Aawaz II Program Overview

The Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD) in Pakistan, in partnership with the British Council, is implementing the Aawaz II program in the districts Lower Dir and Buner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Program Goals

The Aawaz II program aims to promote the rights of children, women, youth, and marginalized groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. It specifically addresses:

  • Child Marriage
  • Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
  • Intolerance
  • Social Cohesion

Community Engagement Strategies

The program features two main pathways for change, focusing on:

  1. Changing Awareness, Attitudes, and Behaviors: This involves educating communities about discrimination, intolerance, exploitation, and harmful practices.
  2. Referrals and Citizen Engagement: This pathway encourages community involvement in addressing issues related to exclusion and exploitation.

Implementation Framework

Aawaz II works through community-based partners to establish sustainable community forums. These forums amplify the voices of marginalized groups and facilitate behavior change. Key components include:

  • Aawaz Aagahi Centres (AACs): These centers provide safe spaces, referrals, and vital information to the community.
  • Training and Support: Communities receive training and support to foster awareness and engagement.

Expected Outcomes

The program aims for transformative change through:

  • Increased Awareness: By enhancing knowledge and understanding of rights and issues, communities will be better equipped to address challenges.
  • Sustainable Behavior Change: Engaging youth in collective action will drive long-term ownership and sustainability of initiatives aimed at reducing child marriage and GBV.

Through these efforts, Aawaz II seeks to create a more equitable and cohesive society in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.


Referral Directories:

Referral Directory Lower Dir
Referral Directory Buner

Project Activities Snapshots

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