Aahung Annual Report 2019-20

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020

25th anniversary edition

The cover illustra�on is the result of collabora�ve effort of teachers and students of SMB Fa�ma
Jinnah, one of Aahung’s long-term partner schools under Zindagi Trust. It is their depic�on of the
world for women and girls in light of COVID-19. We, at Aahung, are grateful for their contribu�on.

© Aahung 2020



APWA ABBREVIATIONS
AYSRHR
BoC All Pakistan Women’s Association
CEFMU Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
CSA Bureau of Curriculum
CSO Child, Early, Forced Marriage/Unions
D&I Child Sexual Abuse
DoH Civil Society Organization
ECP Diversity and Inclusion
FGD Department of Health
FPRH Emergency Contraceptive Pill
GB Focus Group Discussion
GBV Family Planning and Reproductive Health
GoS Gilgit Baltistan
GSM Gender-Based Violence
IUCD Government of Sindh
LAS Greenstar Social Marketing
LFM Intra-uterine Contraceptive Device
LSBE Legal Aid Society
MHM Logic Framework Matrix
MT Life Skills Based Education
NBC Menstrual Hygiene Management
NGO Master Trainer
PAC National Bioethics Committee
PHSoN Non-governmental Organization
PITE Post Abortion Care
PWD Patel Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
SELD Provincial Institute for Teachers’ Education
SRH Population Welfare Department
SRHR Sindh Education and Literacy Department
STI Sexual and Reproductive Health
TAC Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
UNFPA Sexually Transmitted Infection
VCAT Technical Advisory Committee
WASH United Nations Population Fund
Values Clarification and Attitudinal Transformation
Areas of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. About Aahung....................................................................................... 1
2. Board of Governors................................................................................ 2
3. Executive Director’s Note...................................................................... 5
4. 25 Years of Aahung................................................................................ 7
5. Charting the Course............................................................................. 15
6. Planning around a Pandemic............................................................. 18
7. Online Expert Sessions........................................................................... 19
8. Sharing and Learning........................................................................... 21
9. Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health....................................... 23
10. Gilgit-Baltistan - Here We Come!......................................................... 25
11. Young People Talk Reproductive Rights............................................ 27
12. Gender Sensitization for Judicial Education...................................... 29
13. Capacity-strengthening of Youth Champions................................. 31
14. Decriminalization of Sexuality.............................................................. 32
15. POOCHO Helpline: Dial in for SRH Information................................... 34
16. Aahung on Technical Advisory Committee for Child Protection.... 36
17. Family Planning Information for All...................................................... 37
18. #AuratMarch2020................................................................................ 38
19. Stop Child Abuse Conference............................................................ 41
20. Aahung at the 2019 High-Level Political Forum................................. 42
21. Gender Diversity and Inclusivity in the Workplace............................ 43
22. Master Trainers Disseminate LSBE Training.......................................... 45
23. Raising Awareness through Street Theatre......................................... 47
24. Evaluating Aahung’s Module on MHM............................................... 50
25. Gender-Sensitive Media Reporting..................................................... 52
26. Young People Negotiating their way through Tough Situations...... 55
27. Guidelines on Family Planning and Reproductive Health (FPRH).... 57
28. Aahung goes Green............................................................................. 59

01 ABOUT AAHUNG

Aahung is a Karachi-based NGO that has been working to improve the sexual and reproduc�ve
health and rights (SRHR) of the men, women, and young people of Pakistan since 1995. The
Aahung team works for capacity strengthening to improve the quality of sexual and
reproduc�ve health (SRH) services while advoca�ng for an enabling environment in which
every individual’s sexual rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

SRHR covers a range of issues including Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), violence against women,
Child Early and Forced Marriages and Unions (CEFMU) , puberty, body development, hygiene,
unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmi�ed infec�ons (STIs), HIV/AIDS, and sexual disorders.
Aahung works towards the preven�on and management of these issues.

Func�oning in an environment devoid of exper�se or resources, Aahung has been successful in
developing culturally relevant strategies to respond to the sexual and reproduc�ve health
needs of the Pakistani popula�on. Moreover, Aahung has had success in integra�ng sexual and
reproduc�ve health educa�on in medical, academic, and educa�onal ins�tu�ons across
Pakistan.

Since its incep�on, Aahung has focused on sustainability as a key component of its program
design and implementa�on. As the educa�on system in Pakistan is decentralized at provincial
levels, Aahung‘s advocacy interven�ons focus on collabora�ng with provincial educa�on
departments. Through mapping exercises and developing a best prac�ce model for integra�on,
Aahung has been instrumental in the Sindh Government’s move to incorporate Life Skills Based
Educa�on (LSBE) into the provincial educa�onal curriculum.

Aahung’s key strategy involves partnering with organiza�ons for the integra�on of SRH
informa�on into their programs and for advoca�ng policy and prac�ce change at ins�tu�ons.

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02 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Khusro Mumtaz

Khusro Mumtaz is a banker and currently the Chief Risk Officer at
JS Bank. He is also a well-known op-ed columnist for a na�onal
daily newspaper and a popular, award-winning film cri�c.

Al-Malik Khoja

An economist by qualifica�on, Al-Malik Khoja has diverse
experience in the commercial and development sector. He has
held leadership posi�ons in various ins�tu�ons and now advises
on building organiza�ons. He has developed apprecia�on of the
need to develop business models that address the social
dimensions, but with emphasis on long-term sustainability.

