This program in brief envisions stable, tolerant, inclusive, prosperous and democratic Pakistan. It strives to strengthen the fragile democratic processes, by making them more inclusive, accountable and thus stable. It is built on the premise that people, particularly women and members of excluded groups such as religious minorities and transgender could safely and more effectively make their voices heard in the power corridors and they are better able to work together across gender, ethnic, and class divides to impact lasting change. This expression contributes to more open and inclusive democratic process in Pakistan, and thus improves government’s accountability before its citizens. AAWAZ was DFID funded, five-year programme, being implemented through four leading Pakistani NGOs including SAP-Pakistan. AAWAZ Consortium has worked in 45 districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where incidences of women’s political participation, peace and social cohesion and access to the public services are on the lowest side.SAP-Pakistan implemented AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme in 13 districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this regard. AAWAZ Voice and Accountability programme was implemented by SAP-PK as consortium member with three other established Pakistan civil society organisations (CSOs) working with over 100 Community Based Organisations (CBOs) across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Over the six years of the programme, it operated in 4,500 villages and settlements in 450 Union Councils (UCs) in 45 Districts. The programme met and in most cases, exceeded all output indicators as evidenced by the A++ grade in the 2017 DFID Annual Review. AAWAZ has aimed to be transformative both with immediate effect on citizens’ lives and in building an environment whereby women, minorities and young people can participate in public life without obstacles and where all citizens can realise their potential. Some of achievements are;

  • 5,000 AAWAZ Fora from village to national level in KP and Punjab.
  • Forum membership 225,000+ women, men and transgender persons in KP and Punjab. These and another 20,000 people mobilised through the Women Assemblies.
  • Almost 31,000 women now hold leadership positions in the AAWAZ structures AAWAZ Fora, Aagahi Centres, Women Assemblies and girls are prominent in the Youth Circles of Influence and Peace Connector initiatives.
  • More than 86% of men and women in programme areas believe that women’s vote and candidature in elections is important for strengthening democracy in Pakistan while an average of 89% of women cast their votes in 450 AAWAZ’s union councils across KP and Punjab.
  • AAWAZ was instrumental in establishing the South Asia Women’s Alliance a network of women leaders from the grass-roots. Since its launch in 2016, the Alliance has established its presence with the SAARC secretariat, in order to ensure that women’s priorities are integrated into the SAARC agenda.
  • Regarding violence against women and girls (VAWG) Fora and AACs report a decline in violence against women in all 4,500 settlements, including domestic violence and child marriage. Domestic violence is recognised as a crime by 93% of men and women who have been mobilised by the programme and 50% of these have taken some form of concrete action to prevent an incidence of VAWG.
  • In a major shift in attitudes towards peaceful co-existence, translating into behaviour, 94% of men and women members of AAWAZ Fora now believe that religious minorities should celebrate their events with full liberty and 64% of them reported that they have participated in the social events of other religions.
  • More than 86% of men and women in programme areas believe that women’s vote and candidature in elections is important for strengthening democracy in Pakistan while an average of 89% of women cast their votes in 450 AAWAZ’s union councils across KP and Punjab.
  • In the most recent Local Government elections in AAWAZ programme areas, 649 women and 894 socially excluded men were elected. Many of these had taken no part in public life prior to their involvement in the programme.
  • Through the Khuli Katcheries (open community meetings) and greater access to government officials an additional 14% women and excluded groups in programme districts have successfully negotiated with sub-national governments for improved access to public services, particularly in health, education and water and sanitation. Of these, 75% are satisfied or more satisfied with the services.