Historic Milestone for Women with Disabilities

By: Aziz Khatri 

Karachi: The first-ever Technical Advisory Board (TAG) for a GBV service provider has been notified in Balochistan Province. This board will oversee the effective implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, with a special focus on disability inclusion. It will also support studies on disability accessibility and provide advisory input on gender-based violence (GBV) services.

The TAG will hold regular meetings and has formally notified government departments, hospitals, and other organizations to ensure the implementation of inclusion and accessibility measures. They will also review GBV services to ensure that women with disabilities can access necessary facilities without barriers.

This important gathering brought together government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and disability rights advocates to address the urgent need for inclusive and accessible GBV services — particularly for women and girls with disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department stated:

"This convening marks a pivotal stride toward realizing inclusive GBV response services. Our commitment is unwavering: persons with disabilities must access justice and protection without barriers — that is not only a legal right but a moral imperative.”

The disability accessibility assessment, supported by UNFPA under the DAHLAR Fund, will examine public sector GBV services in health, police, justice/legal aid, and social support facilities such as shelter homes, crisis centres, and helplines. The initiative aims to identify gaps in accessibility and propose actionable recommendations to make these services more inclusive.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ms. Abia Akram, Director Programs at STEP, said:

“Women and girls with disabilities are among the most marginalized and vulnerable to violence. This initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that the services designed to protect them are truly accessible and responsive to their needs.”

The outcomes of this collaborative effort are expected to guide systemic improvements in public GBV service delivery in Balochistan. Following the assessment, STEP, with the support of UNFPA and in coordination with the Government of Balochistan, will develop a joint action plan to address identified gaps and make GBV services more inclusive and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.