At the Women Expo Balochistan, the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) and the Women Development Department (WDD) of the Government of Balochistan formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding supported by UNFPA Pakistan to bolster women protection across the province.
Under the agreement, SPO and WDD will collaborate on a wide range of initiatives to prevent gender-based violence and address child marriage while improving access to critical GBV services. The partnership will prioritise evidence-based research and advocacy to shape stronger policy frameworks and more effective local responses to violence against women and children.
The MoU commits both organisations to develop strategic guidance on domestic violence, enhance coordination among multisectoral stakeholders, and engage with media responsibly to raise public awareness. By aligning government departments, service providers and community actors, the initiative aims to close gaps in the protection system and ensure survivors can access timely support.
Capacity-building features prominently in the plan, with specialised trainings for relevant government staff, frontline service providers and community representatives to strengthen response mechanisms for GBV and child protection. These practical steps are designed to translate policy into action at district and community levels across Balochistan.
Present at the signing were Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary Women Development Department; Ms. Sadia Atta, Provincial Team Lead UNFPA; and Ms. Rabia Khan, National Program Manager SPO. The MoU was signed on behalf of SPO by Mr. Mir Ahmed Sami, Regional Manager SPO, and on behalf of WDD by Ms. Rubina Zehri, Manager Women Crisis Centre Quetta, underlining a shared commitment to safer, more inclusive communities in the province.