Ayesha Khan

Ayesha Khan is Director at the Collec�ve for Social Science
Research in Karachi. She researches gender and development,
social policy and conflict/refugee issues in the region. She is author
of The Women’s Movement in Pakistan: Ac�vism, Islam and
Democracy (2018). She has served on the governing bodies of
leading NGOs and advocacy-related task forces to influence
government policy. Currently she is Visi�ng Faculty at the
Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts at the Ins�tute for
Business Administra�on.
Ayesha has previously served two terms on the Aahung Board.

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Fa�ma Haider

Fa�ma Haider is a prac�cing therapist, having completed her
advanced diploma in Humanis�c Integra�ve Counselling from
CPPD. Prior to her counselling career, Fa�ma was ac�vely involved
in the development sector. She worked at Aahung from 2003-2011
performing various func�ons and serving as a senior member of
the organisa�onal management team. Her areas of interest
include research, monitoring and evalua�on, strategy planning and
organisa�onal effec�veness. She is currently serving on the board
of APWA-RLCC.

Khadija Bano

Khadija Bano Ahmed is an educator and ac�vist with over 20 years
of experience working with, teaching and mentoring young
people. She has taught English Literature and Language at the
Beacon House, Bayview Academy and Nixor and is widely
recognized for her training, teaching, mentoring and development
skills. Khadija was on the cura�ng and on-ground team for the Kara
Film Fes�val from 2002- 2007 and was involved in a range of roles
from concept development to fund-raising. She enjoys the arts and
theatre and other than her involvement with high school
produc�ons, she has also worked on a number of documentaries,
par�cularly on the research and sub�tles.

Mahwash Bhimjee

Mahwash Bhimjee has a strong knowledge of gender issues and is
a commi�ed feminist. She works with her family business and has
engaged in sales to women consumers across Pakistan and
therefore has in depth knowledge about business planning and
consumer marke�ng. She is young and eager to be involved in the
development sector.

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Rubica Raza

Rubica Raza has an accoun�ng background with a Bachelors in
Commerce from Karachi University, an ITP (Income Tax
Prac��oner) and has done her CA Founda�on from Ins�tute of
Chartered Accountants in Pakistan. Rubica has worked with Grant
Thornton Chartered Accountants, Pakistan and has represented
various clients at Income Tax Appellate Tribunal level
independently, has assisted lawyers in preparing cases for
representa�on in High Court and Supreme Court and has been
involved in tax related advisory services. She also has teaching
experience and for the past three years has volunteered for All
Pakistan Women’s Associa�on (APWA) as an honorary treasurer
and has been

Nida Khan

Nida Khan holds a double Masters in Clinical Psychology, with a
specializa�on in working with adolescents. She has worked in high
schools in the United States and Pakistan as a therapist, worked in
Pakistan Associa�on for Mental Health and hospital se�ngs in
research and clinical capacity, and is currently in private prac�ce.
Nida also has a diploma in Clinical Supervision, and supervises
both therapists in training, as well as qualified therapists in the
field. She is also currently on the faculty of The Lyceum, where she
teaches Psychology and leads the Spoken Word poetry program.
Her passion is to integrate the expressive arts into clinical therapeu-

Hafsa Abbasy

Hafsa Abbasy is a senior management professional with over 25
years of experience in banking and human resource management.
Currently Hafsa is the head of human resources at Bank Al Falah
and is directly responsible for developing and leading the People
Agenda for the bank in line with the overall Bank Strategy, both for
local as well as interna�onal opera�ons. Hafsa has a BBA (Hons)
and MBA from the Ins�tute of Business Administra�on.

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A note from the
Executive Director

Steadily paving the way for challenging and
groundbreaking conversa�ons related to SRHR, this
year Aahung matured into a 25 year old organiza-
�on. The vision of the organiza�on has remained
steadfast: to improve the exis�ng landscape of
health and educa�on services for SRHR ensuring
that individuals across the country can realize their
fundamental right to a safe, healthy and pleasurable
sexual and reproduc�ve life. While Aahung’s
mandate has not faltered, the landscape in which
the organiza�on is opera�ng has seen drama�c
changes in the past 25 years. Technology and mass
media has become a central part of communica�on
and has provided unimaginable ways of reaching
out to audiences. Aahung has experimented with
innova�ve ways to reach out to communi�es and
key stakeholders using online, call center and social
media pla�orms that provide gateways for access to
informa�on and support whcih which were previously impossible. Technology has also allowed movement
building to take on new characteris�cs and cri�cal developments in demanding the rights of women to safe
public and work spaces, as witnessed by the global #MeToo movement. Aahung has played a key role in
suppor�ng dialogue on issues of women’s rights both by showing solidarity in virtual and physical spaces, but
also by taking a lead in training organiza�ons on developing safer working environments for women.
Where adolescents were not iden�fied as a unique set of individuals having their special needs, today there is a
clear recogni�on that young people, who will determine the future development of the country, are in desperate
need of age appropriate informa�on regarding their development and sexual rights. In light of this recogni�on,
there have been significant strides made to incorporate LSBE content into the curriculum being taught to young
people in private and public schools. Much of the emphasis of the need for LSBE has been as a result of the
growing recogni�on that violence against children has been largely unaddressed due to s�gma and lack of skills in
caregivers and teachers to work with children on protec�on skills. Aahung has played a central role not only in
training schools and communi�es, but also in engaging in dialogue on system level reform needed at the state
level.

