Pakistan Launches First-Ever Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Helpline Toolbox to Standardize Survivor Support Nationwide
In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR), with support from UNFPA and Rozan, officially launched the country’s first-ever Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Helpline Toolbox on June 30, 2025. This unified, survivor-centered framework is designed to standardize helpline services, ensure confidentiality, and offer professional, empathetic support to GBV survivors across Pakistan. Supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the AAWAZ II programme, the Toolbox aims to revolutionize GBV response at a national level.
Context: Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan
- Prevalence: Nearly 1 in 3 women in Pakistan experiences physical or emotional violence.
- 2024 Statistics (SSDO Report):
- 32,617 GBV cases
- 5,000 rapes
- 2,000 cases of domestic violence
- 500 honor killings
- 24,000 abductions
- Conviction rates: Below 2%, and as low as 0.4% for rape in Punjab
- Challenges:
- Deep-rooted patriarchy
- Legal underreporting
- Lack of coordination between helplines and state systems
- Global Gender Gap Index (2025): Pakistan ranked 148th out of 148 countries
The GBV Helpline Toolbox: What It Is
Launch Details
- Date: June 30, 2025
- Venue: Islamabad
- Key Attendees:
- Abdul Khalique Sheikh (Secretary MoHR)
- Abdul Sattar (DG MoHR)
- Latika Maskey Pradhan (UNFPA)
- Henrietta Hamilton (British High Commission)
Purpose
To provide standardized, survivor-centered support for GBV cases across Pakistan through helplines like 1099, ensuring all survivors receive professional, confidential, and dignified services.
Toolbox Components
| Component | Description |
| Standardized Protocols | Operational guidelines for call handling, referrals, and case documentation |
| Practical Tools | Call scripts, safety planning templates, psychological first aid guidance |
| Referral Systems | Direct linkages to police, legal aid, healthcare, and shelters |
| Training Modules | Capacity-building for helpline staff and social workers |
| Accountability Measures | Monitoring tools for performance, feedback, and service consistency |
Key Features and Strengths
- Survivor-Centered Approach: Prioritizes dignity, empathy, and privacy
- Nationwide Uniformity: Removes disparities between provinces
- Capacity Building: Improves crisis response skills of helpline operators
- Data Security: Ensures confidential case handling
- Regional Inclusion: Adaptable for rural and marginalized communities
- Inter-Agency Integration: Connects helplines to judiciary, police, and healthcare
Supporting Partners
| Partner | Role |
| Ministry of Human Rights | Lead agency; operates 1099 helpline and implements Toolbox |
| UNFPA | Technical support and gender-based programming |
| Rozan | NGO with expertise in GBV response, helped design training modules |
| FCDO / AAWAZ II | Financial and policy support from UK government |
| Others | Legal Aid Society, UN Women, Sindh Human Rights Commission |
Significance and Impact
- National Standardization: Replaces fragmented services with a cohesive national system
- Empowerment: Increases survivor trust and access to justice and rehabilitation
- Policy Reform: Can influence stronger laws and implementation mechanisms
- Global Standing: Aligns Pakistan with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Istanbul Convention values
Challenges Ahead
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Underreporting & Stigma | Cultural taboos and fear of retaliation suppress GBV case reporting |
| Low Conviction Rates | Weak police investigation and judicial inefficiencies |
| Resource Limitations | Funding gaps and staff shortages may hinder scalability |
| Digital GBV Rising | Cases like cyber harassment need new response modules |
| Provincial Coordination | Full uniform implementation across diverse regions is a logistical hurdle |
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Survivor-first design
- Inter-agency collaboration
- Credible partnerships (UNFPA, Rozan, FCDO)
Weaknesses
- Practical tools not fully publicized
- Long-term funding uncertainty
- Dependence on weak enforcement systems
Opportunities
- Digital integration (apps, chatbot help)
- Partnerships with UN Women & youth programs
- Community-level awareness drives
Threats
- Political instability
- Misinformation or distrust in helplines
- Potential donor fatigue
Recommendations
Short-Term
- Launch aggressive awareness campaigns via social media and rural outreach
- Publicly release Toolbox training components
- Provide refresher trainings for helpline staff
Long-Term
- Expand Toolbox to include digital violence modules
- Secure multi-year funding commitments
- Integrate helpline data into national GBV surveillance systems
FAQs
Q1: What is the GBV Helpline Toolbox?
It is a standardized framework developed by the MoHR with UNFPA and Rozan to enhance the quality and consistency of GBV support services via helplines in Pakistan.
Q2: Who can use it?
It is primarily for helpline staff, social workers, and institutions dealing with GBV cases.
Q3: What is the main helpline for GBV in Pakistan?
The national human rights helpline 1099 operates under MoHR. Others include 1737 (Punjab Women Protection) and 15 (Police Emergency).
Q4: How will this help GBV survivors?
It ensures survivors receive empathetic, confidential, and standardized support regardless of their location or background.
Q5: Who funds this initiative?
The UK’s FCDO, under its AAWAZ II programme, provides funding and support.
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