We were a group of civil society organizations working together in close collaboration with the government to combat violence against women since 2007. We were brought together by Gender Justice and Protection (GJP)1 project to implement a variety of initiatives covering 93 districts across Pakistan. We were pioneers in;
Advocating for legislative frame work to curb violence against women such as
enactment of laws on acid and sexual harassment;
Campaigning and promoting disapproval of violence against women and
Building capacity of service providers including health and education professionals, police and lawyers. Through our joint efforts we have been able to:
Benefit well over 261,110 people including 144,107 women by providing;
Legal aid to obtain and reiterate property rights and redressing violence related complaints as well as
Referral, rehabilitation and education services. Our collaboration led by the provincial police departments resulted in establishment of Karo-Kari (honor killing)/ human rights and gender crime cells in selected districts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan provinces. These cells promote preventive policing and provide dedicated support services to violence victims. It is of immense pride to acknowledge Sindh Police Department having been able to save the lives of 13 women, who were likely to be slaying in the name of the honor. Sindh Police Department has championed the piloting of these cells, up-scaling it to the entire Sindh province and placing milestones for police departments of other provinces. Our collaboration with religious clergy in Khyber Pakhtoon-khwa province helped 42 girls/ women who were released from SAWARA (exchanging girls/ women to settle blood feuds) as well as created a catalytic reaction in targeted seminaries encouraging students to disapprove violence against women. We have conducted a variety of studies which strived exploring the facets and magnitude of violence against women in respective targeted areas. The studies are available at www.gjp.org.pk
We have promoted and supported legislation on acid crime control and prevention through country wide stake holder consultations. Our efforts crystallized with the enactment of the Acid bill in 2011. A provincial regulation on sale and purchase of acid in Balochistan is also under its way towards approval and subsequent implementation. Our work with political parties of Balochistan and Women Caucus of Balochistan assembly has drawn a colossal attraction towards violence against women as an important political agenda. Our advocacy with Khyber Pakhtoon-Khwa government have resulted in appointment of seven women payroll officers in different parts of the province. The appointment of these officers has given women opportunity to access legal services which was denied there altogether. Our initiative of rejuvenating girls’ primary schools in Dir district of Khyber Pakhtoon-Khwa province helped 2500 girls continue their education after their schools demolished by the extremists. We are enriched with expertise and experiences; we have a strong partner base; our desire was a common platform to take our efforts forward; a continuity to successful partnerships. Thus the INSAF NETWORK PAKISTAN was born to continue striving together to support strengthening of a responsive and responsible civil society in Pakistan.
