Events and Seminars

Formation of District Network in Balochistan to Combat GBV

Under the UN Women-funded project titled ‘CSO Engagement for Promoting Rule of Law, Legal Literacy, and Access to Justice in Pakistan,’ TF’s project team has successfully established a District Network spanning all five project districts. This significant milestone was achieved through a methodically organized collaborative meeting, where various stakeholders dedicated to ending violence against women including representatives of the EVAW/G Balochistan Chapter, and various members of civil societies convened. Central to the meeting’s agenda was the imperative need to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a pressing issue within the project scope. The project team adeptly facilitated discussions and action plans to be followed across all project districts. The creation of the District Network serves a pivotal purpose: to synchronize efforts and ensure cohesive implementation of diverse project activities, thereby maximizing impact and effectiveness in combating GBV and advancing the project’s overarching goals.

Quarterly Meetings of District Network

The District Network established convenes every quarter through coordinated meetings organized by the TF team across all five project districts. These gatherings serve as a key platform for comprehensive discussions, enabling stakeholders to delve into the progress of project activities. Throughout these sessions, the project’s action plan is disseminated among participants in order to seek active engagement and valuable suggestions to further enhance project outcomes.

The primary objectives of these quarterly meetings are as follows:

Strengthening the Capacity of the District Network: Discussions and ideas are shared between network members to enhance the effectiveness of the awareness-raising campaign. Crucial support is sought from members of the Network to implement project activities.
Providing Comprehensive and Ethical Response to Survivors/Victims: These meetings emphasize the importance of providing survivors/victims of GBV with a supportive and ethical response, acknowledging their rights and dignity throughout the process.
Preparing Advocacy Strategies for Implementation of Pro-women Laws and Policies: Significant focus is placed on enhancing advocacy efforts to increase demand for the implementation of laws and policies aimed at safeguarding individuals against GBV, thereby strengthening legal frameworks for protection.
Ensuring Free Legal Aid Through District Administration: Efforts are made to implement laws on the provision of legal aid, ensuring that individuals impacted by GBV have access to free legal assistance, thus removing financial barriers to seeking justice.
Addressing Specific Needs of Persons Affected by Domestic and Gender-Based Violence: Lastly, particular attention is paid to addressing the unique needs and circumstances of individuals affected by domestic and gender-based violence, recognizing the diverse challenges they may face and tailoring interventions accordingly.

By strategically addressing these objectives during the quarterly meetings, the project team aimed to foster collaboration, enhance awareness, and ultimately contribute to the prevention and mitigation of GBV within the project’s scope.

Celebration of International Women Day

International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8th, serves as a momentous occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women. This day not only honors the historical achievements of women but also emphasizes the ongoing endeavors for gender equality and women’s rights on a global scale. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the persistent challenges women face.

In alignment with this significant day, TF team with the support of UN Women, commemorated International Women’s Day in Quetta. The celebration aimed to recognize and applaud the contributions of women while fostering a greater understanding of the issues they confront. The event featured various activities, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, cultural performances, and interactive sessions, all geared towards highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by women in Quetta and beyond.

Through this commemoration, TF sought to inspire and empower women, promote gender equality, and advocate for women’s rights. By bringing together community members, activists, leaders, and stakeholders, the event aimed to spark meaningful conversations, drive positive change, and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

16 Days of Activism Against GBV

The 16 Days of Activism is a globally recognized event celebrated from November 25^th to December 10^TH of each year. In collaboration with UN Women, TF team undertook the 16 Days of Activism initiative across all five project districts.

The primary objectives of this initiative were as follows:

Conducting individual meetings with staff from the bar association, police stations, and various educational institutions.
Sensitizing all staff members to gender related issues and highlighting the significance of 16 Days of Activism.
Providing information about the global significance of the 16 Days of Activism and the reasons behind its observance.
Explaining the key purpose behind organizing the candlelight vigil activity.
Engaging the media team to share stories of GBV victims and raise awareness about the campaign through their social media platforms.
Soliciting feedback from participants to assess the effectiveness of the initiative.

Advocacy Sessions

To enhance awareness among the general public of Balochistan, regarding pro-women laws, policies, and legal procedures, the TF team organized a series of advocacy sessions with various government departments, including:

Court/Judiciary
Police and Levies Department/Administration
Educational Institutions, schools, colleges, universities
Press club
Minorities/Hindu community
Islamic learning centers/Madaris
Marginalized communities
Health sector
Politicians
Tribal leaders
Shelter home
Women vocational centers

These sessions covered diverse topics/themes, including:

Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Access to Justice Procedures and Fundamental Rights
Laws and Policies for Safety and Justice
Role of Women in Community Development.

Launching Ceremony of Guide on Pro-Women Laws in Balochistan

In collaboration with UN WOMEN, the TF team developed the first of its kind Legal Guide for women in Balochistan. This guide simplifies important laws that affect women, including those on domestic violence, inheritance, rape, and workplace harassment. TF team has translated these laws into easy-to-understand versions in both English and Urdu. The aim is to make legal information more accessible to everyone, helping people understand their rights and how to protect them.

Theatrical Performance to Raise Awareness on GBV

A theatrical performance to raise awareness on GBV was organized by TF in partnership with UN Women. This captivating performance delved into a myriad of societal issues, placing special emphasis on pertinent pro-women laws in Balochistan.

Mass Awareness Raising Campaign

Mass awareness-raising campaigns were effectively executed in two districts of Balochistan, namely Khuzdar and Naseerabad. In Khuzdar, the focal point was the pervasive issue of “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in Pakistan”, while in Naseerabad, the spotlight was on “Women’s Inheritance Rights in Pakistan.” These campaigns were meticulously designed to inform, educate, and empower communities on these crucial topics, fostering dialogue and understanding to drive positive societal change.

One Day Seminars in all Project Districts

One-day seminars were organized in Loralai, Khuzdar, and Lasbela Uthal, addressing critical legal issues. Each seminar focused on a specific theme, aiming to educate and raise awareness among participants. The topics covered included the Balochistan Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act of 2014, laws concerning inheritance and succession, and the Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2016. These seminars provided a platform for attendees to learn about their rights, discuss relevant laws, and explore strategies for addressing gender-based issues in their communities. Through interactive sessions and informative discussions, participants gained valuable insights and knowledge to navigate legal frameworks effectively and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.