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MEDIA CENTER Population Council Conducts First-ever Comprehensive Study
ISLAMABAD (11 July 2003) — Coinciding with World Population Day 2003, which is dedicated to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, the Population Council's Islamabad office released findings from the first comprehensive survey of Pakistani youth. Adolescents and Youth in Pakistan 2001–2002: A Nationally Representative Survey (AYSP) provides an unprecedented view of young people's experiences with and attitudes about education, employment, families, and marriage. Although adolescents are one of Pakistan's most vital resources, little is known about this important population. The Population Council's AYSP was developed to improve understanding of young people so that the government, donors, and nongovernmental organizations can develop appropriate policies and programs. Information for this study was collected from young people aged 15–24, adults (parents, where possible) in the household where young interviewees lived, and community leaders. A total of 8,074 young people and 6,585 adults were interviewed. The AYSP thoroughly explores the transition to adulthood for Pakistani adolescents and the social and economic forces that shape the transition. The survey also marks the first time that young people were directly asked questions about their lives, rather than having an adult speak for them. This method of data collection allowed researchers to compare the generational differences in responses. Another unique characteristic of this study is that married and unmarried young people were questioned about marriage and childbearing. Adolescents were also asked to report their daily activities from 6 A.M. to midnight, revealing a level of detail that has never been recorded at the national level in Pakistan. Although there is a slight difference between attitudes in rural and urban areas, most of the respondents recognized the importance of being educated beyond primary school. Pakistan's youth also articulated their aspirations for the future, defined goals they want to achieve, and described the lives they want to lead. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap between the dreams of young Pakistanis and the available opportunities. Creating the educational and employment opportunities to remedy this shortfall will require the combined effort of the government and the private sector. But researchers also noted a need for the general population to change its attitudes and behaviors, particularly in relation to ingrained gender restrictions that prevent females from having access to work, school, and social opportunities. This societal shift will require input from the mass media, women's and youth groups, and members of civil society. To fully realize the potential of its adolescents, Pakistan needs to grapple with the challenging issues of economic development and resource allocation as well. The economy has to grow in order to create new opportunities for young people. In the meantime, it is imperative that the country meet achievable goals, such as providing basic education for youth, particularly girls. Adolescents and Youth in Pakistan 2001–2002: A Nationally Representative Survey was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Department for International Development (UK), and UNICEF (Pakistan). The AYSP was written by Zeba A. Sathar, Minhaj ul Haque, Azeema Faizunnissa, and Munawar Sultana from the Council's Pakistan office and Cynthia B. Lloyd, Judith Diers, and Monica Grant from the Council's New York office.
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