1

Submitted to: Sir Farhan

Uddin Raja
COM 202 - A
Submitted by:
SADIA SHAHID
16009
NOOR YOUSUF
17338
AREEBA AHMED
17442
WASMA JUNAID
16432

TERM REPORT:
AURAT
FOUNDATION
This report provides detailed information about the NGO
Aurat Foundation starting from its vision, mission and
objectives to its functions and projects undertaken.

Acknowledgement

Through the time span of sixteen weeks, we learned a lot in the course and we have been able to
associate it with our term report and produce the best of our capabilities

We visited an NGO and conducted a thorough interview regarding how they function and what
made them initiate such an organization. But this would not have been possible without the
guidance of Allah.

So we would like to thank The Almighty Allah for giving us the guidance and the strength to
perform such a task. We would also like to thank Sir Farhan and IoBM for helping us and
trusting us with the task. Most importantly, we thank M/s Mehnaz Rehman, Resident Director,
Aurat Foundation, for allotting us a time to conduct the interview, they have been wonderful
people to conduct interview with. Lastly, this would not have been a fun and a joyful experience
if it had not been for our entire team.

Thank you for all your cooperation.

Letter of Transmittal
April 23rd, 2016
Sir Farhan Raja
Institute of Business Management
Karachi
Dear Sir:
As per our course requirement, we had to generate a report based on an NGO. Hence, we chose
Aurat Foundation as our organization.
We have fully prepared our report with the help of the official website of the organization as well
as the interview that we conducted. We are now submitting this report to you. We have covered
all the aspects of the organization and we have made sure that all the projects and campaigns
they are currently working on are given proper emphasis.
Yours sincerely
Sadia Shahid
Noor Yousuf
Areeba Ahmed
Wasma Junaid

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Acknowledgement...................................................................................................... 2
Letter of Transmittal................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................ 5
1.1 President: DR. Masuma Hasan...........................................................................7
1.2 Founders and Board of Governors.....................................................................7
1.3 Executive Council.............................................................................................. 7
Chapter 2: THE COMPANY........................................................................................... 7
2.1 The Vision and Mission Statement.....................................................................7
2.2 Objectives......................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Main areas of work............................................................................................ 8
a.

Women Economic Empowerment...................................................................8

b.

Violence against Women and Girls.................................................................8

c.

Against Discriminatory Laws..........................................................................8

d.

Political empowerment................................................................................... 9

e.

Rehabilitation and disaster management......................................................9

f.

Social Mobilization of Communities................................................................9

2.4 Partners............................................................................................................. 9
2.5 Decision Making and Organizational Structure..................................................9
2.6 The organizational structure........................................................................... 10
Chapter 3: FUNCTIONS............................................................................................ 11
3.1 Hierarchical structure:..................................................................................... 11
3.2 Authoritative structure and staf.....................................................................11
3.3 Administration Segments/Units of AF..............................................................14
3.4 Strategies and operational manuals of Aurat Establishment...........................15
3.5 Controlling Policies.......................................................................................... 16
a)

Conflict of Interest Policy............................................................................. 16

b) Whistleblowing Policy:.................................................................................. 17
3.6 Recruitment Process........................................................................................ 17
Chapter 4: PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS....................................................................18
4.1 Program for Strengthening Civil Society for Women's Participation in Pakistan
.............................................................................................................................. 18
4

4.2 AURAT FOUNDATIONS CURRENT PROJECTS (2010 2017):............................19

a) Gender Equity Program - GEP (2010-2017):..................................................19
b) Strengthening Private Shelter Program:.........................................................20
c)

AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Program (2012-2017):..............................21

d) Social Mobilization, Waseela-e-Taleem - BISP (2012-2016):.........................21

e) Policy and Data Monitor on Violence against Women - PDM-VAW (20112016):................................................................................................................. 21
f) Leverage in social transformation of elected nominees - LISTEN (July 2013June 2017):......................................................................................................... 21
g) Institutional Capacity Strengthening of Women Development Department,
Punjab (September 2015 March 2016):...........................................................22
4.3 CLOSED PROJECTS:.......................................................................................... 23
4.4 OUTREACH OF AURAT FOUNDATION:...............................................................25
4.5 CAMPAIGNS AND ACHIEVEMENTS....................................................................26
5: REFERENCES........................................................................................................ 27

Chapter 1:
INTRODUCTION
Aurat Foundation was established in 1986, as a national, non-profit, non-governmental
organization under the Societies' Registration Act 1860, Aurat Publication and Information
Service Foundation is committed to create nationwide awareness and commitment for a fair,
democratic and caring society in Pakistan, where women and men are considered to be equals
with the right to lead their lives with self-respect and dignity. Aurat Foundation has been
operating for twenty eight years and over the last twenty eight years, Aurat Foundation has
finally achieved its milestone by being recognized as one of the leading foundation that aims to
create, facilitate and strengthen civil society groups and networks for promoting trust and
collaboration among the Pakistani citizens to lighten public pressure for womens empowerment
within the country.
Aurat Foundation has its offices widespread in the country. It has its Head Office in Islamabad,
and five regional offices that are located in the provincial capitals in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar,
Quetta and Gilgit and has a total of thirty seven Field Offices that can be found all over the
country. In addition to that, Aurat Foundation has a wide network of voluntary citizens' groups
and individual activists in 128 districts all around the country. These groups include different
centers and committees such as Citizens Action Committees (CACs), Resource Groups and
Aurat Foundation Resource Centers (AF-RCs) and Information Network Centers (INCs). Aurat
Foundation has also managed to emerge as a major support organization that is profusely
working for a positive and an amicable positive change at a community level. When the platform
of Aurat Foundation was laid, there were certain goals finalized in order to create an impact and
bring about a drastic, positive change within the country and, up to some extent, outside the
country.
Following are the goals that were set to outstand as an institution solely working for women
empowerment:

To give total access to women in Pakistan to acquire as much knowledge as they want,
provide them with all sorts of resources and give them access to institutions.

