Officials from the Embassy of Belgium in Islamabad visited the Family Protection and Rehabilitation Centre, widely known as the Shelter Home, which is supported by the EU-funded Power to the Youth project implemented by Norwegian Church Aid and its partners. The delegation was welcomed by the centre’s team and met survivors of gender-based violence who have rebuilt their lives after receiving vocational training and seed capital and have launched their own small businesses.
EU support has been used to upgrade facilities and train staff in psychosocial care, strengthening the centre’s ability to provide both medical and emotional healing. Representatives from the implementing partner Rozan emphasised that a safe environment is essential for effective therapy and counselling, and the Shelter Home’s holistic approach aims to combine recovery with economic empowerment.
The Shelter Home Islamabad is now planning to digitalize its data to enhance case management and outreach so services can reach more women in need. Violence against women and girls remains a serious concern in Pakistan, disproportionately affecting rural and marginalised communities, and initiatives like this help close the gap between laws and their implementation while offering survivors protection and hope for economic independence.
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