ISLAMABAD — The Ministry of Human Rights of Pakistan (MoHR), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), officially launched the National Strategy on Male Involvement to Address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on September 24.

The high-level unveiling was attended by government dignitaries, civil society leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan, Han Sungho. The event marked a critical policy shift toward actively engaging men and young boys as key champions in driving gender equality and eradicating violence against women.

Engaging Men and Boys as Agents of Change

The newly unveiled national framework establishes a comprehensive roadmap to shift social norms, challenge systemic biases, and promote positive masculinity across Pakistan. Rather than treating gender-based violence solely as a women's issue, the strategy places men and male students at the center of prevention efforts and advocacy.

Key policy pillars and strategic goals presented at the launch include:

• Male-Led Advocacy: Mobilizing men, young boys, and community leaders as proactive partners and advocates against violence.

• Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Strengthening coordination across public institutions, educational systems, law enforcement, and private sector organizations.

• Rights-Based Framework: Aligning national policy responses with international standards to safeguard women's legal rights and ensure effective community-level prevention.

Diplomatic and Multilateral Support

Participating diplomats and international partners, including Ambassador Han Sungho, praised Pakistan's initiative to adopt an inclusive, evidence-based strategy to eliminate gender-based violence.

Stakeholders at the launch reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting implementation mechanisms, fostering cross-sectoral partnerships, and ensuring sustainable social change across urban and rural communities nationwide.