To make a strong impact on attitudes and behavior for a social and amicable environment
that is responsive to womens concerns and people-centered issues.

To help the citizens to activelyparticipate in the process to bring about a strong social
change and governance at all levels and also to raise awareness.
6

Aurat Publication and Information Service Foundation that wasformed in 1986 under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860, is a national, non-profit, non-governmental organization
committed to working for women's empowerment and democratic governance in Pakistan. It has
several offices all over Pakistan and the main branch that is its headquarter which is located in
Islamabad and its five regional offices that are located in the capital city of every province of
Pakistan that is in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gilgit. Moreover, it has twenty five
Field Offices all over the country with over seven hundred employees working hard. It is
considered to be a major support organization for civil society organizations, federal, provincial
and local governments and political parties apart from other public and private institutions
present in the country.
Because of its immense hard work and dedication, Aurat Foundation turns out to act as a catalyst
to enable different major groups to influence policy, make an impact on legislation and programs
in order to achieve greater economic and political power for women in our society. Moreover, in
advocacy on the rights of the women issues, Aurat Foundation has played a vital role as it has
strategized to develop linkages with grassroots organizations and collaborated with macro-level
decision-makers. In addition to that, a mutually collaborative relationship has also been
developed with various departments and critical areas of the government of Pakistan.
During the formation of Aurat Foundation, alongside setting goals and missions, it has also been
able to develop major strategies to raise the issue of women empowerment all over the country.
Following are the strategies that have been implemented and are now bringing out positive
results.

Information provided to women to build their capacity for decision making and action
and information about womens issues and concerns to decision makers.
Capacity building of citizens groups, public authorities and public representatives to
support and encourage women's participation in decision-making and their activism as
well as to enhance their access to all opportunities and all facilities at all levels in
Pakistan.
Advocacy for developing a very feasible, amicable and enabling environment for
women's empowerment, social justice, peace and democratic governance in Pakistan.
Grant making to NGOs, CBOs, policy think tanks, academic research and training
institutions, professional associations and gender entities to facilitate, help and encourage
behavioral change and a change in attitude in society by making it possible for all the
women to access information, resources and institutions.

1.1 President: DR. Masuma Hasan

She is a former Cabinet Secretary and Ambassador of Pakistan
and recently she has been named Goodwill Ambassador of the
World NGO Day Initiative. Due to her strong will and
determination she is also one of the founding members of
Aurat Foundation, an NGO that works for the cause of women
empowerment. She now serves as the president of Aurat
Foundation. Because of her immense recognition she was also
recently invited to Sindh Assembly to give a speech on women
empowerment on International womens day.

1.2 Founders and Board of Governors

Dr. Masuma Hasan
President

Nigar Ahmad
Executive Director

Mohammed Tahseen
Treasurer

Shoaib Sultan Khan

Member

Arif Hasan
Member

Anis Haroon
Member

Tasneem Siddiqui
Member

Samina Rahman
Member

Anjum Riyazul Haque

Member

1.3 Executive Council

Nigar Ahmad- Executive Director
Naeem Ahmed Mirza- Chief Operating Officer
M. Younas Khalid- Chief Strategy and Policy Officer
Nasreen Zehra- Resident Director, Lahore

Shabina Ayaz- Resident Director, Peshawar

Haroon Dawood- Resident Director, Quetta
MahnazRahman- Resident Director, Karachi

Chapter 2:
THE COMPANY
Aurat foundation is a non-profit organization, founded in 1986, that works to create awareness
amongst the society about women and their active role in everyday lives. It makes sure that
women are increasingly part of governance at all levels and are given the dignity and authority to
live their lives as respected members of the society. The head office of the Foundation is situated
in Lahore with regional offices five other cities.
The foundation actively seeks to support any movements and other organizations that are
working to establish a country free of prejudice against women and hoping to bring revolutionary
change for its citizens. Its main goals consist of:

Empowering women so that they can attend institutions and gather knowledge and
awareness.
To enable the society to recognize the issues concerning women and work towards
combating them effectively.
To make sure that every citizen has the right to bring about change through his hard work
and devotion and to facilitate them to have a say in the governance of the country.

2.1 The Vision and Mission Statement

The organization was formed with the sole vision to formulate and operate such a society that
enables an active participation of the citizens at governance levels thus making sure that
womens rights are protected and their participation for fighting for their own survival and
freedom is made possible.
The vision is to create a society In Pakistan thats mindful of the democratic rights of individuals,
both men and women, and to spread awareness about issues that hinder this process.
Thus the mission is derived from this very vision and Aurat Foundation vigorously works to
modulate and strategize its procedures in order to adhere to the relevant issues.

