Aurat Foundation in collaboration with EVAW-G Alliance, organized a press conference at Quetta Press Club on "16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence". Mr. Allauddin Khilji, Mr. Watan Yar Khilji (Chairman EVAW/G Alliance), Ms. Huma Fouladi, Mr. Muhammad Khalil (UN-Women), Ms. Naseema Salam (BRSP), Ms. Shania, Mr. Ishfaq Mengal, Mr. Saeed Akbar (DANESH) briefed the participants about the campaign.

Mr. Allauddin Khilji, Resident Director Aurat Foundation, Balochistan, members of EVAW-G Alliance and other civil society organizations were addressed in press conference. Mr. Allauddin Khilji from Aurat Foundation presented the VAW Report 2019. In this report, 118 incidents of VAW were reported in Balochistan during in 11 months of 2019, while 70 women and 11 men were killed, of which 43 women and 9 men were killed in the name of honour, Domestic violence and household issues forced 17 women to commit suicide, 13 women were faced domestic torture; 28 cases of murder; 4 women were abducted; 3 women were thrown acid and 1 incident of threat against women was reported.

The present report has categorized incidents of violence on depending upon the nature of violence. These have been categorized as murder, domestic violence, hurt and body injury, kidnapping, suicide, beating, burning, rape, Gang rape, 'honor' killing, and any other kind of violence.

Mr. Allauddin Khilji (Resident Director) expressed his concern the several women are sacrificed on honor killing, Karo kari, there is no one to listen these thousands women's crying, who could escape them from the traditional cruel customs in Balochistan as well as Pakistan, women are being treated with violence every day. In the last four years more than thousand women were killed on the name honor. He stressed upon the Government, civil society organizations and tribal notables to rescue the effected women.

Mr. Khilji said that the trend of killing women in the cases of siah kari and leaving the men alive is practiced in the interior of Balochistan for the last few years. This clearly raises suspicions about the role of jirga in the settlement of cases of siah kari. Jirga decisions point to the fact that, the tradition of honor killing has become a trade under the protection of tribal jirgas. In the incidents of siah Kari men are let alive in the incident of siah kari. Later they are presented before the jirga, which charged them a heavy amount of compensation. This decision clearly reflects the commercialization of the norm of honor killing. In this situation responsibility lies with the tribal elders, intellectuals, parliamentarians (especially women parliamentarians), civil society and media to look into the matter before it becomes another societal dilemma against the already suppressed women of Balochistan.

Ms. Huma Fouladi said that every year, 16 days of activism against gender-based violence are celebrated. Started from 25 November and continuing till December 10, the theme of this year 2019 is "Orange the World; Generation Equality stands against the Rape".

The movement all over the world raise their voices against the violence and oppression of women in these 16 days. Mr. Khilji said that Aurat Foundation, EVAW/G and UN-Women have setup various programs / activities for 16 days of activism to combat violence against women. The campaign will begin on November 25 with a ceremony at Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), ending on December 10, 2019, the International day for Human Rights. He further said that the campaign includes meetings with Parliamentarians, holding awareness sessions, Seminars, walk, panel Discussions at boys and girls schools in different districts of Balochistan.

Aurat Foundation and other Civil Society Organizations demand from Government that;
1. Like other provinces, Provincial Government Balochistan should take affirmative steps for the establishment of Provincial Commission on the Status of Women.
2. Provincial coalition government to put their efforts for passage of "The Child Marriage Prohibition Bill" from Provincial Assembly Balochistan.
3. To ensure the formation of "Inquiry Committees" under Anti-Harassment Act 2016 at all government and non-government institutions and also aware citizens at local level on that.
4. Formation of rules and regulations regarding implementation of Domestic Violence Act.
5. Formation of policies at provincial level for socio-economic protection of Women Home-Based Workers, formulation of development schemes for improvement of economic status of Women Home-Based Workers and establishment of 'Product Finishing Units' for finishing of products made by them.
6. Formation of policy at government level for restoration of peace and harmony among citizens of Balochistan.
7. New committees with the partnership of civil societies, philanthropists, local representatives and scouts should be formed and organized by government beside Provincial and District level Disaster Management Authorities to play effective part in focusing on women and children in time of calamity.
8. Easy friendly access should be provided to disabled women in all government and private departments.
9. Mental Health Care unit should be established in all civil hospitals at provincial and district level.
10. Mobile centers for Fistula treatment should be established at all Basic Health Units across the province.
11. Psychiatrist should be appointed in the institutions of Special Children established under Social Welfare Department.
12. Emergency exits should be established in all hospitals including Bolan Medical Complex.
13. Women Friendly Spaces like day care center, toilets, rest/common rooms and information desks should be established at Chamber of Commerce, Courts, Media Houses and all public and private offices/institutions.
14. HR policies of Media Houses should be revised in accordance with the gender sensitive needs through provision of maternity, annual and casual leave.
Gender Sensitive HR policies should be prepared by Chamber of Commerce, Courts, Media Houses and all public and private offices/institutions.
15. Political parties should give equal tickets to women on contesting through general seats.
16. Legislation and implementation of "Acid Survivor Rehabilitation Bill" for Balochistan.
17. Dar-ul-Aman for women survivors and women police stations should be established at Divisional capitals.
18. Special measures should be adopted in the courts to ensure speedy trial of case related to violation of basic human rights of women.

