Islamabad, October 3, 2024 – A significant two-day national consultation, titled “Building Synergies among GBV Helplines to Strengthen the Response of GBV in Pakistan,” concluded successfully at Islamabad on October 2 and 3, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Human Rights in collaboration with UNFPA and Rozan, this consultation brought together key stakeholders from provincial and national helplines, government bodies, Police and civil society organizations to advance gender-based violence (GBV) response mechanisms across Pakistan. In her opening remarks, Fouzia Yasmin Deputy Director Rozan emphasized the importance of a coordinated national response to tackle gender-based violence, particularly the need for comprehensive helplines that provide timely and appropriate support to survivors. “Protection, information and support are basic, globally recognized rights of survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). One of the main barriers to the survivors’ rights is the lack of access to support mechanisms in both private and public avenues.
The remote nature of the service can be a helpful first step for women and girls who feel that they cannot safely or comfortably approach a facility to request assistance for complex issues including domestic violence, harassment, forced marriage, etc.,” she stated, highlighting the essential role of helplines in addressing GBV at the conference. Saliha Ramay, Technical Specialist Gender-Based Violence UNFPA, added, “This meeting is critical as it marks our commitment towards ensuring improved safety for women and girls both in public and private spaces. She further added that in Pakistan, one in every three women faces domestic violence in Pakistan. Half of them never seek help, and two out of three women also need someone to accompany them for health services. This highlights the barriers women face in accessing service providers and the trust survivors have in the response services. Moreover, UNFPA is committed to enabling women’s and girls’ access to services, including psychosocial support services, especially those who are subjected to violence or who may be at risk of violence.
Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls is a key transformative result for UNFPA, tied to both the Sustainable Development Goals as well as the landmark Programme of Action that stemmed from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and UNFPA will continue to work with government partners to strengthen the GBV response for women and girls.” The consultation focused on fostering cooperation among government-run GBV helplines, aligning with the broader vision of addressing the persistent issue of gender-based violence. Pakistan currently ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index, with high levels of violence experienced by women and girls, according to multiple reports.
In this context, GBV helplines play a critical role in offering immediate, confidential assistance and long-term support for survivors.Jahanzeb Khan, Directorate General MoHR, said, “It is truly inspiring to witness public sector organizations’ unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Women who experience violence require multifaceted and enduring support to rebuild their lives away from abusive relationships. GBV has devastating physical, emotional, and social consequences, often necessitating assistance from various service providers. Globally, GBV helplines serve as indispensable resources for survivors. They offer immediate, confidential support, vital information, and emotional solace while contributing to data collection and preventive education initiatives.
Establishing helplines is fundamental to a comprehensive approach to addressing and reducing GBV. We have come together with a shared purpose: to deepen our collective understanding of a survivor-centric approach. This is essential to ensure that our efforts focus on the dignity, safety, and well-being of those seeking help. Collaboration is paramount; working in silos is counterproductive. By working together, we can avoid duplication of services and maximize our impact efficiently.”
Objectives and Key Themes. The primary objectives of the consultation were to:
Enhance uniformed understanding of survivor-centered approaches across GBV helplines.
Standardize GBV indicators for national reporting. Develop coordinated referral mechanisms to ensure that survivors receive timely, appropriate support.
Building a Unified GBV Response System
This event marked a crucial step toward establishing a more efficient, collaborative, and survivor-focused network of GBV helplines across Pakistan. Discussions centered around enhancing referral pathways, standardizing minimum service standards, and integrating helplines with relevant government departments and emergency police services.Participants engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions to enhance their understanding of survivor-centered approaches and standardized GBV data indicators. These discussions provided essential guiding principles for ensuring survivors’ dignity, safety, and timely access to services.
The consultation also addressed the critical need for consistent data reporting, which will strengthen evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation for GBV services.
UNFPA and Rozan’s Collaboration
Since 2023, UNFPA and Rozan have worked together to support the digitization and capacity-building of government-run helplines, including the Bolo Helpline (KP), the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) Helpline, and others. This partnership has focused on developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), enhancing database management, and providing psychosocial counseling for GBV survivors. Sumaira Samad, Secretary WDD Punjab, “Highlight the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of GBV and improving service delivery to survivors. I.e. The need for a unified, standardized framework for GBV helplines across provinces. Data-sharing mechanisms and technology integration are important to create a seamless and coordinated response system. The role of capacity building for helpline staff, focusing on trauma-informed approaches and survivor-centric care. She further said, “Commitment of the Women Development Department, Punjab, to support these initiatives and continue working towards integration. Emphasize the need for long-term investments in capacity building, technological enhancements, and public awareness campaigns to ensure that helplines are accessible, reliable, and effective. Collaboration between provincial governments, federal bodies, international partners, and civil society is essential to achieving the common goal of protecting survivors and preventing GBV. Conclude by reiterating WDD Punjab’s dedication to safeguarding women’s rights and its ongoing efforts to support and collaborate with all stakeholders involved in GBV prevention and response. End by once again thanking the Ministry of Human Rights, UNFPA, and Rozan for working as a team in making SOPs and are together in this cause.” The Way Forward
The outcomes of the consultation include developing a standardized coordination mechanism for provincial referral systems, establishing minimum standards for GBV helpline services, and creating a unified national GBV reporting system. Participants reached consensus on core SOPs and explored practical aspects of integrating GBV helplines with police services to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of interventions.
These initiatives will be further refined and integrated at the national level, contributing to a comprehensive strategy that ensures more efficient GBV service delivery and helpline coordination across Pakistan.
