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Naeem Niazi
LAHORE, Mar 20 (APP):United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Kate Somvongsiri has said that the HumAhang (In Harmony) project is focused on citizens’ engagement for bringing citizens and the government closer in an inclusive way and making them part of decision-making processes.
Speaking at the launch of HumAhang project at a local hotel here on Wednesday, she said the project was aimed at enhancing dialogue between citizens and government for better governance, adding the project envisages communities where voices of individuals including women, members of minority communities and persons with disabilities.
US Consul General in Lahore Kristin Hawkins, PILDAT’s Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, representatives from various government departments, civil society organisations, media, and youth from Punjab and Sindh attended the launch.
HumAhang, a five-year project, has been launched by the USAID and Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) for fostering peace-building and dialogue between citizens and the governments in the South Punjab and northern Sindh. It will be implemented by CPDI, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), and Blumont Pakistan, and strengthen citizen-led initiatives and is hoped to effect lives of thousands of people in a positive way.
“I am delighted that the initiative is launched during the Women History Month, the US government celebrates achievement of women during the month of March every year, because purpose of this initiative is to involve diverse people like women, members of minority communities, and persons with disabilities.”
USAID Mission Director Kate Somvongsiri stressed that the United States government is committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace-building and inclusive communities, where the voices of individuals including women, are fully heard in decision-making processes.
She said it is essential that women’s voices are heard and included in decision-making processes that affect their lives. By promoting gender equality and by empowering women, Pakistan can create a more prosperous and equitable society for all its citizens.
Earlier, Mukhtar Ahmad Ali and Mohammad Azim Arshad outlined the objectives while Ahmed Bilal Mehboob hailed the USAID’s for its continued support to promote peace-building and social cohesion.