Advocacy for Women Rights and Counter Gender Based Violence
The Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) successfully implemented the project, "Strengthen the Capacities of Women and Local Communities to Advocate Women's Rights and Counter
Gender-Based Violence in Punjab,” with support from the Kingdom of Netherlands-Islamabad. This vital initiative focused on three districts within the Punjab province: Faisalabad, Lahore, and Nankana Sahib. The project’s core strategy involved actively engaging both duty bearers and rights holders, creating stronger connections and networks between women survivors of violence, women’s rights organizations, government officials, and parliamentarians.
Over the 12-month project period, AWAM effectively bridged the gap between local community groups and Human Rights Institutions (HRIs). This empowerment enabled communities to better connect with HRIs, leading to strengthened redressal mechanisms concerning pro-women legislation. A significant achievement was the establishment of the Women Human Rights Defenders Forum (WHRDF), uniting 120 women human rights defenders from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on protecting and promoting women’s rights and countering gender-based violence.
Project activities were diverse and impactful. AWAM conducted training workshops for WHRDF members, enhancing their knowledge of human rights, relevant laws, and advocacy skills. Interactive sessions and dialogues were held with youth in schools, colleges, and universities, educating them about women’s rights and protection mechanisms.
Furthermore, conferences on National and International Women’s Day provided crucial platforms for raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and advocating for improved protection mechanisms.
Through these multifaceted efforts, the project has demonstrably contributed to positive change. Women have been empowered to raise their voices against violence, and stakeholders are working more collaboratively. The project facilitated crucial dialogues between communities and policymakers, resulting in pledges to improve redressal mechanisms and concrete actions such as the submission of parliamentary questions related to gender equality and quality education.
AWAM’s commitment to a community-centered approach, emphasizing inclusivity and participation, has been central to the project’s success. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and empowering women to become agents of change, this initiative has laid a strong foundation for the ongoing advancement of women’s rights and the elimination of gender-based violence in Punjab.
Contact
- Address: P-98/15, Street 1, Block-B, Al-Fayyaz Colony, Satyyana Road, Faisalabad-Pakistan (38000)
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel/Fax: +92-41-8554335
© 2024 Awam. All rights reserved.