2.2 Objectives
Aurat Foundations job is to act like a catalyst for those groups that are working for regional and
national empowerment of women and their role in governance in the country. They work to
9

influence not just legislative laws but also programs and policies for a higher level of political
and economic power in the society for women.
Aurat Foundations main objectives are:

To work categorically with those organizations, that are intending to work for womens
empowerment.
Using education and political activism to make sure women are allowed to make
decisions regarding their social and economic environment.
Ensuring that violence of all kinds against women and girls is completely eliminated.
Contributing towards relief from man made and natural disasters and providing relief
and rehabilitation.
Working for reforms to change and amend discriminatory laws such as the law of
Evidence, Hudood Ordinance, Qisas and Diyat provisions etc.
Advocacy and thematic studies to promote a culture of accountability.
To create, develop and maintain social capital in Pakistan by participating in international
and national social protection programs.
Working towards maintaining the compliance of Pakistans international commitments
for human rights convention and
Ensuring legal and justice systems provide equal status and rights to women.

Aurat foundation works closely with all other civil societies to achieve these objectives in order
to bring about change both on a national and international level.

2.3 Main areas of work

Aurat foundation hopes to achieve goals and objectives and work beyond the scope and
limitations of any project. It focuses on institutionalizing its overall organizational framework.
The main areas of work are set according to the objectives outlined.
a. Women Economic Empowerment

Aurat foundation works with civil societys organizations ad help women workers get a steady
income through making them aware of labor laws and helping them to increase their productivity
and overall economic efficiency. The organization believes that women hold a very important
place in changing the economic situation of our country and they just need proper education to
enable them to contribute to the GDP growth of Pakistan. Social protection programs, budgetary
allocations, providing of grants etc all come under this area of work.
b. Violence against Women and Girls
The organization actively works to put an end to all forms of racism and violence against women
and girls throughout the country, especially in the interior areas. Since the beginning, the
foundation has worked towards different measures and policies to reform and bring about
positive legislative laws that not just eliminate all forms of violence but also support victims and
survivors of such attacks such as Acid burn victims etc.
10

c. Against Discriminatory Laws

This area of the organization works to revolutionize all those archaic and barbaric laws against
women such as the Citizenship Act, The Hudood Ordinance etc which have discriminated
women since the establishment of Pakistan as an independent state.
d. Political empowerment

Aurat foundation struggles hard in order to ensure that women have access to political education
and activism so that they may be able to define their own socio and political environment. This is
achieved through various seminars, disseminations and public meetings.
e. Rehabilitation and disaster management

Aurat Foundation works in relief and disaster management in order to make sure that citizens are
provided in times of natural epidemics and other manmade disasters such as bomb blasts etc.
Aurat foundation creates and operates programs that strategically accumulate resources for the
betterment of these victims. For instance, it started the Motherland Flood Relief Campaign in
the floods of 2010 that were recorded to be the worst flood in Pakistans History.
f. Social Mobilization of Communities

Social mobilization of local communities to form their groups and networks is a major focus area
of Aurat Foundation's work under a rights-based framework. It works to produce, develop and
maintain and store social capital in Pakistan. It makes use of national and local campaigns and
drives to mobilize networks, communities and local groups to ensure women participation in
matters such as census, voters education, livelihood campaigns, social protection programs etc.

2.4 Partners
Aurat foundation has the firm ideology to work with organizations both on a national and
international level for the betterment of women in Pakistan. It has both structured formal
partnerships as well as informal partners. Therefore, Networking and Alliance building is an
integral part of the organization. It works with civil rights NGOS and also acts as their support
system. Some of the main partners of Aurat Foundation are as follows:

The Information Network Centers (INCs)

Aurat Foundations Resource Centre
Network of Citizens Actions Committee
Legislative Watch Groups
United States Agency For International Development (USAID)
The Asia Foundation
UNICEF
OXFAM
ILO
HEINRICH BOLL STIFTUNG (HBF)

11

2.5 Decision Making and Organizational Structure

Aurat Foundation was formed to protect the rights of women and to empower them to attain their
maximum potential. Thus the foundation has a participatory, democratic and transparent structure
of governance where the decisions are taken after discussions with all the members on the Board
of Directors.

2.6 The organizational structure

The Memorandum of Association recommends a three-tier governance structure, comprising a 15

member General Body, a Board of Governors comprising of 9 members and an Executive
Council headed by the Executive Director. Significant features of the governance structure are its
system of checks and balances and the leading role given to Partners Networks and Staff of the
Foundation.

12

Chapter 3:
FUNCTIONS
3.1 Hierarchical structure:
Aurat Establishment has a vote based, straightforward and participatory administration structure,
which best guarantees a free association that is productively and successfully overseen on
exploratory lines. The Notice of Affiliation suggests a three-level administration structure,
involving a 15 part Broad Body, a Leading group of Governors containing 9 individuals and an
Official Gathering headed by the Official Chief. Critical components of the administration
structure are its arrangement of governing rules and the main part given to Accomplices' Systems
and Staff of the Establishment.

