Key Takeaways
- The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus launched the findings of a GBV Financing Study.
- The study focuses on the visibility and traceability of financing for gender-based violence prevention.
- Key stakeholders discussed practical recommendations for advancing gender-responsive policymaking.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus of the National Assembly of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) Pakistan, unveiled the summary findings of the GBV Financing Study on Tuesday at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel.
The event brought together parliamentarians, safeguarding practitioners, development partners, gender experts, and relevant stakeholders to examine institutional and public financing processes related to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Member of the National Assembly and Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, highlighted the importance of evidence-based parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional responses to GBV.
She stated, 'Addressing gender-based violence requires more than strong legislation; it also requires the institutional commitment, resources, and accountability mechanisms necessary to translate policy into action.'
Dr. Rehmani further emphasized the role of Parliament in using evidence to inform legislative scrutiny, budgetary deliberations, and institutional reforms that advance gender equality and protect the rights of women and vulnerable groups.
Ms. Asma Kiran, Country Lead of RSH Pakistan, underscored the importance of making financing for safeguarding and GBV prevention more visible and accessible to institutional scrutiny.
She said, 'Effective safeguarding requires a clear understanding of how resources are allocated, where financing is embedded within existing systems, and how effectively it can be traced to prevention and response efforts.'
The study’s presentation examined the visibility and traceability of financing, presented key findings and recommendations, and identified areas requiring additional evidence.
The discussion also considered how existing processes can better support institutional action, accountability, and the implementation of safeguarding commitments.
Ms. Fauzia Viqar, Ombudsperson at the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH), delivered the keynote address on translating evidence into prevention, response, and oversight.
The subsequent policy dialogue explored the transition from budget allocations to implementation, with a focus on financing, accountability, and institutional responses.
Addressing gender-based violence requires more than strong legislation; it also requires the institutional commitment, resources and accountability mechanisms necessary to translate policy into action.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Member of the National Assembly and Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus
Effective safeguarding requires a clear understanding of how resources are allocated, where financing is embedded within existing systems, and how effectively it can be traced to prevention and response efforts.
Ms. Asma Kiran, Country Lead of RSH Pakistan