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03

Of course, this year brought with it a change in circumstances which impacted the en�re globe in an
unprecedented way. COVID-19 derailed many of the plans that were set forth to begin pilot projects and
scale up exis�ng work to corners of the country which have not previously been tapped with LSBE
programs, such as Gilgit Bal�stan and Balochistan. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new
challenges in SRHR including further limita�ons to women’s mobility, mental health challenges and
drama�c increases in domes�c violence. Aahung responded with agility, quickly shi�ing training sessions
online and discovering new technological ways to remain connected to stakeholders. In tandem with other
development partners, project goals were re-organized to meet the immediate needs of those that
required support, par�cularly with regards to accessing contracep�on and safe reproduc�ve health
services. Health care providers were accessed virtually and new tools developed for remote
communica�on to support their outreach. And even with schools being closed across the country for
months, Aahung con�nued training and development for teachers and cra�ed addi�onal resources on
Menstrual Health Management (MHM) and mental health to meet the needs of young people isolated in
their homes.

As we reflect on a year that has brought with it tremendous challenges, we must also stop to acknowledge
that an unparalleled amount of learning has taken place in terms of how to keep pushing our work forward
when it seemed unfeasible. The pandemic has also been a sharp reminder, though, of why Aahung’s work
remains essen�al and why SRHR must remain at the forefront of dialogue on health and human rights as
we have witnessed the agency, mobility and safety of women, children, and the most vulnerable being
impacted the greatest. We at Aahung will con�nue to push towards realizing our vision and hope that
before too long, we will once again be able to work face-to-face with our much missed development and
government partners, healthcare and school communi�es and our formidable group of youth champions.

Sheena Hadi
Execu�ve Director
Aahung

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04 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

The year 2020 marks 25 years of Aahung’s existence. Since our first venture into the field, we have been working
�relessly through challenges, towards a Pakistan where every person is comfortable in their body. All of you who
played a role, big or small, in the enduring history of the organiza�on, we thank you and encourage you to
par�cipate in the future as well.

Endurance isn’t easy, and meaningful endurance is even more difficult. For an organiza�on to endure over 25
years and be as relevant today as it was at its incep�on is quite an accomplishment. To be more relevant today is
an honor that goes to few.

Since its founding, Aahung has been a fearless advocate of SRHR, for all Pakistanis—especially the most
marginalized and vulnerable. Aahung passionately believes that all people, especially women and girls, must
have unrestricted access to sexual and reproduc�ve health informa�on, educa�on, and services, without
discrimina�on, in order to fully realize their poten�al. This is not only a fundamental human right but a
prerequisite to achieving gender jus�ce, in any part of the world.

We would describe these 25 years as a journey of many joys, of learning, of setbacks, of achievement and above
all, of teamwork. Here is a glimpse of the Aahung family’s footprints through the years:

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11

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05 CHARTING THE COURSE

Strategic Planning 2020 - 23

Aahung is one of the first non-governmental
organiza�ons (NGOs) in the country to have a
strategic focus. In its earlier years, the
organiza�on set out to define what long-term
success meant for it. The end goal was not just
that the Life Skills Based Educa�on (LSBE)
curriculum be made part of a certain number
of schools or ins�tu�ons or for its specialized
trainings to be rolled out to a specific audience.
The team wanted Sexual and Reproduc�ve
Health and Rights (SRHR) informa�on to be
made a part of mainstream educa�on, so that
all children benefit. Through the years, the
strategy has been carefully charted out, and
every three years the organiza�on and its Board
plan its success.

15

Beginning in November 2019, the Aahung team huddled
together to discuss the overall mission and vision of
Aahung, what they believe is the ethos of the
organiza�on, and generally what success means to
them. In a series of mee�ngs over the course of six
months, all the components at Aahung brainstormed
objec�ves, strategies, measures of success and tools as
per the Logic Framework Matrix (LFM), tying these with
the overall direc�on set.

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17

06 PLANNING AROUND A PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide impact
across virtually every aspect of society, and the NGO
sector is no different.
NGOs have had to transform how they work, and
some�mes they’ve had to accomplish this virtually
overnight. They’ve had to change how they interact
with their stakeholders–the people they serve, their
donors and board members. Aahung quickly found a
way to shi� its workplans to meet urgent needs. In
March 2020, when COVID-19 took over Pakistan,
many of Aahung’s program ini�a�ves were
re-engineered to online pla�orms. The organiza�on
immediately began work on COVID-response
campaigns exploring numerous Communica�ons
avenues to reach its audiences.

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07 ONLINE EXPERT SESSIONS

The spread of COVID-19, the ensuing lock-down, and
social distancing measures have disrupted mobility,
movement and regular avenues of communica�on.

This may have forced women and children to remain in
increased and con�nued close contact with their abusers
and face violence on a daily basis. The rate of
unemployment for both men and women has also
increased, resul�ng in increased frustra�on and stress.
This may have a long-term impact on young girls being
forced to drop out of schools or being married at an earlier
age to decrease the financial burden of the families. Some
may be facing con�nuous violence and abuse in various
forms. What has been highlighted by interna�onal
organiza�ons such as UN Women is that under the
shadows of this current pandemic there is another
pandemic of violence against women growing at an
accelerated rate, which, in the coming years will show no
signs of lessening. To address the repercussions of this
shadow pandemic, it is significant to keep raising
awareness and generate conversa�ons around
Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

19

For this reason, Aahung and United Na�on Family
Planning Associa�on (UNFPA), Pakistan collaborated to
organize expert sessions on three major themes-
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), psychosocial
well-being, and gender inequality and GBV for young
people, especially those between the ages of 13 and 30
years.

