Provincial Women’s Conference on Gender Parity

Highlighting Progress Towards a Gender-Responsive Justice System in Balochistan

Aurat Foundation, with the financial and technical support of UN Women and the Embassy of Germany, successfully organized the Provincial Women’s Conference: “Achievements, Lessons Learnt and Way Forward” under the project “Improving Gender Parity for Strengthening Gender-Responsive Justice in Pakistan (Balochistan).”

The conference was graced by Ms. Ghazala Gola, Deputy Speaker, Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished participants included Members of the Provincial Assembly Ms. Farah Azeem Shah, Ms. Salma Kakar, and Ms. Kulsoom Niaz Baloch; Ms. Roshan Khurshid Bharucha, Member, Board of Governors, Aurat Foundation; Mr. Allauddin Khilji, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation Balochistan; Ms. Tahira Baloch, Provincial Ombudsperson against Harassment; Mr. Israr Ahmed Umrani, AIG Gender; Ms. Ayesha Wadood, Provincial Head, UN Women, Mr. Ashraf Gichki from Social Welfare, Prof. Farkhanda Aurangzaib Member NCSW, Prof. Faiza Mir from UOB; and representatives from the Police, Judiciary, Prosecution, Balochistan Bar Council, government line departments, academia, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.

Implemented in close collaboration with the Police, Judiciary, Prosecution, Balochistan Bar Council, and relevant government institutions, the project aimed to strengthen gender-responsive justice institutions and improve women’s access to justice across Balochistan.

Key achievements included strengthening institutional capacities, promoting gender-responsive policies and practices, conducting awareness campaigns, producing a documentary on Gender Responsive Institutions (GRIs), enhancing women’s leadership, improving referral mechanisms, and fostering stronger coordination among justice sector institutions.
The conference provided a platform to reflect on the project’s achievements, share lessons learned and best practices, and discuss a sustainable roadmap for advancing gender equality and ensuring equal access to justice for women in Balochistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Roshan Khurshid Bharucha highlighted Aurat Foundation’s longstanding contribution to women’s rights, emphasizing its pivotal role in advocating for progressive legislation, promoting women’s political participation, raising public awareness, and empowering women leaders, many of whom have gone on to serve in legislative bodies.

Aurat Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to UN Women, the Embassy of Germany, the Police, Judiciary, Prosecution Department, Balochistan Bar Council, Human Rights Department, Health Department, civil society partners, and all collaborating institutions for their invaluable support and partnership. Together, we remain committed to advancing gender equality, women’s protection, and equal access to justice in Balochistan.