Seminar Focuses on Education System to Address Gender-Based Violence
“Initiative Launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Address Gender-Based Violence in Schools”
Rozan, in partnership with the Elementary and Secondary Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and SPO, unveiled the ‘Gender Mainstreaming and GBV for Human Capital Investment Project (KP-HCIP).’ The initiative aims to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children across 1000 schools in 13 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A seminar titled ‘Transforming Education, Emerging Issues of Gender-Based Violence, and Child Protection’ was convened to foster a secure learning environment. The sessions involved comprehensive training for school teachers, representatives from Parent Teacher Councils, Village Network Forums, and Village Education Committees. Key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, local communities, school management, and students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, participated in the event.
The seminar focused on addressing Gender-Based Violence, Violence Against Children, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse with sensitivity and efficacy. Training sessions aimed to empower 1000 GBV Focal Persons to effectively handle these issues and ensure the implementation of codes of conduct and Grievance and Referral Mechanisms.
Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, highlighted the critical context of gender disparities and prevalent issues of violence against women and children. She stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach involving government bodies, educational institutions, CSOs, and international organizations to integrate solutions within the education system. The seminar aimed to gather input and commitments from stakeholders to create a safer environment for children in schools, leveraging their expertise in gender equality promotion and violence prevention.