October 2023 (Islamabad): “Veeru was a courageous woman leader who inspired others to stand up for the rights of the weak and the vulnerable”, said Sameena Nazir, executive director PODA. The Rural Women Leadership Network Pakistan mourns the loss of one of its founding member, Veeru Kohlan who died today in Hyderabad, add Sameena Nazir.
Veeru Kohlan rose from a former bonded labourer to a relentless human rights defender and helped thousands of bonded labourer families gain freedom from feudal lords in Sindh and South Punjab. In 2013, Veeru Kohlan became the first Hindu woman citizen of Pakistan to contest general election as an independent candidate. “I contested the election so that I could take the issue of freedom for bonded labouers to Parliament,” said Veeru Kohlan. She lost but continued her struggle with more vigour. PODA documented her unprecedented political journey in a documentary “Veeru goes to Poll”. She was the shining start at PODA’s rural women leadership conference and brought dozen of women from Sindh with her each year and helped them speak at the podium like a teacher. During her last years, Veeru struggled with ill health, did not get proper medical assistance, had no source of income, transportation or health insurance. PODA and other NGOs helped when possible but the human rights defender who helped countless people died on her way to a clinic in rural Sindh today. We pay tributes to the courage of Veeru Kohlan and vow to continue her mission for the rights of rural women and children and demand that the government of Pakistan should announce a Veeru Kohlan Fund to Free and Rehabilitate Bonded Labourers.
For more information contact advocacy@poda.org.pk
