LAHORE: Punjab Commission on Status of Women (PCSW), Social Welfare Department (SWD) and Bait-ul- Maal Department signed MoU to set up Transitional Housing for Women Victims of Violence.
Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Chairperson Fauzia Viqar expressed this while addressing a press conference at DGPR.
The objective of the collaboration is to provide survivors with safe housing, financial and vocational support and connection with employment opportunities to help women become self-reliant, she added.
She said that gender-based violence is widespread in the society which is the most serious and pervasive form of gender-based discrimination. She said that through the project, Punjab government would be providing women with space where they could feel valued and respected, and will be able to regain their confidence.
Social Welfare DG Waheed Ansari said that this initiative will provide a suitable model for replicating other women’s rehabilitation homes across the province and such programs will enable women to take an active part in the economy.
PCSW and SWD have joined hands for the establishment of the safe housing for the victims within the premises of Dar-ul- Falah in Social Welfare Complex Township, Lahore.
The project will utilise available training mechanisms within the government and civil society organisations to promote women’s empowerment.
PCSW will organise training for the legal education, confidence building, skills development, computer literacy and life skills development.
Women will also be provided employment referrals, psychological counselling, counselling in life planning and ancillary support such as childcare, child development programs etc.
SWD will facilitate in housing and stipend to the residents and, ensure safety of women housed at Dar-ul- Falah.
The project establishes a successful model of collaboration and coordination between the various government institutions and active cooperation with the civil society for women’s self-sufficiency.