General Body: It is a 15-part body which surveys the execution of the AF, chooses the
individuals from the Leading body of Governors, supports the Yearly Reports and
designates the evaluators.
Leading group of Governors: The 9-part Board controls and deals with the issues of the
association and is chosen each year from among the individuals from the General Body.
Official Chamber: The 9-individuals Official Committee contains senior administration
of AF and; it gets ready arrangement recommendation for Marsh, executes choices of the
Swamp and guarantees usage of AF's Key Arrangements and its operational projects.

3.2 Authoritative structure and staf

The authoritative structure of AF depends on AF Center Gathering of Executive at national and
provincial levels which incorporates Boss/Chiefs, Occupant Chiefs, Administrators, Program
Organizers and System Officers in every one of the five workplaces. There are Project Advisory
groups in all AF workplaces to arrange, audit and procedures program exercises and make
cooperative energies, notwithstanding different boards of trustees, e.g. buy board of trustees,
morals panel and so on.
The authoritative structure notwithstanding its diverse administration frameworks is overseen by:

Official Chief leads the association and gives vision, motivation and direction to AF;

Head Working Officer is in charge of dealing with all hands-on operational parts of the
organization. The Head Working Officer is in charge of keeping herself/himself
completely side by side of every hierarchical policy. She/he settles on operational choices
and follow-up through concerned areas for compelling execution of approaches/projects
to guarantee operational/budgetary suitability of Aurat Establishment. She/he additionally
proposes and actualizes creative changes, enhanced arrangements and methodology,
procedures and strategies for the association. She/he reports to the Board.

13

Boss System and Strategy Officer is in charge of the foundation of the Vital
Administration Division and additionally development and presentation of compelling
strategies, apparatuses and methods for effective working of Aurat Establishment. She/he
is in charge of general vital arranging, program/spending plan improvement by bolstering
data for confirmation based arranging and future headings, asset activation, readiness and
usage of Execution Checking and Assessment Arranges (PMEP). Help the Official Chief
and Load up in guaranteeing consistence with System objectives, goals, and different
deliverables in an auspicious way. She/he reports to the Board.

Chief Projects is dependable to guide the authoritative programming and coordination

around various activities and sets up cross correspondence and learning. Encouraging
examination information and cross figuring out how to empower backing work of the
association goes under the area of this employment part.

Executive Backing and EVAW drives the promotion activities of the association at all
levels, join neighborhood, national support with global support to carry similarity with
universal benchmarks.

Chief Effort/Systems heads the effort project of AF and facilitates and work together
with every intentional gathering of Aurat Establishment in 120 areas of Pakistan

Representative/Chief Money: Appointee Executive Fund has general control and

obligation regarding every single monetary part of association system and is relied upon
to break down figures and actualize proposals taking into account these discoveries with
the savviest results. He oversees and driving a group through troublesome periods
including month end, year end and yearly planning and association review and money
related survey.

Executive Coordination and Asset Assembly prepares assets for the improvement of
the association through speaking to the authoritative work at national level or more. The
position builds up inward and outside coordination and contact with potential assets
which encourage basic leadership for the authoritative development. Help with the
arrangement of reports that shoe the outcomes accomplished by the association.

Director Law and Administration is in charge of project level territories identified with
authoritative and approach change motivation and majority rules system. Likewise help
senior administration in incorporating it in all projects direct lawful activities taken
automatically and cross cutting all anticipates.

14

Chief Human Asset Advancement is in charge of appraisal, improvement, usage and

spending plan administration of everything HR needs and administrations inside AF, for
giving essential HR devices and data for the association. Additionally to serve as a
change operators by proposing and actualizing creative activity changes enhanced
approaches and systems, process and philosophy changes and authoritative social
changes.

Director Awards &Procurement is in charge of administering the Gifts and Obtainment

office. The Acquirement Supervisor is fundamentally in charge of the acquisition of
merchandise and administrations while guaranteeing that corporate, government and
moral strategies are stuck to. This position furnishes help with the acquirement
requirements for items and administrations required by client offices, including
arrangement of Citations, Tenders and Proposition as per the Acquisition Strategy and
current enactment.

Supervisor Administrator and Security is in charge of supporting operations by

administering staff, arranging, sorting out, and actualizing managerial, Logistics and
security frameworks according to the principles and regulations of the Establishment.

Administrator MER is in charge of observing, assessing and reporting activities,

projects and undertakings, both new and set up, giving responsibility and guaranteeing
effectiveness and accomplishment from beginning to end. The administrator is
additionally in charge of adding to the project outline, ensuring that both requested and
spontaneous projects are provided food for.

Director MIS: is in charge of procurement of Data Innovation advancement,

establishment, organization, specialized backing and support identifying with the PC
equipment, programming and systems administration framework. The IT Administrator is
additionally in charge of the administration of other IT staff and for giving end client IT
bolster and guaranteeing the procurement of IT preparing to the staff individuals from the
association.

Chief Documentation and Asset Center (DRC) is in charge of learning administration

and distributions under various project. Bring out unique releases and screen asset
material all around and gather/repackage it for various levels of group of onlookers. S/he
likewise deals with all libraries of AF at head office and provincial workplaces.

Inhabitant Executives are local heads and oversee AF operations in individual regions.

