US Embassy Supports Gender-Based Violence Awareness Campaign in Balochistan

Quetta, The Balochistan Police, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized a seminar on April 24, 2024, at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University in Quetta. The event, aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence, concluded a broader campaign focused on empowering young women in Balochistan.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the seminar was attended by experts from law enforcement, academia, and civil society, who engaged with a large group of female students. The goal was to inspire these students to take on social change to combat gender-based violence in Balochistan. The Minister for Education, Government of Balochistan, Ms. Raheela Hameed Durani, presided over the event and emphasized the need for universities to play a significant role in empowering young women. Other notable attendees included Deputy Inspector General of Police Balochistan, Mr. Qamar-ul-Hassan, Vice Chancellor of SBK, Prof. Dr. Sajida Noreen, Chairperson of the Provincial Commission on Status of Women, Balochistan, Ms. Fozia Shaheen, and SP Quetta Police and In-Charge Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centre, Ms. Pari Gul Tareen.

The campaign focused on empowering youth, especially adolescent girls, by sensitizing them to gender stereotypes and encouraging them to pursue careers in law enforcement. Prior to the seminar, interactive awareness sessions were held on March 27 and 28, 2024, in partnership with Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University and Government Girls Postgraduate College in Quetta. These sessions featured accomplished women police officers, psychologists, academics, and gender experts, who provided guidance and support to female students on combating gender-based violence and supporting survivors with empathy and respect.

The campaign also emphasized the importance of immediate assistance for survivors of gender-based violence and highlighted the services available at the Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centre (WJFC) in Quetta. Ms. Pari Gul Tareen, SP, Quetta, stated, “Gender-based violence thrives in silence and ignorance. Our aim is to create awareness and a supportive environment for GBV survivors to ensure reporting of GBV to relevant authorities and the delivery of necessary assistance.”

The UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to preventing gender-based violence through awareness campaigns, establishing reporting mechanisms, and increasing the capacity of first responders. The organization emphasized that addressing gender-based violence requires a whole-of-society approach and is essential for building strong, resilient communities. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering understanding, respect, and empathy in combating gender-based violence in Balochistan.