The Aawaz II Programme, supported by the British High Commission in Pakistan and implemented by UNFPA and the British Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Punjab’s Women Protection System through closer collaboration with the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA).
A recent meeting between representatives of Aawaz II, the British High Commission in Pakistan, UNFPA, the British Council, and the Director General of PWPA focused on reviewing the programme’s contributions to the province’s women protection framework, assessing its impact, and identifying measures to ensure the sustainability of achievements made under the initiative.
Strengthening Women’s Protection in Punjab
The discussions highlighted the technical assistance provided by Aawaz II to PWPA in building stronger institutional mechanisms for preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV). Participants also reviewed efforts aimed at:
- Increasing public awareness about women’s rights and protection services.
- Promoting positive behaviour change within communities.
- Strengthening citizen engagement with government institutions and other duty bearers.
- Enhancing coordination between communities and protection service providers.
A key theme throughout the meeting was the importance of informed, responsive communities as a critical component of an effective Women Protection System. Participants agreed that preventing gender-based violence requires not only strong institutions but also active community participation and accessible protection services.
Ensuring Sustainability Beyond the Programme
As Aawaz II approaches the conclusion of its implementation, significant attention was given to ensuring that the systems, networks, and community structures established under the programme continue to function effectively.
Several important commitments were agreed upon during the meeting to sustain the programme’s achievements.
Key Decisions
1. Continued Operation of Helpline 1737
The Punjab Women Protection Authority committed to sustaining PWPA Helpline 1737, which was established with support from Aawaz II, ensuring continued access to protection and support services for women across Punjab.
2. Recognition of Community Volunteers
PWPA will facilitate the notification of trained Aawaz II volunteers as members of the District Women Protection Committees, enabling them to continue supporting protection efforts at the local level.
3. Community-Level Awareness Campaigns
Aawaz II will provide PWPA with lists of trained community volunteers, including:
- Village Forum members
- Aawaz Aagahi Centre Resource Persons
- Aawaz Change Agents
These individuals will support awareness raising and behaviour change initiatives at the Union Council level.
4. Dedicated Budget for Community Engagement
PWPA agreed to allocate budgetary resources for:
- Community engagement activities
- Strengthening referral pathways
- Awareness campaigns
- Behaviour change initiatives
This commitment is expected to help institutionalize community-based protection efforts.
5. Wider Use of Public Awareness Materials
Public Service Messages developed under Aawaz II will be shared with PWPA for broader dissemination throughout Punjab, helping to expand outreach and public awareness on women’s protection issues.
6. Leveraging District-Level Partnerships
Aawaz II will share a list of its implementing partners across Punjab, enabling PWPA to collaborate with these organizations and make use of their established community outreach networks.
A Collaborative Approach to Preventing Gender-Based Violence
The meeting underscored that sustainable progress in women’s protection depends on strong partnerships between government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities.
By institutionalizing community engagement mechanisms and strengthening referral systems, the initiatives supported under Aawaz II aim to ensure that women and girls know where to seek help, while public institutions remain equipped and responsive to their needs.
The continued collaboration between PWPA, UNFPA, the British Council, and the British High Commission in Pakistan represents an important step towards building a more resilient and community-centred Women Protection System in Punjab.
Looking Ahead
The commitments made during the meeting signal a shared determination to preserve the progress achieved under Aawaz II beyond the life of the programme. Sustained investment in awareness, community engagement, and institutional capacity will be essential to preventing gender-based violence and ensuring that protection services remain accessible to those who need them most.
As these commitments are translated into action, Punjab’s Women Protection System is expected to become more responsive, better connected with communities, and more capable of supporting survivors while preventing violence before it occurs.