15

3.3 Administration Segments/Units of AF

Fund, Records and Concedes: The money related administration is based at the headoffice and bolstered by every single provincial office, under the Appointee Executive
Account. The area is overseen by two Chiefs; one for account and the other for stipends
administration. Both the directors are upheld by their staff and marked programming for
money related bookkeeping and sub-gifts administration. The applications are one of the
best accessible electronic programming in Pakistan, prescribed by the majority of the
benefactors and evaluators. The bookkeeping programming incorporates modules for GL,
resources administration, finance and tax assessment.

Administration Data Frameworks (MIS)/Server farm: The MIS cooks the IT-based
operational frameworks, give client bolster and keep up frameworks equipment and
programming, keeps up web entrance and consistently upgrades the AF site. This area is
additionally mindful to oversee Aurat Establishment's recently settled a best in class
server farm at its head office in Islamabad.

Observing, Assessment and Exploration Unit: AF has a Checking, Assessment and

Examination unit at the head-office in Islamabad and has as of late left on executing a
particular project observing framework which permits Aurat Establishment's head office
and local workplaces to be interconnected through web and answer to administration on
system usage crosswise over Pakistan. AF has created and at present utilizing a PC-based
framework for quality confirmation of its undertakings.

Obtainment unit is in charge of getting all merchandise and administrations according to

arrangement endorsed by the Board. It holds charge of the obtainment manual and works
autonomously as a different capacity. The acquirement has a PC-based acquisition
module.

Limit Building Unit includes a critical spot in AF because of various limit building
related mediations in every one of the projects. Part of the limit building unit stands basic
because of its multi-level methodology and nearness. CB unit is contributing in the limit
working of AF staff, AF accomplice and the sub grantees giving specialized inputs in CB
related deliverables of all the sub-grantees and observing of the CB deliverables. This
unit works at two levels i.e. head office and 4 local workplaces.

Human Asset Administration Unit works through a PC-based HRIS framework

modified to the association's prerequisites. The HRIS framework incorporates
information for all representatives of the association, for example, individual data, worker
contract points of interest, present place of employment and past vocation subtle
elements, leave history, instruction and preparing and TNA data. An Execution
16

Administration framework, including Execution Examinations, has been created. The

association has likewise built up an association wide Preparing Needs Examination
(TNA). Sex and lewd behavior at work place arrangement is a piece of HR strategy.

Documentation and Production Unit is a piece of Asset Administrations at the headoffice, with a library for data and record-keeping; and for get ready repackaged material
and distributions for backing, including preparing.

Inside Review unit involves vital part in Aurat Establishment and is a free capacity. The
Chief Inner review reports specifically to the Swamp. The unit watches out for execution
assessment and budgetary controls of the association trough test review and finish review
once in a year.

3.4 Strategies and operational manuals of Aurat Establishment

1. Back and Bookkeeping Approaches and Methodology
2. Observing, Assessment and Exploration Manual
3. Inside review Manual
4. Acquisition Manual
5. IT Strategy
6. Stipends Administration Manual
7. Human Asset Strategies and Systems
8. Authoritative Arrangements and Strategies
9. Irreconcilable circumstance Arrangement
10. Shriek blowing Strategy
11. Security Strategy
12. Tyke Insurance Arrangement
AF has an effort reaching out to the greater part of Pakistan's areas with one of the biggest
backing and rights-based system of group based associations and conferred activists. These
systems and gatherings at the grassroots level of the group, the middle person level and the full
scale basic leadership level. These are:

Administrative Watch Bunches (LWGs) at the Government and Common Level:

volunteer gatherings at the large scale basic leadership level, involving understood
individuals from CSOs, media, legal, political gatherings and lawmaking bodies; LWGs
were set up under the LWP-WE program and at present work under the same project.

Nationals' Activity Advisory groups (CACs) at the group level: volunteer councils, at
present sorted out in 70 locale of Pakistan and 3 areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The
17

CACs involve neighborhood CBOs and activists who have an enthusiasm for the
improvement of their group and joint activities for ladies' advancement; there are Region
Coordination Panels (DCCs) in every one of the 110 regions filling in as battle particular
volunteer gatherings; the CACs additionally oversee Area Asset Habitats for Ladies
Councilors, which give the data and backing to ladies nearby councilors in these areas
and; Locale Asset Persons Bunches in 56 regions who are volunteers and incorporate
CAC individuals, government expansion organizations (e.g. wellbeing, farming, social
welfare), legal advisors, cops, teachers, specialists and so on giving data and preparing to
group level ladies.

Ladies' Pioneers Bunches (WLGs): These are all-ladies pioneers' volunteer gatherings,
shaped three years back in 30 areas of Pakistan. Every gathering contain 50 ladies having
some initiative aptitudes, acknowledgment and say at group level.

Data System Focuses (INCs) at the grassroots level: At present there are 2,600 INCs,
composed by volunteer female 'INC organizers' serving ladies in urban areas, towns and
neighborhoods crosswise over Pakistan.

