A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP: How a mutual support cycle between different disadvantaged groups can help set up a sustainable symbiotic system

Abstract

According to the UN, Pakistan is among the top ten countries with the most number of orphans. Among these girls have a larger proportion, who have either lost their parents or have been abandoned. Sadly, these problems of neglect and abandonment don't necessarily end early on in life as older women too, are often left homeless and in need of shelter. Another vulnerable group within our society is the elderly, who again face loneliness while lacking social and financial support. Though the country hosts shelter based programmes for these vulnerable groups, hardly any are designed to be specifically equipped for the users' needs. Furthermore, they depend solely on external financial support, which is inconsistent, and minimal, resulting in the deterioration of the system. Additionally, Pakistan’s crippling economy is making it harder to support these foundations in terms of just fulfilling the basic necessities such as paying the utility bills, employees’ salaries, covering the cost of food and clothing etc, as a standalone system. As mentioned, all of these groups are in need of support, for their problems which are similar in nature. Thus, the thesis proposes a symbiosis of these disadvantaged groups to develop a centre which helps all of them to cater to each other's needs, significantly removing the need for external support. A self-sustained cycle is proposed, comprising a residence and school for orphan girls, a vocational centre for the women in need of support, and providing a community hub for the women. The system will enable women to teach other skills to earn a livelihood and provide company for those who are lonely and lack a social circle. An exhibition space is also proposed to help generate an income for the system to make it economically sustainable. The centre will help empower women and girls to mutually support one another and make them independent of external support while learning new skills to help run the centre and earn a living. The proposed site is in H-8/1, which is already home to a girl's orphanage, a women's shelter and a nearby residential area to bring in women and consumers for the items produced. The data is collected through both primary and secondary resources. Surveys and interviews are conducted of the existing philanthropic foundations to understand their needs and problems.Women from the target groups are surveyed to understand their skills and needs. The thesis aims to propose a space suitable to meet the needs of each of these groups and create a symbiosis with the existing institutes in the site's context.