Balochistan, UNFPA hold consultative workshop on gender-based violence in emergencies

QUETTA, Mar 31 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), convened the second provincial consultative workshop on the Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) framework.
The session was chaired by Naveed Ahmed, Director Planning, Coordination and Rescue, said a news release.
The consultative meeting marked a significant step toward addressing the risks of gender-based violence (GBV) in emergency contexts across Balochistan.
It aimed to develop effective strategies and strengthen institutional coordination to mitigate GBV-related threats during crises.
The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from PDMA, various provincial government departments, United Nations agencies, members of the Protection and GBV Sub-Working Group, and national as well as local non-governmental organizations.
Participants engaged in detailed discussions, sharing field experiences, observations, and technical insights. The dialogue resulted in actionable recommendations designed to improve coordination mechanisms at the provincial level and enhance the overall response to GBV risks in emergencies.
The primary objective of the session was to refine and contextualize the GBViE framework for Balochistan, making it more comprehensive, practical, and effective.
This included identifying and validating key GBV risks in emergency situations, prioritizing interventions, addressing existing gaps, and integrating actionable measures across sectors using an ecological model approach.
Additionally, the workshop helped clarify roles and responsibilities among stakeholders, fostering consensus on future strategies and coordinated action plans.
This alignment is expected to ensure a more unified and efficient response to GBV incidents during emergencies.
The consultative process is being seen as a crucial advancement in strengthening institutional capacity within Balochistan.
It also underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling GBV-related challenges and ensuring timely, safe, and effective support for affected populations particularly women and other vulnerable groups during times of crisis.