market, fosters a network of inclusive employers , and transforms recruitment practices and workplace environments.

WhiteRice crafted a documentary to showcase the inspiring journeys of young jobseekers who found employment through this program, highlighting their struggles, the empowering role of Sightsavers in the private sector, and the contributions of various stakeholders. Together, Futuremakers is pioneering a more inclusive job sector, empowering PWDs to fully participate in society and inspiring a significant shift in employer mindsets towards diversity.

28/03/2024

🎉 Exciting Alert! 🚀

White Rice is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Early Childhood Development (ECD) WhatsApp Learning Program for UNICEF Pakistan!📱✨

What makes it unique? 🌈 It's not just another learning tool; it's a game-changer set to redefine ECD in Pakistan! 💥

This 12-weeks WhatsApp Parenting Program is built on micro-learning principles, and with daily bite-sized lessons, interactive tasks, behavior-focused videos, and peer-to-peer engagement, it's designed to empower our frontline champions with the latest insights in Key Family Care Practices relevant to each Developmental Milestone, from Conception to 8 years. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒👶🏻

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards a brighter future for our children and communities! 🌟 💫

22/03/2024

Recent reports reveal over 22 million Pakistanis struggle to access clean water, highlighting a dire scarcity crisis. This World Water Day 2024, let's unite in adopting sustainable water practices—from rainwater harvesting in our homes to water recycling in industries. Together, we can secure our water future.

12/03/2024

Discover the heartwarming story of Bashal, a mentally challenged girl affected by devastating floods, and her transformative journey with UNFPA Pakistan's support. See how the Women and Girl-Friendly Center, offering psychosocial support and essential hygiene items, uplifts lives. This story highlights the center's crucial role in aiding women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, towards empowerment and independence.

24/01/2024

📚🚸In a country where 22.8 million children aged 5–16 remain out of school, accounting for 44% of the age group, Pakistan faces a stark challenge in literacy and education . This gap not only affects individual lives but also impacts our collective future. Education is not just a right; it's the foundation for Lasting Peace and Prosperity.

🌏🕊️ At White Rice, we understand the power of education to transform lives and communities. It's time to shift from discussion to action, to empower every young mind, particularly those on the fringes of society.

🌱💡 Let's pave the way for a sustainable and peaceful tomorrow. Every step you take can spark change. Join us in our mission to educate for change, to educate for peace.

17/01/2024

Facing the challenge of anemia among adolescent girls in Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan collaborates with World Health Organization (WHO) and the Benazir Income Support Program to raise awareness about the weekly necessity of iron and folic acid tablets. White Rice Communications joins this vital cause, teaming up with renowned influencer Aruba Mirza to present a compelling digital video commercial. Dive into this public service message and learn how iron and folic acid are key to improving the health and well-being of Pakistan's young generation.

16/01/2024

🚀 Exciting News from White Rice Communications! 🚀

🌐 We're on the brink of pioneering change in menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) education. In collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, we're crafting the first-ever comprehensive communication toolkit aimed at transforming conversations around MHH in Pakistan.

👨‍👩‍👧 Through a series of co-creation workshops involving fathers, mothers, daughters, and other family members, we're breaking down
cultural barriers and taboos. Our vision? To foster open, healthy communication across all family members, empowering not just women but entire communities.

🔍 This toolkit isn't just a resource; it's a revolution. We aim to sustain positive impacts on women's health, encouraging inclusive dialogue and breaking the silence surrounding menstrual health.

🌟 Stay tuned as we approach the completion of this ambitious project. White Rice is committed to driving social change, and with this toolkit, we're setting a new standard for MHH education.

12/01/2024

Addressing the critical issue of online abuse and harassment in Pakistan. White Rice collaborated with UNFPA Pakistan to create a powerful digital commercial aimed at raising awareness and combating these pressing issues. We extend our immense gratitude to UNFPA for believing in our team's vision and allowing us to craft something truly extraordinary that makes a strong impact. Join us in advocating for safer, more respectful digital environments.

10/01/2024

🎬 We're excited to share this insightful film that sheds light on the essential role of Vitamin A in enhancing the well-being of children in Balochistan.

🛣️ Journey with us! Our team traveled deep into Balochistan, capturing the stories of resilience and hope. Witness firsthand how communities, healthcare workers, and organizations like UNICEF Pakistan, Nutrition International & World Health Organization (WHO) come together for this vital health mission.

👶 This film highlights the significant strides made in the fight against child malnutrition and the positive transformations in young lives, thanks to Vitamin A supplementation.

🤝 Discover the heartwarming stories of mothers, healthcare workers, and key stakeholders as they share their experiences and the remarkable successes achieved. From overcoming challenges to witnessing the joy of healthier children, this video is a testament to the collaborative efforts driving positive change in child health.

