PESHAWAR: Key stakeholders from the legislature, government departments, United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations convened in Peshawar to review a draft policy aimed at preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the need for coordinated and prevention-focused strategies.

The consultation, organized by the Aurat Foundation with support from the European Union and UN Women, focused on strengthening policy measures through stakeholder input and improving mechanisms to address the root causes of gender-based violence.

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The meeting brought together representatives from multiple sectors to discuss gaps in existing frameworks and explore ways to enhance institutional coordination, community engagement, and preventive interventions. Participants emphasized that effective implementation would require sustained collaboration across government and non-government actors.

Resident Director of Aurat Foundation, Shabina Ayaz, underscored the importance of joint efforts to promote prevention-based approaches. She highlighted that addressing structural and social drivers of violence is critical to ensuring long-term impact.

The draft policy was presented by Saima Munir, who outlined its key objectives and strategic priorities. She stressed the need for coordinated responses that focus not only on protection but also on preventing incidents of violence through awareness, education, and institutional reforms.

Participants engaged in group discussions and proposed recommendations to strengthen policy provisions. These included improving coordination among departments, enhancing community-based prevention initiatives, and ensuring effective monitoring mechanisms.

Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, Fahmida Khan, termed the initiative a significant step toward developing a comprehensive and effective prevention policy. She emphasized that sustained partnerships are essential to addressing violence against women and girls in a meaningful way.

Member Provincial Assembly Shazia Tehmas and Additional Secretary Social Welfare Department Umra Khan also addressed the session. They acknowledged the importance of inclusive consultations and noted that stakeholder feedback would help refine the policy and make it more responsive to local needs.

The consultation concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue collaborative efforts aimed at promoting the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Experts noted that such initiatives are essential in a country where violence against women remains a significant social and human rights challenge.