A delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) visited the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) headquarters in Lahore to discuss ways to strengthen women’s protection, community awareness, and digital support systems across the province.
The delegation met with Director General Dr. Lubna Nazir, where both sides exchanged views on improving institutional cooperation and expanding services for women, particularly those living in remote, underserved, and marginalized communities.
During the meeting, representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including Ali Naqvi and Adeela Khan, also participated. The UNFPA delegation included Saleha Ramey and Tania Durrani, who highlighted the importance of community-based support in preventing gender-based violence.
Dr. Lubna Nazir said the Punjab Women Protection Authority is continuously strengthening its institutional framework to ensure women across Punjab have access to protection and support services. She added that the authority is enhancing its digital monitoring systems, including helpline services, centralized monitoring, and the IRIS digital platform, to improve response times and service delivery.
Tania Durrani shared that more than 40,000 workers and volunteers have already been trained to deliver protection services in remote and underserved areas. She emphasized that community awareness and local engagement remain essential for reaching vulnerable women and encouraging them to seek help.
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Participants also discussed the issue of low reporting of gender-based violence in parts of South Punjab, noting that a lack of awareness may prevent victims from coming forward. They stressed the need to involve local leaders, social workers, and influential community members in awareness campaigns to improve reporting and support systems.
The UNFPA delegation praised the Punjab Women Protection Authority’s digital initiatives and appreciated the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen women’s safety under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Both sides agreed to further enhance coordination among the police, prosecution departments, and psychological support services to ensure a more effective response to gender-based violence. They also identified the welfare and rights of women prisoners as an important area for future collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expanding public awareness, eliminating discriminatory attitudes against women, and building a safer, more inclusive environment for women across Punjab.