3.5 Controlling Policies

There two major controlling policies at Aurat Foundation which are clearly and elaborately
defined by them and the employees are made aware of them at the beginning. Following are the
policies,
a) Conflict of Interest Policy

Recognizing and overseeing irreconcilable situation (COI) is fundamental to forming moral

society in non-benefit associations, for example, Aurat Foundation (consequently AF) .While AF
perceives the truth of individuals holding an extensive variety of honest to goodness intrigues
outside the work place, it is the obligation of representatives what not those connected with AF's
work to guarantee that these hobbies don't make an irreconcilable circumstance or a view of an
irreconcilable circumstance. AF's irreconcilable circumstance arrangement sets out rules on the
most proficient method to bargain with such circumstances keeping in mind the end goal to
ensure its hierarchical advantages and notoriety and to keep its work from being traded off as an
aftereffect of obedient or business associations of its representatives and board individuals
accomplices with benefactors, grantees, private associations and common society associations.
The goal of this approach, accordingly, is to ensure AF, its board individuals and its
representatives from conceivably harming examples of indecency emerging from irreconcilable
circumstance issues.

18

b) Whistleblowing Policy:

An imperative part of responsibility and straightforwardness is a system to empower people and

gatherings to voice worries in a dependable and powerful way, when they find data which they
trust indicates genuine misbehavior or which are exploitative. Choices and activities by shared
counsel are at the heart of the way of life of Aurat Foundation (AF). Consideration is taken in
this connection to not put on individual staff individuals the weight of determining troublesome
dishonest circumstances. In the event that staff individuals run over deceptive practices or
occasions of misbehavior they ought to, in the principal example, counsel their line directors
(Chiefs, Executives, Managers, Specialists, Officers) or with Human Resources (HR). On the off
chance that uncomfortable about raising the matter through AF's ordinary reporting channels or
with HR division, a staff part or a gathering of staff individuals, might need to look for help from
this informant strategy. This informant arrangement is, subsequently, key to AF's expert
trustworthiness. Likewise it fortifies the quality that AF places on staff to be straightforward and
regarded individuals from society. It gives a technique for legitimately tending to true blue
worries that people or gatherings inside or outside of AF may have identified with AF's
operations. It likewise offers informants insurance from exploitation, badgering or disciplinary
procedures, if the informant acted in great confidence and had no malignant plan. It ought to be
underlined that this arrangement is intended to help people and gatherings who accept they have
found negligence or mistake in operations of the association. It is most certainly not intended to
question program, budgetary or business choices taken by AF. This strategy covers circumstances
where an individual or gathering of individuals (informants) raise a worry around a danger,
misbehavior, or wrongdoing that includes and influences AF and AF's accomplices (counting
givers, accomplice NGOs, grantees, sub-grantees, business accomplices, merchants, suppliers
and so on.).

3.6 Recruitment Process

Aurat Foundation has a proper recruitment process like any other profit making organization.
They post advertisement on leading online job sites and newspaper. Aurat Foundation also post
vacancies on their official website which is www.auratfoundation.org.pk under tenders and jobs
section.

19

Chapter 4:
PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
According to Robert Mitchell, Aurat Foundations general program is:
".conceptually and strategically brilliant in bringing together at the district level and in
networks volunteer groups of citizens, activists, councilors, professionals and government
officials that give AF's program its vital political development energy. Few organizations in
Pakistan or elsewhere achieve this."
(Robert Mitchell, Mid-Term Review Report for CIDA)
Aurat Foundations national network of organizations and voluntary citizen group, across a
hundred and ten districts of Pakistan, is what that enables the NGO to accelerate its mission of
advocacy and assistance of women in order to help them with their problem. Some very
innovative and prolific projects in this direction have brought immense recognition for the
foundation.

4.1 Program for Strengthening Civil Society for Women's

Participation in Pakistan
Since its inception about 25 years ago, Aurat foundation has formulated an encircling program
for 'Strengthening Civil Society for Women's Participation in Governance in Pakistan'. The three
key programs which operationalize this over-arching program are:
1. The Information Program for Grassroots Organization and Action by Women
2. The Program for Strengthening Citizens' for Advocacy and Action for Women
3. The Program for Affirmative Legislation and Policies for Women.
Aurat Foundation has been operating with a programmatic approach for growing and extending
its work. Strategic areas of involvement and Operational parameters of these programs identified
by Aurat Foundation are as follows:
1. Information: Provision of info about the issues and concerns of women to build their
aptitude for decision making and action. . This kind of information needs to be imbedded
in the women of Pakistan in order to make sure that they can help to bring about change
in their lives.
2. Capacity building: Enhancement in the volume of women participation in Public
authorities, citizens groups, decision making, activism and public as well as to augment
their access, at the local and district levels, to facilities and opportunities.
3. Advocacy: Development of an environment for empowerment of women and their
participation in politics and democracy in Pakistan.

20

These programs are integrated throughout the various levels of organizational structure to make
the work impactful and coordinated. Information Network Centers at grass root level, the
Legislative Watch Groups, district resource centers with women councilors and activists, and the
Citizens Action Committees at the provincial and federal levels are included in the institutional
structure which is a formal part of Aurat foundations core network and outreach, enabling
positive reinforcement of the operations at macro level.
In the first phase of program, an institutional framework accompanied by an informative network
of linkages in the field were established for the collection, dissemination and repacking of
information. The second phase revolved explicitly around creation of political activism and
disseminating political education. The main purpose was to have a substantial number of women
in local bodies and legislature which was aided by the supportive environment provided by the
civil society organizations which directly undertook advocacy and action for women's rights by
creating awareness. Simultaneously, the foundation has been bonding with critical groups of
society to undertake advocacy for women's better access to economics, politics and power in
society to influence legislation and policy. The foundation is collaboratively working with
various government departments at policy making and its implementation in accordance with the
concerns of women.

