Gender Equity Program – Awam Pakistan

Gender Equity Program

Under the Gender Equity Program (GEP) supported by Aurat Foundation and USAID, AWAM launched this initiative to expand women's access to justice in Faisalabad.

Recognizing the systemic challenges faced by women litigants—including unsupportive court environments, lack of female legal representation, and poor infrastructure—the project sought to capacitate the District Bar Association (DBA) and establish facilitation kiosks in courts.

Key project components included a need assessment of the DBA, comparative judicial trend analysis, lawyer training sessions, and the setting up of a fully functioning facilitation kiosk staffed by trained female professionals. Through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic partnerships, AWAM secured cooperation from the DBA and other stakeholders to work collectively on women’s legal empowerment.

The facilitation kiosk emerged as a pioneering intervention. Situated within the court premises, it served as an information and guidance hub for women litigants, helping them navigate the justice system and connect with legal experts. A pool of lawyers was trained to provide pro bono services, and 12 cases of women victims of violence were taken up and managed effectively through this support system.

In total, the project enhanced the capacities of over 200 lawyers (both male and female) in handling cases related to pro-women laws and international human rights mechanisms. By improving court infrastructure and professional sensitivity, the initiative reduced institutional barriers that discourage women from pursuing legal redress. Its legacy continues through the facilitation center and strengthened DBA, now better equipped to support vulnerable litigants.

The project concluded with notable successes: twelve legal cases of violence against women were handled, six of which have been resolved.
Women’s visibility and voice have been amplified through seminars,regional dialogues, media campaigns, and active collaboration with stakeholders including the judiciary, bar associations, and civil society.

AWAM’s efforts have not only built legal capacity but also sparked collective action—creating pathways for sustainable empowerment and justice for women in Faisalabad and beyond.

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FOR AWARENESS AND MOTIVATION

Gender Equity Program

Under the Gender Equity Program (GEP) supported by Aurat Foundation and USAID, AWAM launched this initiative to expand women's access to justice in Faisalabad.

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