Women Shelters Across Pakistan And What You Can Do To Help Them

Issues like domestic violence, abuse, sexual harassment, poverty and a lack of fundamental freedoms are prevalent in our society, but more so for women. Women are either thrown out of their homes or forced to run away because of dire circumstances. In situations such as these, institutions that can provide them with security need to be available – this is where shelter homes for women come in. While we may not have many of them, we do have some and it’s our job to help them to grow. Scroll down to read about 6 women shelters and how you can help them:

1. Panah (Karachi)

Panah Shelter Home strives to assist women in distress, particularly those subjected to domestic violence and abuse. Not only do they provide a roof over their heads, but also support them in recovering from the trauma and regaining their identity, as well as their right to exercise their basic human rights through Panah’s legal aid division. They also provide free mental health services and access trained psychiatrists and social workers in order to emotionally help women and children process their past. Since their inauguration in 2001, Panah has come a long way and now provides vocational training for the women. Examples of this are the Beautician Training Program sponsored by the Inner Wheel Club in Karachi, or the urdu literacy, basic english and numeracy courses Panah offers. In 2018, Panah also added a Transitional Home to their existing facility. This allows women who have already procured a job or are in the middle of their studies/training, a space to reside before they integrate back into society. Panah’s accomplishments truly are commendable!

2. Dastak (Lahore)

Dastak aims to provide protection for women going through crisis, as well as legal aid and services that ensures their safety and rehabilitation process. Human rights activist and lawyer Hina Jilani founded Dastak in 1990 and while it started out as a legal aid unit, it has gone to shelter and provide support for over 8000 women across Pakistan. In 2010, they launched their capacity building campaign to equip women with necessary skills and since then, train over 300 women each year. They also started a program in communities to raise awareness to issues such as domestic violence, and to gradually eliminate societal attitudes that result in such acts happening.

3. Women Shelter Organisation (Faisalabad)

WSO was founded by Bishop Johan Joseph in 1985 and has since then expanded greatly. Apart from offering shelter, WSO is known for giving sewing and computer training to women. Through jobs in beauty parlours, health centres and computer centres, WSO hopes to give them a better chance at succeeding in society. They also launched a 2 year literacy program in 2017 and educated 240 women from various areas of Faisalabad. They aim to bring visible change in the lives of women and to assist them in becoming self-supporting and independent individuals through love, tolerance and social harmony.

4. Dar Ul Aman (Various Cities)

Dar Ul Aman was established by the Social Welfare Department to provide shelter to women suffering from domestic violence. Over time, Dar-Ul-Aman has grown its network to all 36 districts of Punjab. Women are mostly admitted due to referral  through the court, voluntary agencies, media or members of their advisory community, but women can also enrol on their own accord. Apart from lodging, Dar-Ul-Aman also provides psychological support, recreational and vocational training, basic education and free legal aid and medicine services.

5. Violence Against Women Centre (Multan)

VAWC was established in Multan as part of the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act enacted in Punjab Assembly in 2016. VAWC’s objective is to provide medical examination, post-trauma rehabilitation. first-aid, free legal services and of course shelter, for female victims all under one roof. They also carry out police investigations and forensics of crimes committed against women and pursue prosecution of the perpetuators.

6. Edhi Homes For Women (Various Cities)

Edhi is a household name synonymous for social welfare and generosity. They have 18 homes that provide protection for all people suffering from injustice and poverty, not just women. However, they have certain institutions that are solely focused on providing care for women and safeguarding their rights. Some of these are in Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore Township and North Karachi.

How You Can Help:

The most obvious way for one to help is through a donation of monetary means. This will help the shelter to maintain, build and grow its facilities. One can also donate in terms of items such as medicinal supplies, clothes and food. Panah, in fact has a wishlist that outlines exactly what they are in need of – this is on their website, but can be verified through a call for an updated list. Another way to help out is through volunteering in a shelter home. This could mean assisting in providing training, fundraising, raising awareness and a number of other things. Dastak in fact arranges for volunteer training workshops so that individuals are better informed and qualified to help. For more extensive training, Dastak even provides an eight week internship program where individuals gain practical experience. By being more aware and spreading that awareness, one also helps in minimising the attitudes that result in the kind of behaviour that leads to women having to seek shelter.