Aurat Foundation Quetta organized a launching ceremony of Women Water Network and Women's Colloquium with Hisaar Foundation on 6th November, 2019 in Aurat Foundation office, Quetta.

The objective of this activity is to engage organizations and woman individually who are active in the areas of water and sanitation, sustainable development, women's participation and empowerment. The members may be rural women, academia, women water professionals, and businesswomen to service organizations and special interest groups. Women as active leaders, partners, experts and agents of change in water are highly appreciated to join.

The meeting started with the recitation of Holy Quran. Mr. Allauddin Khilji, Resident Director Aurat Foundation Quetta welcomed the participants and introduction of participants. He has given the brief introduction on formation and set up Women Water Network. After this, Dr. Ziviqar Deputy Director, PCRWR has given a brief presentation titled "Role of Pakistani women around water table and why women are important to pursue in water sector".

Mr. Allauddin Khilji, explained the global trends of water and the role of women in this area. He highlighted many names who are contributing their life for this cause. Further, he explained the role of Pakistani women around water table. Discussion was held for the conservation of water and participants shared their achievement and thoughts. Mr. Khilji said that establishing effective strategies to ensure the proper utilization of available water resources, so that timely preparation can be made to tackle the implications of changing climate in Balochistan. He said that the role in the consultation and decision making process of women in shaping water policy in Balochistan is critical. “Water resources are shrinking around the world and the need to ensure careful use of globally available water resources is emphasized. He added that this would be the first women water network of its kind established in Balochistan to raise awareness among the women of Balochistan.

Ms. Fatima Nangyal, Focal person of Human Rights Defender said that women in Balochistan face more difficulties in accessing water compare to other provinces.

Ms. Saima Javaid, Gender Specialist Tameer-e-Khalq Foundation said that the majority of women in Balochistan have the primary responsibility of bringing and using water to their homes, but in rural areas, water is not safe according to hygiene principles.

Mr. Khilji said that over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress. Worldwide, over 80% of all wastewater returns to the environment without being treated (WWAP, 2017). The increase in demand for irrigation for agriculture has led to severe groundwater stress in some areas, especially in two of Asia’s major food baskets, India and China. Gender inequalities in access to water are large and persistent in many countries. He also highlighted that Water planners choose amongst competing uses. Women don’t have a formal voice in the sector therefore domestic use is given least priority. Often irrigation schemes are conducted with landowners therefore women are left out of the equation

Participants discussed inherent and historical role of women in preservance, usage and distribution of water resources with a view to maintain and strengthen it. They also proposed interventions at research, policy advocacy and grassroots’ mobilisation for ensuring women’s role in water crisis solutions. Many examples are shared that how small behavioral change lead to big evolution. The participants appreciated the work and had given their valuable input in this regard. They devoted that Little Drops of Water Make a Mighty Ocean.

In the end of event, it was decided by the members of the network to hold monthly meeting in connection with network. It was also decided that an executive committee will be comprised of four members in the next meeting of network, while Mr. Allauddin Khilji from AF will provide secretarial support to WWN Balochistan. More than 30 participants attended the event. They were from academia, public offices, civil society, law, media, individual experts, and representatives of women alliances.

Aurat Foundation arranged a "Training Workshop on Effective Local Accountability" at Margalla Hotel, Islamabad on Oct. 24, 2019 under project of Creating Spaces to take actions on violence against women and girls. Women leaders, Women Protec Forum members, lawyers and youth attended the training session.

The objective of this activity is to create awareness in advancing women's rights, women's leadership and the elimination of violence against women and girls by building the capacity of these women by changing their attitudes, norms and behaviors, and to strengthen standards, legislation, and regulations. 

The formal meeting started with the welcome note by Ms. Shamaila Tanvir, Project Manager, followed by introduction of the participants. She has given brief introduction on the elimination of violence against women and girls. She has taken an overview analysis of participants' understanding before training.

Mr. Bilal Naqeeb, Master Trainer, briefly explained the concepts of governance, good governance and community governance. He told the model for good community governance. He further conducted a group activity to describe governance of community through SWOT model. Then further he explained the term accountability and every nuke and corner of it. Social accountability was of major concern. Then for social accountability understanding, he conducted a role play through group engagement.

In the end, he concluded with summarizing whole training by an over view of its training. Then the feedback of understanding to their topic is taken from all the participants. Total 30 participants participated in this training. Training session was ended with note of thanks by Ms. Isma Sana, Project Manager, Creating Space Project, Oxfam.