Six expert sessions with nine experts were organized
around these broad areas reaching out to 240,682
young people through Aahung’s Facebook page. The
topics addressed during these sessions aimed to
highlight these topics in rela�on to the implica�ons of
the pandemic. Some of the topics include; GBV a�er the
lockdown and its repercussions on youth, rela�onship of
day-to-day economics on the household and gender
inequality – an increased burden on women and girls,
SRHR impact of online harassment on Pakistani youth,
and aspects of MHM that afflict young girls in our part
of the world.

The aim of these expert sessions was also to provide a pla�orm for
young people to engage in discussing topics which are usually
considered taboo. Gauging from the ques�ons from the live
audience, these sessions have opened up that restricted
environment and encouraged more open discussion. Moreover,
these sessions aimed to make both Aahung and UNFPA Pakistan
more accessible to young people for support, informa�onal
resources and conversa�ons on SRHR-related ma�ers. The live
comments/ques�ons received during these sessions indicated the
interest of young people to learn more about these ma�ers and
indicated to us the significance of these topics in their day to day
lives. It seems that through these expert sessions there will be more
discourse on SRHR related topics where we hope, more and more
young people will start talking about and par�cipa�ng in the
discussions related to their own SRHR. We hope these sessions
spiral into many smaller sessions with youth taking the lead and
talking more proac�vely about aspects that affect their daily lives.

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08 SHARING AND LEARNING

LSBE Forum

Trust is an important ingredient to successfully crea�ng,
sharing and applying knowledge in teams. It requires
interdependence and collabora�on, which are key factors
for teamwork. As a capacity-building organiza�on, Aahung
has always laid special importance on the prac�ce of
ge�ng together with stakeholders to facilitate cross-
learning and knowledge sharing. In this regard, Aahung
organized a Sharing and Learning forum on October 1st,
2019 in Karachi. This provided a pla�orm for both the
Sindh and Balochistan Educa�on Departments to share
their best prac�ces with regards to LSBE integra�on in
their respec�ve provincial curricula. This also provided an
avenue to discuss and learn from the challenges in the
process.

Aahung has a history of engaging with young people
through its LSBE program. The Sindh Educa�on and
Literacy Department (SELD) and the Educa�on
Department of Balochistan have been forthcoming in
realizing the significance of LSBE and have taken full
ownership of its implementa�on.

The aim of this forum was to acknowledge the ini�a�ves
taken by SELD and the Educa�on Department of
Balochistan for the integra�on of LSBE in their respec�ve
provincial curricula. The forum also aimed to provide a
pla�orm for representa�ves from the educa�on
departments of Sindh and Balochistan to share their best
prac�ces with respect to LSBE integra�on. It also focused
on discussing challenges, mi�ga�on strategies and a way
forward for the implementa�on of the LSBE integra�on
process.

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Key speakers at the event were: Ms. Yasmeen Qazi – Senior Advocacy
Consultant to the Bill and Melinda Gates Founda�on, The David and
Lucile Packard Founda�on ; Mr. Asghar Memon – Director, Bureau of
Curriculum (BOC) Sindh; Mr. Shehzad Roy – CEO Zindagi Trust; Ms.
Zobina Mushtaq – Senior Research Officer and member of Technical
Advisory Commi�ee (TAC) of Educa�on Department Balochistan. Almost
all the speakers discussed the importance of and the need for LSBE
introduc�on in mainstream curricula, highligh�ng its impact on youth
with regard to healthy and safe behavioural choices. Speakers from the
educa�on department also underlined the progress made in terms of
LSBE integra�on in their respec�ve provinces and pledged to take this
forward in an effec�ve and sustainable way. All of the speakers, as well
as the audience, adhered to the need of introducing age-appropriate
SRHR knowledge among younger students between grades 1 to 5.

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09 NURSES FOR SEXUAL AND
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Educate and Mobilize

Nurses have a crucial role to play in preparing for and
providing SRH services due to their unique knowledge
and skills, posi�on as frontline providers, and geographic
and social proximity to the communi�es they serve.
Anecdotal evidence from clinical prac�ce suggests most
aspects of sexual health and wellbeing are addressed
inadequately or not at all. Some nurses may feel
ill-equipped or underprepared to explore private or
in�mate aspects of a pa�ent's sexual health or rela�on-
ships, or may be too embarrassed to talk to the
individual about the personal side effects of medical
condi�ons or treatment regimens. With the aim to assist
healthcare professionals in addressing pa�ents' sexual
health needs as part of holis�c care, Aahung organized a
nurses’ training in partnership with the Patel Ins�tute of
Nursing and Allied Health Sciences and Allied Health
Sciences (PHSoN) in January 2020.

The aim was to sensi�ze and build the capacity of
nursing students and faculty members around
Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproduc�ve Health
Rights (AYSRHR) related issues. This capacity building
exercise was based on a four-day session that included
Value Clarifica�on and A�tudinal Transforma�on
(VCAT), gender equality, sexuality, client centred
approach, family planning, Post Abor�on Care (PAC),
effec�ve communica�on, and preven�on of abuse. One
of the most important areas highlighted and addressed
during the training was the issues of SRH in the
conserva�ve context of Pakistan and the role of health
care providers in li�ing the taboo. A total of 43
par�cipants, including faculty members and students,
benefi�ed from the course.

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Nursing students of today will be professionals of
tomorrow. Aahung aimed at building the capacity of
these young professionals so that they adopt an
unbiased and non-judgemental approach while dealing
with clients around AYSRH issues. The pre and post-test
iden�fied the remarkable change in communica�on/
counselling skills, knowledge and comfort around AYSRH
issues of these par�cipants.

