Social Welfare Dept, UNFPA launch gender-based violence research

Joint initiative aims to enhance support for female violence survivors

LAHORE:

The Social Welfare Department of Punjab, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan, launched a research endeavor focused on gender-based violence. The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday, with prominent figures from government, development, and research sectors in attendance.

Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Dr Javed Akram was the chief guest at the event. Among the distinguished attendees were Sumaira Samad, Secretary of Women Development Department; Muddassir Riaz Malik, Social Welfare DG Dr Rubina Ali, Assistant Country Representative of UNFPA; Ali Naqvi of the FCDO; as well as various senior government officials, development experts, and researchers.

The research studies delve into the challenges that women survivors of violence face when seeking access to and utilisation of public sector gender-based violence services. To provide actionable insights, a comparative analysis of three distinct social service delivery models was conducted. These models include Dar-ul-aman, Human Rights Crisis Center, and Violence against Women Center.

During the launch, Provincial Minister Dr. Javed Akram acknowledged that gender-based violence often goes unreported due to deep-rooted social, cultural, and economic barriers.

DG Muddassir Riaz Malik of Social Welfare Punjab stressed the importance of discouraging gender-based violence at both societal and community levels.

Director General of Punjab Women Protection Authority, Irshad Waheed, emphasized the need for unwavering political and administrative commitment in the fight against gender-based violence. The Executive Director of Shirkat Gah Fareeda Shaheed discussed institutional reforms and cultural barriers that the initiative seeks to address.

The event concluded with DG Social Welfare Muddassir Riaz Malik expressing gratitude towards the UNFPA team and all participants for their support and contribution to the initiative.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2023.