01/01/2024

Wishing everyone a prosperous New Year. Aiming for a remarkable 2024, dedicated to advancing all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with initiatives that foster human progress, sustainable development, and global empowerment!

26/12/2023

🎥 Embarking on a journey of social impact filmmaking for UNFPA Pakistan, we delved into Sindh's villages, capturing powerful and heart-wrenching stories of women affected by floods, domestic violence, maternal and mental health challenges. Our focus: the unyielding spirit and resilience of those facing adversity. Highlighting the roles of health workers and community mobilizers, this documentary transcends mere storytelling – it's a powerful depiction of survival and hope. These stories are significant, and we're eager for the world to witness their impact.

21/11/2023

Join us in White Rice's groundbreaking Community Co-creation Lab! In collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, we innovatively addressed Menstrual Health and Hygiene over 3 dynamic days in Khairpur, Sindh.

Our unique approach? We immersed ourselves in rural Pakistan's context, involving typically overlooked stakeholders—fathers, adolescent boys, local influencers—alongside mothers and girls.

Building on nationwide research, we're crafting community-centric solutions. Our goal: Pakistan's inaugural Social & Behaviour Change Communication Guide on Menstrual Health, set for a nationwide rollout next year after piloting over the coming months.

15/11/2023

In Pakistan, countless women grapple with health and birth-related challenges. Among these resilient women is Shahana Bibi from Rahim Yar Khan, whose story echoes the struggles and triumphs shared by many. Having faced the heart-wrenching loss of a child due to insufficient birth spacing, Shahana emerged with unparalleled determination.

This video, a collaborative effort between White Rice and UNFPA Pakistan, intimately captures Shahana's journey. It reflects not only her resilience but also the transformative power of family planning in the face of adversity. Shahana's narrative is a testament to the shared experiences of women in Pakistan, emphasizing the critical role of family planning in fostering health and well-being.

UNFPA's commitment to raising awareness and improving health services, exemplified through the establishment of basic and district health units, underscores their dedication to empowering women like Shahana. This collaborative initiative, featuring stories like Shahana's, aims to inspire hope and advocate for the importance of family planning in enhancing the lives of mothers and their families.

07/09/2023

The Future of Social & Behavior Change in Pakistan!

Join us as we take you behind the scenes of our intense 4-day strategy session with UNICEF Pakistan. Here's a sneak peek where we delved deep into co-designing systems and scalable models to advance SBC work in Pakistan, all while conducting engaging exercises:

🌟 Mindset activities
📖 Cover story canvas
💡 SBC core principles
📊 Monitoring and evaluation framework

30/08/2023

In the vast urban landscape of Karachi, inadequate urban planning and resource allocation for its densely populated inhabitants strain resources, depleting nature's balance, fueled by climate change.

Amidst this turmoil, 1100 slum areas face a dire reality—scarce water and crumbling pipelines. Daily life is a struggle for clean water. Will this issue ever find a resolution? Our upcoming documentary dives deep into the heart of this crisis, shedding light on the efforts by the government, development organizations, and stakeholders. Stay tuned for a revealing exploration.

08/08/2023

The Horticulture Advancement Activity(THAzA) project by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has improved the livelihoods of rural farmers in Balochistan. By empowering farmers, fostering business growth, and generating employment, it has also strengthened the commercial horticulture value chains to create sustainable livelihoods for farmers. The project has also bridged the gap for rural farmers, granting them access to previously elusive technological advancements.

Introducing Y-Trellis systems, drip irrigation, and cold storage to various districts in Balochistan, FAO has revolutionized farming practices. Comprehensive training sessions have empowered farmers with innovative techniques and modern resources, leading to abundant grape yields and elevated revenues.

27/07/2023

The incredible story of three young climate action heroes from Gilgit Baltistan, driven by their passion for conserving water and finding sustainable solutions, dreamt of creating an artificial glacier to combat summer water shortages in their community.

With unwavering determination and the support of Generation Unlimited, UNICEF Pakistan, UNDP Pakistan, and the School of Leadership Foundation, their dream has become a reality. Witness their innovation and ingenuity as they craft an artificial glacier that not only solves the water crisis but also serves as an inspiration for the world to conserve water and protect our precious natural resources.

17/07/2023

Discover the remarkable efforts made by UNICEF to support Afghan refugee settlements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. White Rice, in collaboration with UNICEF, documented the significant social impact achieved through their initiatives. These initiatives have provided access to safe drinking water through clean water pumps, supported the well-being of infants in challenging circumstances through nutritional support programs, and improved hygiene and sanitation with clean streets and paved roads.

With the financial support of the American people and in partnership with the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM), UNICEF continues to create sustainable access to essential services, building a brighter future for Afghan refugee communities.

