RAWALPINDI: The Women Protection Center (WPC) District Rawalpindi, under the ASHA Project supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized a one-day training and roundtable discussion on strengthening legal support for women survivors of gender-based violence.Held on October 8, 2026, the session focused on enhancing the capacity of WPC lawyers to implement the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, 2016, as amended in 2022.The event brought together panel lawyers from WPC Rawalpindi and legal practitioners to share experiences, discuss legal challenges and explore ways to improve access to justice and protection services for women.
Participants highlighted several challenges faced by survivors, including limited public awareness of available support services, social pressure and difficulties in pursuing legal proceedings after returning to their communities.The discussion resulted in practical recommendations, including expanding public awareness campaigns, establishing legal support offices at the tehsil level, particularly in rural areas, and providing safe accommodation for women attending court hearings.Participants also emphasized the importance of proper documentation of legal proceedings to ensure cases are formally recorded and survivors’ concerns are adequately addressed.
Through the ASHA Project, which focuses on the protection, rehabilitation and economic empowerment of survivors of gender-based violence, JICA continues to support efforts to improve women’s access to justice and strengthen protection mechanisms across Punjab.The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration among legal professionals and government stakeholders in creating a safer and more supportive environment for women survivors of violence.
