Capacity Building Workshop: Strengthening Women’s Voices through Participation In Public  Decision-Making
Date: December 1, 2025
Venue: District Hyderabad, Sindh

Transparency International Pakistan (TI-Pakistan), together with the Women Protection Centre Hyderabad, hosted a workshop focused on empowering women to actively participate in decision-making and understand their legal rights. The day-long event brought together 35 women representing local government, civil society, Rescue 1122, law enforcement, education, youth groups, and marginalized communities, including transgender individuals and persons with disabilities.

The workshop began with opening remarks from Ms. Marvi Awan, Director of the Women Protection Centre Hyderabad. She emphasized the importance of women taking an active role in governance and community leadership. Participants then introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds and experiences, which set the tone for collaborative learning.

Ms. Nasreen Memon, Project Coordinator at TI-Pakistan, provided an overview of the organization’s work, highlighting tools and mechanisms that women can use to access justice. She explained how TI-Pakistan’s Legal Advice Centre can assist in navigating legal challenges, reporting violations, and holding authorities accountable.

A key focus of the workshop was legal literacy. Ms. Sadaf of the Women Protection Centre Hyderabad explained the Sindh Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013. She walked participants through the complaint process, the types of protection orders available, and services such as shelters, counseling, medical aid, and legal support.

Workplace safety and harassment laws were addressed by Ms. Sakina Bhatti, Sub-Inspector of Police, Hyderabad. She outlined how women can report harassment, the role of Inquiry Committees, and escalation to the Ombudsperson for Harassment Against Women. Through real-life examples, she demonstrated both preventive measures and practical steps to seek justice.

Moving on, Mr. Syed Muhammad Sajjad Hyder, Regional Director, Provincial Ombudsman Sindh briefed the participants on administrative and property-related grievance mechanisms. He encouraged women to use the Ombudsman’s office for complaints regarding land disputes, property rights, and administrative issues, emphasizing Sindh Ombudsman role in providing speedy access to justice.
Towards the end, Ms. Marvi Awan, Director of the Women Protection Centre Hyderabad led a session titled, “Amplifying Women’s Voices through Leadership and Representation.” Emphasizing on leadership and community participation, she highlighted the barriers women often face, such as discrimination and restricted access to information, and inspired attendees to engage with local committees and civic platforms. Examples of women leaders who have influenced policy reinforced the discussion.

The workshop concluded with a session by Ms. Nasreen Memon, Project Coordinator TI Pakistan on anti-corruption measures and access to information. She explained Sindh Transparency & Right to Information Act, 2017, how to file RTI requests, and the need for Whistleblower Protection mechanisms. Participants were guided on how to use these tools to access services, report corruption, and safeguard their rights, with a focus on the specific challenges women face.

The event ended with certificates awarded to all participants. Mr. Syed Muhammad Sajjad Hyder, Regional Director, Provincial Ombudsman Sindh commended the efforts of TI-Pakistan and the Women Protection Centre, encouraging attendees to remain proactive in using legal avenues and contributing to inclusive decision-making processes in their communities.