One of the par�cipants said:

“I have learnt about the underlying reasons of early
marriage and pregnancy within our society, and the

factors that lead towards complica�ons.”

Another par�cipant said:

“It was the first ever �me that I a�ended such a session.
I have learnt the ways to create awareness among

vulnerable popula�ons based on explora�on of exis�ng
knowledge and ge�ng to the root causes of prevailing

issues.”

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10 GILGIT-BALTISTIAN: HERE WE COME!

The Gilgit-Bal�stan (GB) region of Pakistan is home to
the highest mountains in the world, and the
communi�es residing there are largely disconnected
from development efforts dedicated to SRHR in
Pakistan. In GB, the unique topography and isolated
nature of communi�es residing at high al�tudes
makes it challenging for SRHR programmers to firstly
access these communi�es and, secondly, understand
their prevalent beliefs and prac�ces. Aahung is
planning to pilot a curriculum for LSBE in schools in
GB. Though relevant informa�on pertaining to the
region is available in exis�ng literature, it is quite
limited. Aahung conducted a forma�ve research to
inform its LSBE curriculum design, especially for GB
schools.

The aim of this study was to understand the prevalent
SRHR beliefs and prac�ces among adolescents with
gender as the crosscu�ng themes. Twenty-five focus
group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 148
par�cipants in different districts of GB to assess the
SRHR-related needs of adolescents in the region.
Teachers, parents, and students between grades 6th
to 10th par�cipated in the study. All FGDs were
separated by gender and the students were further
divided into two groups: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-10.
The data obtained from these FGDs was thema�cally
analysed by researchers to iden�fy the SRHR and
health-related needs of adolescents in the studied
region. Upon analysis, quite a few themes and
sub-themes were iden�fied that assisted in designing
and informing the LSBE curriculum to be later piloted
within GB.

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Apart from the general prevalence of poor SRHR
informa�on among young people, findings showed a
significant gender difference in SRHR knowledge and
prac�ces. Boys stated several sources of SRHR
informa�on, madrasah being the key one, whereas, girls
shared that although at �mes they could receive some
guidance regarding puberty from madrasah, friends,
female family members, and even their mothers were
reluctant in discussing SRHR with them in greater detail.

Findings from the study will be used to inform the design
of a LSBE curriculum which will be piloted with schools in
GB. A partnership agreement has been signed between
Aahung and USWA Founda�on, where LSBE programs
will be run in some of the schools in Skardu and Hunza,
under this Founda�on. The impact of this updated
curriculum will be evaluated using a two-arm,
quasi-experimental study in selected schools in Skardu
and Hunza regions, wherein schools in both arms will
undergo baseline and end-line phases.

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11 YOUNG PEOPLE TALK
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Young people have a right to the informa�on and The Youth Reproduc�ve Rights Ins�tute was one such
services that they need to make healthy decisions ini�a�ve organized by Aahung, under the Naya
about their lives. It is crucial to provide young Qadam project. A four-day na�onal level ins�tute,
people with accurate reproduc�ve health which included 19 par�cipants, was organized in
informa�on as it promotes sexual and reproduc�ve Islamabad for young people from different
health and well-being. Their healthy, responsible, provinces. This youth was trained on advanced
and posi�ve life experiences need to be facilitated concepts of human sexuality, puberty, human rights,
and supported, as it helps prevent disease and sexual and reproduc�ve rights, family planning,
unintended pregnancy. Sexual and reproduc�ve post-pregnancy family planning and post-abor�on
health educa�on is most meaningful and effec�ve care through Value Clarifica�on and A�tudinal
when it provides informa�on, challenges myths, Transforma�on (VCAT) as a founda�onal behaviour
explores values, and develops skills. change model. The overall content was well-received;
par�cipants shared their experiences of adolescence
27 and the challenges they faced while growing up.
Par�cipants were able to replicate all the concepts
they picked up during the training and showed
commitment for trickling them down to the
community level.

The objec�ves of the workshop were to enhance the
knowledge of the youth champions on sexuality, rights
and AYSRHR related issues, to promote non-judgmental
a�tudes and values using a rights-based approach, and
to mentor and support the exis�ng youth champions in
promo�ng AYSRHR informa�on in the long term. The
ins�tute provided the youth champions an opportunity
to learn from each other’s experience and they were
expected to implement social ac�on plans at the
community level going forward.

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12 GENDER SENSITIZATION FOR
JUDICIAL EDUCATION

How does gender influence the work of the judiciary? With the aim to foster awareness on the rela�onship
between cultural principles and gender jus�ce, Aahung,
We all acknowledge the limits to which an individual is in collabora�on with the Legal Aid Society (LAS),
able to be impar�al and objec�ve regardless of their organized trainings for judges, lawyers and police
profession. ‘Implicit bias’ refers to unconsciously held officers. These trainings focused on the socio-cultural
assump�ons or stereotypes about specific social groups concepts of human rights, gender inequality, Child Early
(gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.) that develop at a and Forced Marriages/Unions (CEFMU) and Gender
young age and become more ingrained over �me. The Based Violence (GBV). The aim of these
rampant gender stereotypes prevalent in our culture, capacity-strengthening workshops was to garner
underscore the importance of iden�fying and posi�ve shi�s in a�tudes and percep�ons in their
addressing the influence of gender and gender bias in dealing with juveniles.
the implementa�on of the law.

