Awam Pakistan

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR AWARENESS AND MOTIVATION

 Consensus Building on Contentious Issues Related to Minorities – Awam Pakistan

Consensus Building on Contentious Issues Related to Minorities

This project was designed to improve understanding and build consensus around the legal and political rights of religious minorities, particularly Christians and Hindus, in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

AWAM sought to address sensitive issues such as matrimonial laws, forced conversions, and misuse of blasphemy laws through dialogue, research dissemination, and community mobilization.

Targeting both community influencers and grassroots audiences, the project reached over 16,000 direct and 54,000 indirect beneficiaries through visual educational materials, seminars, and interactive sessions. Stakeholders included religious leaders, civil society representatives, journalists, and public officials. The aim was to challenge traditional narratives and promote legislative reforms aligned with human rights standards and religious values.

A notable success was the growing public acknowledgment of flaws in Christian family laws.

Community discussions and Q&A sessions helped raise awareness about the need for legal reforms that protect women within minority communities and respect religious customs. These engagements also encouraged more inclusive political dialogue and policy advocacy on minority issues.

The project demonstrated the power of debate, participation, and strategic communication in generating public demand for reforms. It contributed to a more informed and inclusive discourse around minority rights and led to alliances with national human rights institutions and religious scholars. AWAM’s work in this area established a foundation for future advocacy efforts and interfaith cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and pluralistic society.