Islamabad (GNP) :- European Union has committed 1 million euros to fund a 3-year project, Beyond Barriers, which is being implemented by Sightsavers, along with key civil society partners, to advance women’s rights and economic empowerment for women with disabilities. The launching ceremony for the project took place.
European Union’s commitment is complemented by 5% Sightsavers co funding and the initiative is implemented in collaboration with Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA) and the Awaz Foundation Pakistan (AwazCDS). The project seeks to strengthen the organisational capacity of women’s groups and build strong coalitions capable of driving long-term, structural change in the arena of disability inclusion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jeroen Willems, Head of Co-operation, European Union shared that, “On behalf of the European Union, I extend my warmest congratulations to Sightsavers, PODA, and AwazCDS for spearheading Beyond Barriers—a groundbreaking initiative on women’s disability inclusion in Pakistan.
The EU takes immense pride in championing inclusion as the cornerstone of our development cooperation. Next year, Pakistan will integrate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into its GSP+ framework that aligns perfectly with our shared vision of leaving no one behind. By the end of the third year, we aspire to see tangible progress: the elimination of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) and the economic empowerment of women with disabilities. Together, let us turn these ambitions into reality.”
Over the next three years, the Beyond Barriers project will enhance the capacity of women-led organisations to support women, particularly those with disabilities, in combatting GBVH and in accessing decent and inclusive work opportunities. The project will partner with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to promote disability-inclusive training and education, while working closely with labour unions and employers to foster the creation of safe, inclusive and accessible workplaces.
Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan & Middle East, Sightsavers, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Today’s commitment marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to break down barriers that hold back women, especially women with disabilities, from leading economically empowered and dignified lives. The European Union’s and Sightsavers joint efforts will enable Pakistan’s civil society to drive meaningful change at community, institutional, and policy levels. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable Pakistan.”
The Beyond Barriers project will also advocate for improved implementation of national policies such as the SME Policy (2021), the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2022), and the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Through participatory research and the Disability-inclusive Approach to Social Accountability (DASA), civil society organisations will generate evidence to influence policymaking, strengthen advocacy campaigns, and improve service delivery. A vital component of the project is the enhancement of disability-inclusive referral services including medical, legal, counselling, and reporting pathways, to ensure survivors of GBVH receive comprehensive and accessible support.
With this launch, Sightsavers and the EU delegation mark the beginning of a powerful partnership to drive disability inclusion and gender equality in Pakistan. This ceremony celebrates a shared vision for a more inclusive future, and we look forward to the change we will create together.
