Gender Equity / Women Empowerment

Women play a vital role in society not only as nurturers of their children but also as instillers of values, ethics and discipline from an early age. Despite their significance, women in Pakistan are often overlooked, marginalized and even ridiculed. To challenge this systemic neglect, Sudhaar has consistently worked to empower women through education, advocacy for rights, and addressing gender based violence (GBV).Sudhaar has integrated gender inclusion as a cross cutting theme across all its projects. A key focus has been promoting awareness of gender equality, especially among children, to foster an inclusive and respectful mindset from a young age. The organization has implemented several targeted initiatives to support this mission.

Two major projects, supported by the Aurat Foundation under USAID’s Gender Equality Program (GEP), focused on survivors of GBV, equipping them with essential life skills. These initiatives aimed to restore dignity, self-reliance and social participation among affected women. With over a decade of experience in women’s empowerment, Sudhaar has successfully executed nine dedicated projects addressing gender equity, women’s rights, leadership development, inclusion, life skills training, and economic empowerment. These efforts have reached over 25,000 women across various regions.

 One notable initiative is the AAWAZ II Program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which sought to create a more protective and enabling environment for women by engaging key community actors. The program established safe spaces and facilitated access to information and referrals through Aawaz Aagahi Centres (AACs). It indirectly benefited over 151,000 individuals.

Currently, Sudhaar is implementing the Women Empowerment Program with financial support from GIZ in five districts of Pakistan: Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, Faisalabad, and Karachi. The program aims to uplift marginalized women by first mobilizing their families and then linking them to livelihood opportunities in the textile industry.

Sudhaar remains committed to creating a society where women are not just recognized but actively supported as equal partners in the country’s development.