KARACHI – UK Government expanded its Aawaz II programme to Sindh, aimed at empowering and protecting the most vulnerable populations in the region. This initiative follows the programme’s success in Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since its inception in 2018, where it has established over 1,000 community-led village forums.
These forums have played a crucial role in enabling community members to address potential conflicts and combat deep-seated issues such as child marriage and domestic abuse. Aawaz’s impactful text message and radio campaigns have reached more than 35 million people, engaging over 44,000 volunteers in various social projects.
Aawaz II is particularly focused on supporting minority communities, assisting over 34,000 individuals with disabilities in accessing essential services, including disability certificates and social safety nets. One notable success story is Kaneez, who, despite her own disability, supported her husband, a gravedigger. Thanks to Aawaz, she acquired a disability card and is now helping others in her community understand their rights.
The urgent need for action against exclusion, abuse, and exploitation in Pakistan is evident, as the country ranks low globally in gender equality and the rule of law. With alarming rates of honour killings, forced religious conversions, and child marriage—18% of girls marry before adulthood—the expansion of Aawaz II to Sindh will engage communities across five districts.
The programme aims to strengthen laws and policies related to child protection and women’s rights while empowering communities to speak out against harmful practices. Aawaz II focuses on amplifying the voices of women, children, youth, religious minorities, and other marginalized groups, fostering collective action against exploitation and discrimination.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “We are delighted to expand Aawaz II to Sindh. Tackling inequalities and supporting reforms for marginalized groups are top priorities for the UK. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme will have in building a safer and more inclusive Sindh.”
The programme’s implementation in Sindh will be a collaborative effort led by UNICEF, UNFPA, Care International, and Oxford Policy Management, in close partnership with federal and provincial governments.
At the launch event in Karachi, Sindh’s Minister for Social Welfare, Mir Ali Khan Talpur, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “We need to work together to protect the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. I am committed to fully supporting the Aawaz II programme in Sindh.”
The Aawaz II expansion is a crucial step in addressing systemic issues and fostering a more equitable society in Pakistan.