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Several one-touch sessions were also conducted, both
in-person and virtually throughout this year. An effort has
been made through these sessions to sensi�ze the
stakeholders associated with the juveniles so that they
understand the implica�ons of mishandling certain
situa�ons pertaining to youth. These sessions provided
opportuni�es for Aahung to enhance the capacity and
knowledge of the associated actors to help them
understand the need for the provision of an enabling
environment for young people. Discussions around the
concepts of gender equality, human rights, violence and
abuse, and misuse of power, helped in highligh�ng the
SRHR needs of young people to the a�endees who deal
with the most vulnerable of youth, almost on a daily basis.
During this session an Advocate shared an incident from
his village, to highlight the depth of the issue of CEFMU
prevalent in Pakistan, without any repercussions. Even
though laws are in place, there is no implementa�on or
internaliza�on of its implica�ons. He narrated: “There was
a family back in a rural village who married their 12 year
old daughter to a 40 year old man. A�er a few months,
the girl was sent back to her family a�er brutal physical
and sexual abuse at the hads of her much-older husband.
The case remains unreported largely due to tribal and
community-based norms.”

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13 CAPACITY-STRENGTHENING OF
YOUTH CHAMPIONS

The decisions that young people make every day, including decisions about sex and reproduc�ve health,
have an impact on their own lives. But collec�vely, their decisions will also influence global health,
popula�on, and development throughout the 21st century and beyond. Many young people lack access
to educa�on and informa�on. Societal values around childbearing, family size, and the rights of young
people can limit their access to knowledge about contracep�on. One of the most important ways to
ensure sexual and reproduc�ve health care services meet the needs of young people is to include their
ac�ve and full engagement in the development and implementa�on of programs and policies that have
an impact on their lives.

Aahung, under the Naya Qadam Project, organized a Youth Fora, an ac�vity that engaged Youth Champi-
ons from three districts of Punjab (Okara, Pakpa�an and Rawalpindi) and three districts of Sindh (Karachi,
Nawabshah and Larkana). Earlier, these youth champions were part of several capacity-building trainings
and later on they implemented their social ac�on plans on AYSRH within their respec�ve areas. The For a
brought together all the Naya Qadam youth champions under a single pla�orm and provided them an
opportunity to discuss their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the recommenda�ons they
wanted to put forward to government dignitaries as a solu�on to their challenges.

While sharing their experiences, one of the par�cipants shared hope:

“We have been able to overcome the deep-rooted behaviours and introduce flexibility in stern behaviours
of families in terms of family planning.”

While highligh�ng the challenges, another par�cipant men�oned that:

“We had resistance from families whose girls were young and unmarried. Married women s�ll showed
interest but those who were unmarried; their families did not allow them to sit.”

This is the ground-level situa�on faced by Pakistani youth, but such interven�ons are a small step in the
right direc�on. Based on their experiences, par�cipants put forward several recommenda�ons in a
mul�-sectoral dialogue a�er the Youth Fora. They talked about why it is important to make sexual and
reproduc�ve health and LSBE a part of mainstream curriculum and highlighted the role of various
stakeholders in managing popula�on growth and fulfilling the unmet needs of family planning.

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14 DECRIMINALIZATION OF SEXUALITY

CREA is a feminist interna�onal human rights Sana Kazmi, Head of Special Projects and Advocacy at
organiza�on led by women from the Global South. Zindagi Trust said, “It is so important for young girls
CREA’s work draws upon the inherent value of a across Pakistan to get into these exchanges where they
rights-based approach to sexuality and gender equality. discover about their bodily autonomy, rights and
It promotes and protects human rights, and specifically decision- making, and generally start thinking about
sexual rights, of all people by building leadership these conversa�ons and issues. Shumaila Bha� made
capaci�es of ac�vists and allies, and by strengthening this discussion really fun.”
organiza�ons and social movements. In September
2019, CREA launched its Decriminaliza�on campaign
invi�ng Aahung as one of its regional partners.

This campaign’s aim was to challenge protec�onist
approaches, laws and policies affec�ng adolescents’
sexuality and to understand that the package of laws
and policies that aim to “protect” young people from
sexuality, o�en causes them harm. CREA’s aim was to
break this silence on sexuality, sexual health and rights,
the collec�on of laws and policies (with broad varia�on
from community to community) that restrict access to
sexual and reproduc�ve health informa�on and services
for adolescents and that emphasize puni�ve
approaches. To this end, CREA invited seven of its
regional partners from Nepal, India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to a three-day workshop in
Kathmandu, Nepal.

As part of the decriminaliza�on campaign, Aahung
launched a digital campaign �tled ‘My Body, My Right’
with par�cular focus on abor�on and contracep�on.
Entries from students of partner school network, Zindagi
Trust, were invited and shortlisted. Par�cipants were
invited to T2F (The Second Floor), a small local café and
thinking space, where winners were announced in a
small ceremony. Muhammad Moiz, a social media
sensa�on who goes by “Shumaila Bha�” hosted the
discussion where students were led into a discussion on
bodily autonomy and rights. Secondary school students
par�cipated avidly and shared everyday instances of
gender stereotyping they faced.

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33

15 POOCHO HELPLINE

Dial in for SRH information

Greenstar Social Marke�ng (GSM) is a social enterprise that aims to
improve the sexual and reproduc�ve health of people in the country
by increasing choices and access to quality modern family planning
methods and contracep�ves. It has been Aahung’s partner in
numerous inven�ons. In the previous year Aahung organized a
capacity-building session for their call center agents. The training was
later followed by a refresher training of two days in which 12
par�cipants were present. Since GSM’s Poocho Helpline is widely
used in Pakistan by a wide range of people including adolescents, it
was important that call center agents are sensi�zed and well-versed
on SRH issues, especially those faced by adolescent and young
people in order to provide adequate and accurate informa�on to
their callers.

