Institutionalizing Public Engagement & Behaviour Change in KP Aawaz II Provincial Consultation

Aawaz II forums at village, tehsil and provincial levels are demonstrating ways to help governments engage with citizens to improve outcomes of laws, policies and public budgets on preventing gender-based violence and child marriage, and, promoting social inclusion. This and similar successes from Aawaz II other initiatives led by civil society and the government were discussed at a consultation convened by Aawaz II in Peshawar on 20 February 2024. These experiences shaped recommendations to integrate community engagement and behaviour change in government policies and laws to sustain and institutionalize them. The event brought together over 50 community members from five KP districts, civil society activists and government officials from Social Welfare, Auqaf and the NCHR’s Regional office in KP.

Ms. Sakina Afridi from Special Life Foundation, a disability rights group, said that citizens, especially PWDs, are unable to benefit from public services due to low engagement and information. She said that digital information has been effective in improving public access to police and other public services. Khwendo Kor’s Chief Executive, Ms. Maryam Bibi recommended a forum to help governments and civil society work more closely together. Ms. Mehnaz Wazir, Gender Specialist, Social Welfare Department, said that engagement of citizens should be integrated in all government programmes, even excise and taxation interventions. Syeda Nudrat, Deputy Director Women Empowerment, Directorate of Social Welfare gave details of government efforts like referral directories and the Bolo Helpline on GBV to increase engagement with citizens.

Dr. Yasmin Zaidi, Aawaz II’s Team Lead, said that integration in policies and laws will sustain the demonstrated impact of behaviour change and community engagement in improving their implementation and outcomes. Ms. Rashida Dohad, Omar Asghar Khan Foundation, said that community is not a homogenous entity. Public engagement should give prioritiy attention to those that are more vulnerable like women, girls, elderly, poor, PWDs, non-Muslim citizens, etc. Mr. Subhash Chandar, recommended engaging all minority religions to achieve inclusion and diversity.

In his concluding comments, NCHR’s Commissioner in KP, Mr. Tariq Javed, commended Aawaz II’s design that is helping citizens engage with governments at village, tehsil and provincial levels.