Sindh vows survivor-centred justice to curb GBV

The Sindh government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to a survivor-centred justice system and stronger institutional coordination to combat gender-based violence (GBV), as senior officials and stakeholders gathered at the Multi-Sectoral Coordination Committee (MSCC) Conference in Karachi.

Organised by the Sindh Home Department in collaboration with UNFPA, Pathfinder International and the Legal Aid Society, and supported by the FCDO-funded AWAAZ II Programme, the conference focused on improving coordination among institutions and strengthening protection, prosecution and support mechanisms for GBV survivors across the province.

Addressing the conference, Sindh Minister for Women Development Shaheena Sher Ali drew attention to the persistent barriers faced by women seeking justice, particularly in property and family matters. She questioned why women continue to be denied their lawful share in property despite approaching police stations, courts and One-Stop Protection Centres (OSPCs). The minister also highlighted the unequal burden borne by women after divorce, noting that childcare and household responsibilities largely fall on women while men often evade accountability.

Stressing women's autonomy and dignity, she said divorced women should not be stigmatised and must be free to remarry and live honourable lives.