34

The training was based on the objec�ve of sensi�zing
call center agents on AYSRHR and related issues and
giving them a prac�cal approach on ways to deal with
the callers. Moreover, par�cipants were familiarized
with the concept of the VCAT framework and how it
may be prac�cally implemented in their professional
lives. One of the crucial take-aways from the training
was to learn about how they may avoid bias and be
non-judgmental when addressing client queries.

Views of some par�cipants of the refresher training:
“My opinions were biased when it came to me and for

others. But a�er the training, I have changed my
mindset. I refrain from making judgments and focus
on impar�ng accurate informa�on in a short period of
�me. I say NO to double standard mindsets. I prac�ce
empathy and now I am proud that my responses are
unbiased. I have prac�ced those values that were

being taught to me.”
“Mock calls were brilliant. The feedback a�er the mock

calls by the trainers raised our understanding.”
“My misconcep�ons and myths regarding the subject

and sensi�ve ma�ers have been addressed.”
“This is a new job for me. At the beginning, I would rate
myself at 1/10 and now I stand at scale of 9/10. This
training has raised my confidence and has enabled me

to talk publicly on SRH ma�ers.”

35

16 AAHUNG ON TECHNICAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) FOR

CHILD PROTECTION

Since more than a decade, one of Aahung’s key objec�ves has been to advocate for the
integra�on of its LSBE content into the educa�on curricula of the country. Due to the
decentralized nature of the educa�on system in Pakistan, Aahung ini�ally priori�zed
developing a sustainable model in Sindh, which later on helped in strategizing the same for
other provinces. Throughout the process of advoca�ng with educa�on departments of the
different provinces, Aahung steadily pilot- tested the content, and evaluated its impact to
not only showcase the significance of LSBE but to also generate evidence on the
effec�veness of LSBE within the conserva�ve context of Pakistan. A�er Aahung’s successful
partnership with Sindh Educa�on and Literacy Department (SELD) and Balochistan
Secondary Educa�on Department, for the integra�on of LSBE in public school curricula, the
Punjab government also invited Aahung to officially partner with them for implemen�ng
LSBE in public schools in Punjab.

In August 2019, Aahung has been made part of the Technical Advisory Commi�ee (TAC)
cons�tuted to address the issue of rampant child abuse in the province of Punjab through
the implementa�on of LSBE in schools. The commi�ee is expected to provide a roadmap for
this implementa�on and oversee the execu�on of the same by relevant departments.
Aahung has par�cipated in subsequent TAC mee�ngs for the smooth execu�on of this
program. Currently, content from various sources around child protec�on is under review.
The provincial educa�on departments’ ownership of these ini�a�ves is extremely important
as it will pave a path of sustainable integra�on of LSBE. The ul�mate aim is to create an
enabling environment for the young people of Pakistan to get age-appropriate knowledge
and skills to be�er manage their SRHR.

36

17 FAMILY PLANNING
INFORMATION FOR ALL

The excessive use of technical language in the development sector can keep vital informa�on away from the
people who need it the most. Jargon slams the door on young people and the elderly who are interested in
learning more about development. It blocks informa�on from reaching girls and women in developing countries,
many of whom face societal and ins�tu�onal barriers to educa�on, par�cularly higher educa�on.

With the aim of ge�ng across crucial informa�on on The thema�c areas covered in the algorithm includes
family planning and contracep�on to the masses, myths and facts about puberty, physical and emo�onal
Aahung, supported by AmplifyChange, has developed changes during puberty, condoms, Intra Uterine
pictorial charts with informa�on in simple language and Contracep�ve Device (IUCD), injectable, implants,
flowcharts. To get to a wider audience with informa�on combined oral contracep�ve pills, vaginal discharge,
on AYSRHR related issues, Aahung wishes to provide a Emergency Contracep�ve Pills (ECPs), permanent
guide for a layman to be able to iden�fy the steps methods and post abor�on care. Such communica�ons
necessary to understand and realize their SRH. These material plays an important role in overcoming the
flowcharts also address myths related to SRHR. The s�gmas and misinforma�on associated with SRH by
diagrams accompanying the infographics will help providing accurate and adequate informa�on based on
people understand basic concepts and provide a recent scien�fic research helping the recipient make
guideline towards normal and pathological condi�ons. informed choices and decisions.

37

18 #AuratMarch2020

The idea for Aurat March (Urdu for Women’s March)
began in 2018 when a few women decided to mobilise
their networks and gather in a park in Karachi on 8th
March, Interna�onal Women's Day, to ask for an end to
violence and harassment. Since then Aurat March has
been held in many ci�es across Pakistan and has
evolved into a wider movement, including transgender
people. It is no small feat in a conserva�ve Muslim
country where many women o�en don't feel safe in
public places because of the harassment they o�en
endure. Those who took part last year faced intense
backlash, especially online. Some said they had received
death and rape threats a�erwards.

40
38

The theme for this year’s march was “Mera Jism, 41
Meri Marzi” (My body, my choice). This theme is
about demanding a society and culture minus
exploita�ve patriarchal structures and control of
economic resources, the right of women to make
decisions about their own bodies, about ending
harassment, forced religious conversions, and the
sexist portrayal of women in the media, among
other things.

