Balochistan Police leads innovative GBV awareness campaign

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pressing issue in Balochistan, prompting the Balochistan Police to launch an innovative awareness and advocacy campaign. Supported by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the campaign aims to address the root causes of GBV.

A flagship seminar held at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University in Quetta brought together experts from various sectors to inspire young female students to champion social change. The event, presided over by the Minister for Education, emphasized the crucial role of universities in empowering women.

The focus of the campaign is on empowering youth, particularly adolescent girls, to identify and challenge gender stereotypes. Through interactive sessions at educational institutions, the campaign aims to sensitize students to cultural prejudices and encourage them to support GBV survivors.

Key stakeholders, including law enforcement officials and academic leaders, highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for survivors and increasing awareness about available services at the Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centre in Quetta.

UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to preventing GBV through awareness raising and capacity building for first responders. The initiative underscores the significance of a comprehensive approach involving all segments of society to address the issue of gender-based violence in Balochistan.

The collaborative efforts of Balochistan Police, UNODC, and other stakeholders represent a significant stride towards fostering a culture of empathy and respect to combat gender-based violence in the region.