Pakistan

This year, Pakistan held the first democratic election in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), in line with the Constitutional Amendment of May 2018 to merge FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. These elections represent a milestone in nation building and strengthening of national instruments, particularly against the threat of growing violent extremism. However, early polling results mirror the national trend wherein women are still not elected into decision and law-making roles. Pakistan continues to be ranked 150th out of 153 countries on the Women, Peace and Security Index, with performance on discriminatory norms recording a high of 73 per cent. The prevailing norms continue to contribute to the marginalization of women at local, provincial and national levels. This year the N-Peace CSO Grants for Pakistan will support organizations addressing social norms and root causes of marginalization of women within the context of the changing governance structures, increase in the use of social media and youth engagement, the prevalence of honour killings and child marriages, and community mechanisms to counter and prevent the spread of violent extremism.

Congratulations to the following organizations who have been selected for the small grants!

PAIMAN Alumni Trust

For providing high-level security training to mothers and community women to respond to localized indications of violent extremism threats, and fostering partnerships which engage public and private sectors to respond to emerging conflicts.

Health and Rural Development (HARD), Balochistan

For strengthening democratic principles, advocating for gender responsive institutions, and working towards identifying and addressing the concerns of marginalized communities in Balochistan.

Accountability Lab – HER Story

For fostering innovative solutions to respond to root causes of gender inequalities, and shifting the perceptions of women in public discourse.

Community Initiatives for Development in Pakistan (CIDP)

For its proposed use of digital technologies to respond to sexual harassment in tertiary institutions in Sindh Province, Pakistan.

Skyian Welfare Organization (SKYIANS)

For working at community and policy levels to implement projects aimed at achieving women’s empowerment through youth engagement.

PAK Development Mission

For mobilizing youth and community leaders in advocacy efforts to increase women’s political participation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

HUJRA Village Support Organization

For working at the grassroots level to strengthen gender mainstreaming mechanisms in local and provincial institutions.