39

2
40

19 STOP CHILD ABUSE CONFERENCE

In September 2019, ‘Catwalk Cares’ curated the Stop Manizeh Bano of Sahil; former Federal Informa�on
Child Abuse Conference in Karachi. The event brought Minister Javed Jabbar; humanitarian and singer Shehzad
on board ac�vists, health experts, government officials, Roy; Rabiya Javeri, secretary of the ministry of human
and actors to talk about the issue and how it may be rights; were among the notable panelists. Adnan Malik,
addressed. Sarwat Gillani, Maria Was�, Sheheryar Munawar, Ahsan
Where many aspects of child abuse were covered by Khan, and many other actors and celebri�es also spoke
different panelists, Sheena Hadi, Execu�ve Director on the topic.
Aahung, spoke about CEFMU. Sharing sta�s�cs of child
early marriage, she threw light on the interna�onal Frieha Altaf, CEO Catwalk Event Management and
conven�ons Pakistan is signatory to, the laws around it Produc�ons, is an ac�ve campaigner against sexual
and their limita�ons, and also shared ideas on what may harassment. ‘Mein Bhi’ is a local adapta�on of the global
be done to address it. #MeToo movement and has found support in the local
film and television industry. Concluding the event Frieha
41 said, “The Stop Child Abuse conference is also part of
the Mein Bhi movement. This is just a start.”

20 AAHUNG AT THE 2019
HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM

Aahung, in collabora�on with Young Omang, had the Maha Islam, Aahung’s Research, Monitoring and
honour of being represented at the High-Level Poli�cal Evalua�on Coordinator, presented the civil society
Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development organized by organiza�on (CSO) statement addressing the Pakistani
the United Na�ons in New York from 9th – 18th July, delega�on a�er their VNR presenta�on on behalf of the
2019. Young Omang is a consor�um of 10 organiza�ons Women’s Major Group. CSOs from across Pakistan
that bring with them a combina�on of regional diversity provided input that was incorporated into two
and unique strengths and aim to be an effec�ve voice statements. Maha successfully provided input to both
for young people’s bodily autonomy and rights in statements on sexual and reproduc�ve health SRHR,
Aahung’s LSBE, gender discrimina�on, and women’s
The HLPF convenes under the auspices of the Economic rights. Maha’s statement addressed concerns CSOs had
and Social Council (ECOSOC) every year for an regarding budgets cuts to educa�on, decent work for
interna�onal review of the Sustainable Development women and other minori�es, discrimina�on and
Goals (SDGs) and the global community’s progress inequali�es faced by women and other minori�es and
towards the 2030 Agenda. The theme this year was the government’s plan towards clean energy.
‘Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and
equality.’ This year also marked Pakistan’s first �me This was a huge achievement because it provided a
presen�ng a Voluntary Na�onal Review (VNR) of the pla�orm for all CSOs working on SRHR in Pakistan to
na�onal progress on the SDGs. express their concerns and have their voices heard. The
Pakistani delega�on also acknowledged the incredible
work CSOs do in the country and their contribu�on
towards the 2030 Agenda.

42

21 GENDER DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE

To further promote gender diversity and inclusion (D&I) at the workplace, Careem engaged Aahung to develop
Master Trainers from within the organiza�on who would then be responsible for trickling down the same concepts to
other smaller groups of employees at Careem. A rigorous four-day capacity building workshop was conducted which
aimed at highligh�ng diversity in values as individuals along with the benefits of inclusion which leads to a more
tolerant organiza�onal culture.

Aahung created an extensive training module for
Careem management staff as well as Careem Captains
with content that takes its course around changing
gender roles. Careem prides itself on being a catalyst
of change in Pakistan, especially from the perspec�ve
of safe, accessible, and affordable mobility for its
female customers. Not only this, today Careem
registers many women as Captains to drive on its
pla�orm and make a living. It is also working with
Women on Wheels to provide an opportunity for
women to claim public spaces by learning how to ride
bikes for free, and also earn by registering on the
Careem pla�orm.

43

On partnering with Aahung, Zeeshan Hasib Baig, Country Sheena Hadi, Execu�ve Director Aahung also shared her

General Manager of Careem said: views:

“Careem takes pride in talking about progressive causes. “It is very significant and progressive for a corporate
With our we service are changing mindsets every day service provider like Careem to play their part in
out on the road, we will con�nue to be bold and take
measures to further improve and simplify the lives of addressing the rampant gender-based discrimina�on
our Captains and customers.” which is internalized in our society at large. By arranging
this training, Careem has become an exemplary model

for similar organiza�ons to take prudent steps in
addressing this issue.”

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22 MASTER TRAINERS
DISEMMINATE LSBE TRAINING

Having been successful in advoca�ng for the inclusion of Towards the end of 2019, roll-out trainings were
the LSBE program in the secondary school curricula in conducted by the MTs in collabora�on with Provincial
Sindh, Aahung subsequently trained 442 Master Trainers Ins�tute for Teachers’ Educa�on (PITE), Sindh. Through
(MTs), from all over Sindh on the content in 2018. A�er the two cycles of roll-out trainings, a total of 9,247
the integra�on of LSBE in secondary textbooks, Aahung (5,089 male teachers and 3,438 female teachers)
in collabora�on with SELD strategized to conduct secondary school teachers have been trained. They will
refresher trainings with MTs who were to eventually roll now be taking the approved and printed LSBE content to
out this training with secondary school teachers all over the students of grades 6 to 8 in public schools all over
Sindh. Sindh.

45