ISLAMABAD: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) Pakistan, launched the summary findings of the Safeguarding and Addressing Gender-Based Violence (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 how financing for gender-based violence prevention and response, as well as the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), is reflected in institutional and public financing processes.
The launch focused on the visibility and traceability of financing, institutional accountability, gender-responsive budgeting and parliamentary oversight. It also provided a platform to discuss practical recommendations that can be advanced through existing institutional mechanisms, while identifying areas where further evidence and action are required.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Member of the National Assembly and Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, emphasised the importance of evidence-based parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani said: “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. Through the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, we remain committed to advancing gender-responsive policymaking and strengthening parliamentary oversight to ensure that the prevention of violence and the protection of women remain important public priorities. This study provides an opportunity to examine the financing dimension of these commitments and identify areas where further action is needed.”
She further underscored 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, highlighted the importance of making financing for safeguarding and gender-based violence prevention more visible and accessible to institutional scrutiny.
Ms. Asma Kiran 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. This study provides an opportunity to bring these questions into sharper focus, strengthen the evidence base and encourage constructive dialogue among Parliament, institutions and development partners on practical ways forward.”
The study’s presentation examined the visibility and traceability of financing, present key findings and recommendations, and identify 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.
Ms. Fauzia Viqar said: “The effectiveness of any policy framework depends on how consistently it is implemented and how effectively institutions are held accountable for their responsibilities. Making financing more visible and strengthening institutional oversight are important steps towards ensuring that commitments on safeguarding and gender-based violence prevention translate into meaningful action. Evidence-based dialogue can help identify practical improvements in prevention, response and accountability.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026