“Voices of Change: Sindh Showcasing Event Puts Women’s Empowerment and Climate Resilience in the Spotlight”
Imran
KARACHI: The Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP), in collaboration with NCA Pakistan and with support from the Church of Sweden, organized a provincial showcasing event at Beach Luxury Hotel under the project “Creating Equal Opportunities for Socio-Economic Empowerment of Marginalized Communities in Mirpurkhas District – Phase II (2023–2025)”.
The event, inaugurated by Ms. Rubina Brohi, Chairperson of the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW), celebrated three years of progress in advancing gender equality, strengthening protection systems, and promoting inclusive livelihood opportunities in Mirpurkhas. In her remarks, Ms. Brohi commended rural women, community groups, and faith actors for driving measurable change at the grassroots level, while stressing the importance of sustained collaboration between civil society and government institutions.
Women trained through livelihood and skill development programs showcased handmade products, reflecting growing confidence and entrepreneurship. Faith actors were recognized for promoting gender inclusivity, discouraging early and forced marriages, and raising awareness on climate resilience. The roles of Psycho-Social First Aid counsellors, Community Support Groups, and the Women Leadership Forum were also acknowledged for strengthening referral pathways and advocacy.
CSSP CEO Noor Muhammad Bajeer highlighted the project’s collaborative model that connects grassroots voices to institutional decision-makers. A panel discussion featuring male and female faith actors underscored the role of religious leadership in shaping social norms, addressing domestic violence, and promoting climate-adaptive practices.
The program also featured a documentary narrating project milestones and a theatre performance depicting real-life challenges faced by women, emphasizing the importance of timely referrals and coordinated protection systems.
Community representatives presented key recommendations, including strict enforcement of CNIC-based marriage registration, stronger child marriage restraint laws, improved District Protection Committees, expanded Women Help Desks, enhanced referral pathways, and increased investment in women-centered economic programs. They also called for inclusive climate adaptation plans and sustained support for community structures such as WLF, CSG, and faith actor networks.
Government officials emphasized expanding livelihood opportunities and market linkages for women artisans, while Social Welfare Secretary Agha Suhail announced reforms to streamline NGO registration within 90 days. Ms. Brohi praised Sindh’s legislative progress, including the Domestic Violence Act, Child Marriage Restraint Act, and expansion of One-Stop Protection Centers, reaffirming the government’s commitment to civil society partnerships.
In closing remarks, NCA Programme Coordinator Ms. Aaliya Taherkheli stressed the need for continued collaboration, stronger psychosocial support, and scaling successful initiatives across districts.
The event concluded with a group photograph of government dignitaries, community champions, faith actors, and women artisans, with CSSP and NCA reiterating their commitment to policy advocacy, strengthened systems, and expanded opportunities for marginalized communities in Sindh.
