HYDERABAD:The National Disability and Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, GIZ and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh, organized a capacity-building training session on Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) in Nawabshah, District Shaheed Benazirabad.
The training brought together 30 persons with disabilities, providing them with essential knowledge and awareness regarding prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, safeguarding mechanisms, reporting procedures, personal dignity and protection of vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls with disabilities. Speaking on the occasion, Abid Hussain Lashari, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, President NDF Pakistan, emphasized that PSEAH is an important safeguarding framework for protecting women, girls and persons with disabilities from sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse. He said, “Women and girls with disabilities often face multiple forms of discrimination, harassment and exploitation. PSEAH is an essential tool for promoting their safety, dignity, protection and access to justice. Awareness, education and accessible reporting mechanisms are necessary to create a safe and inclusive society where everyone can live without fear of violence or abuse.” Lashari appreciated the collaboration of UNICEF
, GIZ and DEPD in strengthening safeguarding awareness among persons with disabilities. He reiterated NDF Pakistan’s commitment to promoting disability rights, gender equality, social inclusion and protection of vulnerable communities across Sindh and Pakistan. Ms. Sidrat, PSEAH Focal Point at UNICEF, facilitated the training as lead trainer. Through her professional expertise, interactive discussions and practical examples, she actively engaged participants and enhanced their understanding of PSEAH principles, safeguarding responsibilities, prevention measures and appropriate reporting mechanisms. Sajjad Imran Shah, Social Policy Expert; Ms. Zahida Jamali, WASH Specialist; and Tariq Hussain Channar, Program Manager, NDF Pakistan, also contributed to the training by sharing their professional experiences, practical knowledge and insights on disability inclusion, safeguarding, community protection and institutional accountability. The participants actively engaged in discussions, shared their experiences and h
ighlighted the importance of accessible information, confidential complaint mechanisms and disability-inclusive protection services. The training emphasized that persons with disabilities must not only be recognized as beneficiaries of protection initiatives but also be empowered as active participants, advocates and decision-makers in safeguarding systems. NDF Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with UNICEF, GIZ, DEPD and other development partners to strengthen safeguarding practices, build community awareness and promote a society free from sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment and discrimination.