4.2 AURAT FOUNDATIONS CURRENT PROJECTS (2010 2017):

a) Gender Equity Program - GEP (2010-2017):

Aurat Foundation in collaboration with USAID and Asia Foundation is implementing a 5 year
program initiated on August 18, 2010 and still continuous. It extends over 400 grants to
governmental gender entities and civil society organizations in periodic grant cycles each year,
accustomed to meet the overall objectives of the program.
The main objectives of GEP are:
i)
Access of women to human rights and justice
ii)
Economic empowerment of women
iii)
Combating against gender violence
iv)
Increasing women representations at local and district level.
The Gender Equity Program intends to diminish the gender gap in Pakistan by enthusiastically
assisting the women development. The program aims to facilitate the access of women to
information, institutions and resources in order to initiate a behavioral change in society and
improve societal attitudes towards women's rights issues.

21

b) Strengthening Private Shelter Program:

The Grant for Strengthening Private Shelter Program is made under the Gender Equity Program.
The vision of the Program is to create extensive societal demand and obligation for a democratic,
socially just and gender-responsive society in Pakistan, where all citizens are treated equally and
provided with the right to live their lives with honor and dignity.
The rationale behind the program arises from the Gender Based Violence (GBV), including
domestic violence, rape, honor killings, acid attacks, forced marriages etc. These GBV are
occurring at an alarming rate, and their attackers often enjoy freedom, whereas the victims are
usually isolated, ignored, humiliated and blamed when they approach to seek help from the
authorities. An estimates range from 50-90 percent of women in Pakistan is experiencing some
form of violence. Survivors of GBV meet insensitivity and resentment at each level of the
criminal justice system, from the police who neglect to register or investigate cases to judges
with little implementation womens equal rights. As a rule, the culprits are the relatives
themselves whereby ladies are delivered to endless cycles of savagery with no departure. This
highlights the requirement for bolster administrations, very much prepared to take into account
the necessities of survivors of savagery. This overwhelming need is the main objective of this
project to develop a system which supports full restoration of physical, psychological, legal and
emotional needs of survivors of GBV and providing them a temporary shelter. This grant will
provide a continued service as chain of institutions at different levels to help the survivors as
envisioned by GEP. The program is expected to strengthen the already existing services by
increasing their outreach and effectiveness through integration and provision of trained
personnel.
Panah Shelter Home is currently providing protection to approximately 250 women
accompanying children within the period of one year at Karachi. Health and Nutrition
Development Society (HANDS) and War against Rape (WAR) have been designated by GEP to
scheme and implement an economic rehabilitation program and social-psychological and legal
counseling supports at the shelter.
Following are the main activities undertaken by this project:
1. Synchronization with entities undertaking economic rehabilitation, psycho-social & legal
counseling programs
2. Provision of Basic Supplies to Women Survivors
3. Improving Safety & Security
4. Provision of Medical Assistance to Women
5. Provision of Crisis Management Assistance to Women
6. Provision of Basic Formal & Informal Education
7. Social Recuperation Events
8. Documentation & Tracking of all Cases being reported at the Shelter.

22

c) AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Program (2012-2017):

AAWAZ is a five-year program funded by Department for International Development (DIFD)

and managed by Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI). The objective of the program is
to reinforce democratic processes in Pakistan by making it more transparent, comprehensive and
liable to citizens. The program is projected to be implemented in 45 districts across Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces by Aurat Foundation, SPO, SAP-PK and Sungi
Development Foundation.
d) Social Mobilization, Waseela-e-Taleem - BISP (2012-2016):

Aurat Foundation is also an implementing partner of Pakistan's largest safety network program
initiated be Government, the Benazir Income Support Program. Aurat foundation is undertaking
the child enrollment Waseela-e-taleem campaign of BISP in 32 districts for which DFID is
providing the financial assistance. The core objective is to support the government in achieving
Millennium Development Goals for universal primary education. The program is directed
towards enabling BISP mothers to enroll their children (age 5-12 years) in primary schools and
qualify for RS.600 cash transfers per child per quarter. The program is currently operational in
the following areas:
1. Sindh Province:
Larkana, Benazirabad,Sukkur, Karachi South, Qamabr, Thattaand Shahdadkot
2. Punjab Province:
Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Narowal, Khushab, Bhawalpur, Rahimyar Khan and Bhwalnagar
3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Charsadda, Mansehra, Kohat,Malakand, Bannu, Noshera, and Haripur
4. Balochistan:
Loralai, Noshki, Musa Khel, Jhal Magsi, Awaranand Gawadar
5. Gilgit, Skardu and Diamir in Gilgit-BaltistanRegion; Bagh, Mirpur and Kotli from AJK
region.
e) Policy and Data Monitor on Violence against Women - PDM-VAW (20112016):

