National Launch of GBV Helpline Toolbox Sets New Standard for Survivor-Centered Support in Pakistan
Islamabad — Henrietta Hamilton, Deputy Development Director and Head of Operational Excellence, British High Commission address the ceremony, “It’s a real honour to join you for the launch of Pakistan’s first GBV Helpline Toolbox. On behalf of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, I congratulate the Ministry of Human Rights, UNFPA, Rozan, and all partners for this important achievement. Gender-based violence affects far too many women and girls in Pakistan, and most never reach out for help—but helplines can offer a vital lifeline, providing safety, confidentiality, and essential support. This Toolbox is a major step forward, bringing together the tools, standards, and guidance needed for helplines to deliver consistent, survivor-centered, and professional assistance everywhere in the country. The UK remains committed to working with Pakistan to end all forms of gender-based violence, but we know that achieving this goal requires not just goodwill, but also strong systems, sustainable funding, and real accountability. Today, let us all commit to integrating this Toolbox as a national standard, supporting and funding helplines for the long term, ensuring teams are well-trained and supervised, and reaching the most marginalized—because no one should be left behind. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported with dignity. Congratulations again to everyone involved; the UK stands ready to continue working with you for a safer, fairer future for women and girls in Pakistan.”
Latika Maskey Pradhan, Deputy Representative, UNFPA Pakistan:
“It is an honour to launch Pakistan’s first GBV Helpline Toolbox, a vital collaboration between UNFPA, the Ministry of Human Rights, and Rozan. Gender-based violence is a grave violation of human rights, and too many women and girls in Pakistan are unable to seek help due to stigma and lack of information. This Toolbox, grounded in global standards and tailored to Pakistan’s needs, provides practical, survivor-centered guidance for helpline staff—offering tools for crisis intervention, safe referrals, and psychosocial support, while emphasizing empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism. UNFPA is committed to supporting its rollout and calls on all stakeholders to adopt and invest in sustainable, resilient GBV helplines.
Abdul Khalique Sheikh (PSP), Secretary, (MoHR)
“It is both a privilege and a responsibility to stand before you today as we launch the GBV Helpline Toolbox—a groundbreaking initiative that reaffirms our national commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of every woman and girl in Pakistan. Gender-based violence is not only a violation of individual rights, but a challenge that impacts families, communities, and the nation as a whole. For too long, survivors have faced silence, stigma, and isolation.
The GBV Helpline Toolbox represents a collective step forward—one built on partnership, expertise, and an unwavering belief that every survivor deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered. By providing clear standards, practical guidance, and tools for frontline responders, this Toolbox strengthens the safety net for those who need it most, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I am proud to see the Ministry of Human Rights, UNFPA, Rozan, and our provincial partners working together to ensure that this framework becomes a catalyst for real change. As we move forward, let us all reaffirm our resolve to break the cycle of violence, invest in prevention, and guarantee that no call for help goes unanswered.
Together, we can build a Pakistan where safety, respect, and justice are not privileges for a few, but fundamental rights for all. I thank all our partners, frontline workers, and every individual who continues to champion this cause. Your dedication brings hope and change for the women and girls of Pakistan.”
Pakistan marked a significant milestone in its fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with the official national launch of the GBV Helpline Toolbox—a pioneering resource aimed at standardizing and elevating survivor-centered support across the country.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR), UNFPA, Rozan, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and other partners committed to advancing gender equality and protection for survivors of GBV.
“A warm welcome to MoHR, UNFPA, FCDO, distinguished guests, and colleagues. Rozan is honoured to join in launching the National GBV Helplines Toolkit, an important step toward strengthening survivor-centered GBV services in Pakistan. With extensive experience running our own helpline, Rozan understands the unique needs and challenges of survivors and remains committed to providing empathetic, confidential, and professional support. In partnership with UNFPA, MoHR, and FCDO, we have worked to build the capacity of helpline staff and promote coordination among services nationwide. This toolkit is a collective achievement, ensuring consistent and dignified care for all survivors. We thank our partners for their collaboration and pledge to continue working together for a safer, more supportive society.”
The need for robust and accessible support services remains critical. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017–18), 28% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have faced sexual violence. Yet over half (56%) of survivors never seek help—often due to socio-cultural and economic barriers.
Recognizing these challenges, the Ministry of Human Rights’ helpline 1099, in partnership with UNFPA and Rozan, has played a vital role in strengthening GBV response mechanisms nationwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the helpline served as a critical channel for support, adopting innovative practices such as remote case management and improved referral systems.
The GBV Helpline Toolbox: Context and Impact
The newly launched GBV Helpline Toolbox is the result of extensive collaboration between UNFPA, Rozan, and the Ministry of Human Rights. As Pakistan’s first unified, survivor-focused resource for GBV helpline services, the Toolbox provides practical tools and guidelines for helpline staff and relevant government departments. These cover crisis intervention, psychosocial support, legal information, and referral systems. Every aspect of the Toolbox is rooted in empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
A unique feature of the Toolbox is its strong commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that marginalized groups receive equitable and dignified support. It emphasizes culturally sensitive, non-judgmental practices that respect the needs and identities of all survivors.
The national launch event promoted the adoption of the GBV Helpline Toolbox as a framework for standardized service delivery. It encouraged provincial alignment with ethical and effective response protocols, facilitated peer learning through the sharing of insights from provincial helpline operations, and provided a platform for dialogue on sustainability, capacity building, and system integration.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
