SWAT: Speakers at a seminar in Mingora on Tuesday said stronger paralegal support networks could help improve women’s access to justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by providing legal guidance and connecting vulnerable communities with legal institutions.
The one-day event, organized by Shirkat Gah in collaboration with Awami Welfare Society with support from UN Women and the German Embassy, focused on the role of community-based paralegal volunteers in addressing barriers faced by women seeking legal assistance.
Speakers included provincial coordinator Fozia Ali, organizer Raheela Ali, trainer Samreen Hakeem Advocate, and Awami Welfare Society Executive Director Dr. Yasmeen Gul.
They said paralegal volunteers help bridge gaps between communities and the justice system by offering basic legal information and support to women, children, men, and transgender persons, particularly in underserved areas.
The speakers noted that while Pakistan has laws aimed at protecting women’s rights, weak implementation and limited public awareness continue to restrict access to timely justice. They also identified social pressure and institutional challenges as major obstacles for women pursuing legal remedies.
Training on legal procedures
During the seminar, Samreen Hakeem Advocate conducted a training session on legal procedures and the responsibilities of paralegal volunteers. Participants were encouraged to support victims at the community level and guide them toward available legal and social protection mechanisms.
Speakers stressed that improving coordination between social welfare organizations and legal institutions, along with expanding paralegal networks, could help make legal support more accessible and affordable for women in the region.
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