Aurat foundation monitors and records the incidents of violence against women and facilitates
their higher prioritization in the agendas of decision-making bodies and major political parties.
This project is funded by Trocaire.
f) Leverage in social transformation of elected nominees - LISTEN (July
2013- June 2017):

This project aims to build the capacities of women to raise their voices through negotiation and
involvement with the elected provincial and national assembly representatives till 2017.The
target is to promote active citizenship among women and youth. The project also encourages
appraisal and in vigilance of elected leaders, by women and men voters, on the performance of
leaders in accordance with community demands. This project is implemented in the 30 districts

23

of Pakistan distributed as follows: 15 districts of Punjab, 9 districts of Sindh, 3 districts of KP

and 3 districts of Balochistan.
g) Institutional Capacity Strengthening of Women Development
Department, Punjab (September 2015 March 2016):

Under the funding of Oxfam Pakistan, this project is planned to facilitate women empowerment
while discovering the feasible modes for carrying out supporting initiatives to team up with the
Women Development Department of Government of Punjab.
Project major undertakings include:
1. Critical analysis and Assessment of need on capacity building,
2. Development of road map-women empowerment initiative 2016,
3. Implementation strategy for Women development department, including provision of human
resources and institutional resources
4. Training of relevant institutions to reinforce existing mechanism in Muzafargarh district.

24

4.3 CLOSED PROJECTS:

25

26

4.4 OUTREACH OF AURAT FOUNDATION:

Aurat foundation has pretty impressive figures when it comes to the number of people it has
reached out and mobilized.

They have traced and helped 605540 poor families which have living standards below the
poverty line.
About 249000 poorest of the poor women in 12,450 village dwelling women committees
have been approached by 430 different union councils.
105,671 children not enrolled in any school are in contact for their enrollment. Out of
which 44225 are boys and 61446 are girls between ages 5 12.
The nationwide network of 75000 Community women networks lead by 1,500 women
leaders in 30 district-based groups.
An overwhelming figure of 3,251,420 people including both men and women are reached
through Central Statistics Office under the Gender equity program of Pakistan gender
Alliance. The fore mentioned number of people are also affiliated with 9 public sector
universities for the promotion of the behavioral change in the society in support of gender
equality, 12 government and private shelter homes for the protection and safety of the
survivors and homeless, and 6 helplines for the survivors of violence against women and
girls.
About 39000 people including both men and women have been marginalized in 1300
village forums under the project AAWAZ. More specific statistics are as follows:
Membership of over 400 activists in 13 AAWAZ district forums present in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab
30000 community leaders, including both men and women are part of 26different
AAWAZ Tehsil Forums
800 women and men as members of 450 AAWAZ Agahi Forums
130 AAWAZ UC Forums with around 4,000 volunteer members
130 AAWAZ Agahi Centers aiding access to 400 women for social and legal concerns
regularly
Two provincial and one national AAWAZ Forums integrate parliamentarians, lawyers,
representative of political parties and representative of human rights organizations to be
vigilant and reassuring of gender-based legislation.
A good number of 31,250 lawyers, Social and political workers, media personnel and
human rights defenders of Citizens Action Committees (CACs) are in connection with
the Aurat foundation across 73 districts of Pakistan with a diverse membership of about
1,250 community-based organizations.
Around 65,000 Women, men and youth are involved in 2,600 Information Network
Centers (INCs) for collection, documentation and distribution of information and
knowledge all across Pakistan.

27

4.5 CAMPAIGNS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Aurat Foundation has launched several advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns at the
national level over the years. Some of these include:

National campaign to recognize women's work in the Fifth National Census in 1998.
National campaigns for putting women's rights issues on the electoral agenda of the
1993, 1997, 2002 and 2008 General Elections.
Campaigns for the repeal of discriminatory laws, e.g. the Hudood laws and 'honor'
crimes and ending violence against women.
National campaign since 1990s for 33% reservation of seats for women in
legislatures.
National campaigns for relief and rehabilitation of survivors of natural disasters
during earthquake 2005, IDPs crisis in 2009 and floods in 2010.
National campaign for the rights of indigenous people in Trade Related Intellectual
Property Rights in 1998.
National campaigns for CNICs and voter registration of women on regular basis.
Citizens' campaigns for ensuring and maximizing women's representation in local
government elections in 1998-99, 2000 and 2005, 2008 and 2013.
National campaigns for a peaceful and tolerant Pakistan.

28

5: REFERENCES

www.af.org.pk/
http://www.panahshelter.org/gep/index.html
http://www.pakistanherald.com/profile/aurat-foundation-1144
Naz, R. (2001). Report on the state of women in urban local government. Pakistan: Aurat

Foundation.
Zia, M., & Butt, R. (2012). Pakistan NGO alternative Report on CEDAW. Aurat
Foundation,
http://www2.ohchr.Org/english/bodies/cedaw/docs/ngos/AuratFoundationPakistanForTh

eSession_CEDAW54. pdf.
Imran, R. (2013). Legal Injustices: The Zina Hudood ordinance of Pakistan and its

implications for women. Journal of International Women's Studies,7(2), 78-100.

Robert Mitchell, Mid-term Review, Report for CIDA, available at
http://www.af.org.pk/program.htm (accessed 20/05/2010)

29