NDMA and UNFPA convened the first Gender Based Violence Sub-Working Group meeting of 2026 in Islamabad, bringing together more than 50 humanitarian partners from government departments, UN agencies and civil society organisations. The meeting set out a coordinated approach to improve GBV response and prevention in disaster preparedness and emergency operations across Pakistan.
The Sub-Working Group will focus on strengthening prevention, mitigation and survivor-centered response measures so that interventions are gender-responsive and sensitive to community needs. Participants discussed practical steps to ensure services remain accessible during crises and to integrate protection considerations into early preparedness planning.
Dr Gulnara Kadyrkulova, UNFPA Deputy Representative, underlined the need to prioritise sexual and reproductive health alongside GBV response services in emergency settings. She emphasised that uninterrupted SRH care and survivor-centred support are essential components of effective humanitarian action and disaster response.
Representatives from government departments, UN agencies and civil society organisations stressed collaboration to expand capacity, share resources and harmonise referral pathways. The large turnout reflects a shared commitment to make GBV response operationally central to Pakistan’s disaster readiness.
Going forward the Sub-Working Group will coordinate efforts to embed gender-responsive and community-sensitive approaches into emergency planning and response, aiming to ensure survivors receive timely, dignified and comprehensive support during disasters.
