| Physical, psychological and sexual abuse suffered by women, otherwise termed as Gender Violence is a serious problem in all societies. Ministry of Women Development and UNDP conducted a study on Social Audit on Abuse Against Women (SAAAW) in 2003, which provides information on the extent and form of violence afflicted on women in Pakistan. The findings of this report and the subsequent consultative process led to the recommendation to provide women victims of violence an alternative mechanism which can protect their rights.
Gender Justice Through Musalihat Anjuman Project (GJTMAP) is an attempt to seek relief for the vulnerable by promoting non-formal community based alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems. ADR platform provided in the Local Government Ordinance (LGO) 2001, in the form of Musalihat Anjuman (MA), is informal, accessible and cost – free forum and, therefore, expected to effectively dispense justice to victims of gender violence and address other issues as prescribed by LGO and the Rules of Business (RoBs).
Under LGO 2001 (sections 102 – 106), Musalihat Anjumans (MAs) are to be constituted by respective Union Councils, consisting of a panel of persons (Musaleheen) of integrity and good judgment from within the community. The Musaleheen are to be appointed by Insaaf Committee (IC), a body to be elected by the Union Council under Section 88(n) of the LGO. Under Section 104 of the LGO, cases may also be referred to MAs by Police and Courts, where proceedings of such cases are pending.
The Project has the following key objectives: (1) To provide women victims of violence and alternate mechanism, whereby they can obtain gender justice; (2) To build the capacity of Musalihat Anjumans for dispensing gender-responsive justice; (3) To enhance public engagement with utilization of the services of Musalihat Anjuman; (4) To promote women’s awareness of their legal rights and men’s active participation in ending gender-based violence.
The Project implementing partners comprise Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (Federal level), Local Government & Rural Development Departments (Provincial level), selected District Administrations, Civil Society Organizations, other Government of Pakistan Ministries & Organizations (Law & Justice, Women Development, Judiciary, Police, and NRB), academia, media, etc.
The pilot phase of the Project was co-funded by UNDP, the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE) and Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) with a grant of US$ 1.546 million, for a period of two years (2005 - 2006).
Based on tangible results from the pilot phase (2005 - 2006), the Project has been up-scaled and extended for another 05 years (2007 - 2011) with an additional cost of US$ 7.44 million to include 12 additional districts (total of 20 districts). Apart from the above mentioned donors, DFID has joined as cost-sharing partner since 2007. The total number of Union Councils covered has increased from 468 to 1,054. |