Aurat Foundation organized a launching ceremony of Women Water Network and Women's Colloquium with Hisaar Foundation on 3rd August, 2019 in Aurat Foundation, Head office, Islamabad.

The objective of this activity is to engage organizations and woman individually who are active in the areas of water and sanitation, sustainable development, women's participation and empowerment. The members may be rural women, academia, women water professionals, and businesswomen to service organizations and special interest groups. Women as active leaders, partners, experts and agents of change in water are highly appreciated to join.

The formal meeting started with the welcome note delivered by Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Director Programme Aurat Foundation and introduction of participants. She has given the brief introduction on formation and set up Women Water Network. After this, Ms Eisha from AF has given a brief presentation titled "Every Drop Count" on importance and consumption of water.

Ms. Simi Kamal, Water Specialist and founder of Hisaar Foundation explained the global trends of water and the role of women in this area. She highlighted many names who are contributing their life for this cause. Further, she explained the role of Pakistani women around water table and why women are important to pursue in water sector. Discussion was held for the conservation of water and participants shared their achievement and thoughts. Ms. Farzana Saleem, Coordinator, National Women Water Network added valuing water and protecting our ecosystem. She explained water governance and its infrastructure.

Over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress. Worldwide, over 80% of all wastewater returns to the environment without being treated (WWAP, 2017). The increase in demand for irrigation for agriculture has led to severe groundwater stress in some areas, especially in two of Asia's major food baskets, India and China. Gender inequalities in access to water are large and persistent in many countries. She also highlighted that Water planners choose amongst competing uses. Women don't have a formal voice in the sector therefore domestic use is given least priority. Often irrigation schemes are conducted with landowners therefore women are left out of the equation

Participants discussed inherent and historical role of women in preservance, usage and distribution of water resources with a view to maintain and strengthen it. They also proposed interventions at research, policy advocacy and grassroots' mobilisation for ensuring women's role in water crisis solutions. Many examples are shared that how small behavioral change lead to big evolution. The participants appreciated the work and had given their valuable input in this regard. They devoted that Little Drops of Water Make a Mighty Ocean.

In the end of event, an executive committee comprised of four members was formed to access new areas of knowledge and a forum to work with other members. Ms. Samina Shoaib, President Women Water Network (WWN- Islamabad), Ms. Zartasha , General Secretary, Ms. Farhana Satti and Ms. Doultana Kausar. Ms. Farkhanda Aurugzaib and Farzana Saleem will provide technical support while Ms. Mumtaz from AF will provide secretarial support to WWN Islamabad. More than 44 participants attended the event. They were from academia, public offices, civil society, law, media, individual experts, and representatives of women alliances.

The Institute of Administrative Sciences Punjab University has arranged a seminar with the collaboration of Aurat Foundation Lahore. The objective of this session was to create awareness among youth on anti-dowry campaign. This issue exists countrywide, but the ones effected more the upper-middle and lower- middle socio-economic classes. In the context of Pakistan, the dowry was not a tradition but has recently, become an issue in our community which leads to domestic violence in various forms The panelist was Dr. khalida Amjad, senior visiting faculty Doctorate in Arabic, Mr. Adeel Asghar Hashmi family lawyer from High court Lahore, Mr. Tanvir Sadiq, Ms. Sarah Sheraz, Provincial Manager (AF-Lhr) & Ms. Samina Javed, Program officer (AF-Lhr). Ms. Sarah Sheraz represent the AF, and shared the history, vision, mission and contribution of Aurat Foundation to empower the women and marginalized community. She added that AF is against this so-called tradition, which is becoming the monster day by day and collaborative efforts are much needed to get rid from this, otherwise it will ruin the coming generation. This disease is not only spoiling the lives of women as far as men also. Mr. Adeel Asghar (Advocate) discussed with the reference of constitution and law. He shared his perspective in the context of Anti Dowry legislation.  The other panelists also shared their views in this regard, and show their commitment to end this economical violence.

At the end of the seminar, Attendees ensured to raise their voice against this social diseases by signing the pledge.

 

 

Aurat Foundation arranged a stall of AF publications at 8th March IWD gala by gender studies department of University of Punjab. Stall also visited by Vice Chancellor of Punjab University Lahore

International Women’s day is celebrated on 8th march. In the context of IWD the Aurat Foundation and the group of interns from Gender Studies Department, PU has planned activity. The theme of the activity was to “Create & Spread “awareness among the community at public place. They chose the social issues of our society, like Early & Forced marriage, a campaign against Dowry, Violence against women and right to inheritance. The students have made the paly cards with different slogans and strong messages to illuminate those issues. The process of the activity was to engage the passengers and the management. We focused women, and also talked to men because we could not bring the change in society until we change mindset of men in our society.  We met with people from Islamabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Sahiwal and Multan. The women were keen to know about their rights and condemn the violation of their fundamental rights. To get our rights we should focus on girl’s education, through education we can break the stereotypes and patriarchy from our society. The objective of this activity was to aware the diverse group and make a chain of change. The students took the commitment from them, they will aware the five more women.