WPC, RSH Pakistan Unveil Study Findings on GBV Financing. Call for Stronger Accountability

ISLAMABAD: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) Pakistan, on Tuesday launched the summary findings of a study on safeguarding and financing to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing the need for greater financial transparency, institutional accountability and effective parliamentary oversight. The launch, held at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, brought together parliamentarians, safeguarding practitioners, development partners, gender experts and other stakeholders to examine how funding for GBV prevention and response, as well as the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), is incorporated into institutional and public financing systems. The event focused on improving the visibility and traceability of financial resources, strengthening institutional accountability and promoting gender-responsive budgeting. Participants also discussed practical recommendations that could be pursued through existing institutional mechanisms, alongside areas requiring further evidence, policy attention and action. Dr Shahida Rehmani, Member of the National Assembly and Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, stressed that addressing gender-based violence requires more than legislation, calling for adequate resources, institutional commitment and accountability mechanisms to translate policy objectives into meaningful action. “Addressing gender-based violence requires more than strong legislation; it also requires the institutional commitment, resources and accountability mechanisms necessary to translate policy into action,” she said. Dr Rehmani reaffirmed the WPC’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive policymaking and strengthening parliamentary oversight to ensure that preventing violence and protecting women remain key public priorities. She noted that the study provided an opportunity to assess the financing dimension of existing commitments and identify gaps requiring further action. She also highlighted Parliament’s role in using evidence to inform legislative scrutiny, budgetary deliberations and institutional reforms aimed at advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and vulnerable groups. Ms Asma Kiran, Country Lead of RSH Pakistan, underscored the importance of making funding for safeguarding and GBV prevention more transparent, accessible and open to institutional scrutiny. “Effective safeguarding requires a clear understanding of how resources are allocated, where financing is embedded within existing systems, and how effectively it can be traced to prevention and response efforts,” she said. Ms Kiran said the study could help strengthen the evidence base and encourage constructive engagement among Parliament, relevant institutions and development partners on practical measures to improve financing transparency and accountability. The study presentation examined the extent to which funding for safeguarding and GBV prevention and response can be identified and tracked within existing financial systems. It also outlined key findings and recommendations while highlighting areas where additional evidence is needed to support informed policy decisions and institutional action. Ms Fauzia Viqar, Ombudsperson at the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH), delivered the keynote address, focusing on translating evidence into effective prevention, response and oversight mechanisms. Addressing the relationship between policy commitments and implementation, Ms Viqar stressed that the effectiveness of any policy framework depended on consistent implementation and the ability of institutions to fulfil their responsibilities. “Making financing more visible and strengthening institutional oversight are important steps towards ensuring that commitments on safeguarding and gender-based violence prevention translate into meaningful action,” she said. She added that evidence-based dialogue could help identify practical improvements in prevention, response and accountability. The subsequent policy dialogue examined how gender-responsive budgeting, parliamentary oversight and coordination among institutions could improve the visibility and effectiveness of safeguarding and GBV-related financing. Discussions also explored the transition from budget allocations to implementation, including the identification of institutional responsibilities, potential follow-up measures and areas requiring further research. The event concluded with Dr Rehmani’s address on priorities for legal and institutional action, followed by the handover of the study’s summary findings and recommendations. The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus also announced plans to launch the final report in November, incorporating the outcomes of the policy discussions. The initiative underscores the importance of sustained cooperation between Parliament, safeguarding institutions and development partners in strengthening the evidence base for policy reform. By placing financing, accountability and parliamentary oversight at the center of the discussion, the study seeks to inform practical measures to improve safeguarding arrangements, prevent gender-based violence and strengthen institutional responses. The findings are expected to contribute to continued policy dialogue on the financial and institutional measures required to ensure that commitments to protecting women and vulnerable groups are supported by transparent resource allocation, effective implementation and accountable governance.