14/07/2023

Parents' vision plays a crucial role in shaping a child's early childhood development. Their vision encompasses not only what they see but also what they aspire for their family. This vision serves as their driving force in meeting their children's needs during early childhood development.

White Rice conducted a co-creation workshop at Quetta, in partnership with UNICEF Pakistan and Government of Pakistan to support parents in understanding their dreams and emphasizing the significance of early childhood development in achieving those dreams.

29/06/2023

✨ Eid ul Adha Mubarak! 🐐🐮

Embrace the joyous spirit of sacrifice and compassion. In the true essence of this blessed occasion, let's unite and extend our care to those around us. As we gather to celebrate, let kindness be our guiding light, and may we share the blessings of this auspicious day. Remember to prioritize cleanliness during the sacrificial process and join hands in preserving the beauty of our environment. May this festive season be filled with immense happiness and love.

12/06/2023

🌍✋ World Day Against Child Labour: Imagining a World of Lost Potential!

According to UNICEF Pakistan, more than 3.3 million Pakistani children bear the burden of child labor, depriving them of their right to education and stifling their potential. Imagine if brilliant minds like Einstein, Malala Yousafzai, Sharmeen Obaid, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and Elon Musk never had the chance to unleash their genius and change the world in their childhoods.

This World Day Against Child Labour and every day, we stand united to end this injustice. Strengthening child protection, ensuring access to quality education, and providing social support are essential steps in eradicating child labor and creating a brighter future for all children.

Let's paint a world where dreams are nurtured, talents are cultivated, and every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and shape our shared destiny. Together, we can make this vision a reality. Join the movement to end child labor and let childhood flourish once again. 💫

08/06/2023

🌊💡 This , let's make waves for a cleaner future!

Int-Tech, a startup from Balochistan founded by three young students, has invented a groundbreaking biodegradable plastic, aiming to reduce waste, promote responsible consumption, and contribute to a plastic-free ocean environment. By addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution, Int-Tech is actively working towards preserving our oceans for generations to come. 🌿🌈

World Oceans Day serves as a powerful reminder of the oceans' critical role as the planet's lungs, a valuable source of food and medicine, and an integral part of the biosphere. It encourages raising awareness about the impact of human actions on the ocean and fostering a global movement for its protection.

Join us in making a difference by diving into their inspiring video and supporting the mission to safeguard our oceans. Together, let's create a healthier ecosystem for a sustainable future. 🌊🌿

UNICEF Pakistan

07/06/2023

Empowering women in agricultural practices is not just about equality, but also about unlocking the immense potential they hold in driving sustainable change. On World Food Safety Day, let's celebrate their vital role in ensuring food safety for all. 🌱🌍💪

By providing women with education, resources, and training, we can prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, and sustainable development. Together, let's empower women to create a safer and more prosperous future for our food systems. 🌾👩‍🌾🥦🍅

A society cannot progress without women being empowered!White Rice is delighted to partner with FAO to empower rural in , helping them...

06/06/2023

🎥 Our video production team is currently on ground documenting Sightsavers' groundbreaking project, fostering a sustainable employment network connecting youth with disabilities to equal opportunities and building employer disability confidence for an inclusive environment.

🌟 Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the lives of those who have triumphed over challenges, showcasing their stories of empowerment and resilience.

Stay tuned!

05/06/2023

Breaking the Taboo: UNICEF's National-Level Policy Dialogue Addresses Menstrual Health & Hygiene Tax Reforms in Pakistan!

Did you know that only 7% of women in Pakistan have access to sanitary products? It's an alarming number considering it's a fundamental hygiene necessity. In this event UNICEF Pakistan convened Government stakeholders and partners to address this critical issue and tackle period poverty in Pakistan.

Highlighting the urgency, Raheel Waqar, CEO of White Rice, shared valuable insights from ethnographic research conducted to understand the challenges women face and the cultural behaviors surrounding this essential aspect of women's health.

The event facilitated a stimulating discussion among key Government stakeholders and partners, resulting in the consensus that government stakeholders should raise the issue in parliament. This endeavor aims to empower every woman and girl to uphold their menstrual dignity.

Join the conversation and be a part of the movement to ensure every woman's right to menstrual health and dignity.

You can watch the panel discussion and keynote address through the link: https://lnkd.in/gA8fbC4X

Photo Credits: UNICEF Pakistan

01/05/2023

On this International Labor Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the struggles of the hardworking labor force in Pakistan.

Meet Ali, a young factory worker who wakes up every morning before the sun rises to support his family. Ali works long hours in grueling conditions, but he still manages to put a smile on his face and give his best every day.

However, the system that Ali works in is flawed, and his efforts often go unrecognized. But it doesn't have to be this way. By making small behavior changes and implementing system changes, we can create a better future for workers like Ali.

Let's take a pledge to support and empower our labor force for a more stable and sustainable future. Happy International Labor Day!