KARACHI: The UK Government has announced the expansion of its Aawaz II program to Sindh, aiming to empower and protect vulnerable communities in Pakistan.
This initiative builds on the success of Aawaz II in Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it has operated since 2018 and established over 1,000 community-led village forums.
These forums have enabled members to actively address conflicts and challenge harmful practices, such as child marriage and domestic abuse. Aawaz’s text and radio campaigns have reached over 35 million people, engaging more than 44,000 volunteers in social projects.
Aawaz II particularly focuses on supporting minority communities, having assisted over 34,000 individuals with disabilities in accessing disability certificates, understanding their rights, and obtaining financial support. One notable success story is Kaneez, who, despite her own disability, worked tirelessly to support her husband. With Aawaz’s help, she secured a disability card and social safety nets, empowering her to educate others in her community about their rights.
The need for action against exclusion, abuse, and exploitation in Pakistan is urgent. The country ranks low in gender equality and rule of law, with persistent issues like honor killings, forced religious conversions, and child marriage—18% of girls are married before reaching adulthood.
The expansion of Aawaz II to Sindh will focus on five districts, aiming to enhance laws, policies, and data related to child protection and women’s rights. The program will enable communities to speak out against harmful practices and prevent conflicts, particularly regarding forced conversions and child marriages. By empowering various groups—including women, children, youth, and religious minorities—Aawaz II seeks to foster a collective voice against discrimination and intolerance.
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British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE expressed enthusiasm for the program’s launch in Sindh, stating, “We are thrilled to expand Aawaz II to Sindh. Addressing inequalities, supporting reforms, and strengthening services for marginalized groups are key priorities for the UK. Aawaz has already achieved significant success in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Punjab, and I look forward to its positive impact in creating a safer and more inclusive Sindh.”
A crucial aspect of Aawaz II’s efforts in Sindh will be jointly led by UNICEF, UNFPA, Care International, and Oxford Policy Management, in collaboration with both federal and provincial governments. The program was formally launched at an event attended by the British High Commissioner and Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah.
Sindh’s Minister for Social Welfare, Mir Ali Khan Talpur, emphasized the need for collective action to protect the rights of children and vulnerable groups, expressing his commitment to supporting the Aawaz II program in the region.
