Freedom Gate Prosperity Workshops on Child Protection in Pakistan: Addressing Urgent Issues and Advocating for Change
Freedom Gate has been at the forefront of addressing critical child protection issues in Pakistan. Over the past few months, two significant workshops were organized to foster discussions on child rights, legal frameworks, and ethical reporting related to child protection. These workshops, held on June 18, 2023, and August 6, 2023, brought together experts, stakeholders, and participants to discuss and address child protection issues that continue to be a major concern in Pakistan.
Workshop 1: Addressing Child Protection Challenges
The first workshop on child protection, held on June 18, 2023, aimed to create awareness and develop practical solutions to child protection issues in Pakistan. The event began with an opening session where Muhammad Anwar welcomed participants and outlined the workshop's objectives. Sajida Ahmed, the workshop moderator, introduced the participants and set the tone for the day with a discussion on the significance of addressing child protection concerns.
The first session focused on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a crucial framework that guides child protection initiatives globally. Imran Takkar, a child protection expert, highlighted the importance of this convention and how it is implemented in Pakistan. Following this, participants engaged in group work to explore the pressing child protection issues faced by Pakistan, including child sexual abuse and child domestic labor.
In the afternoon, discussions delved deeper into the legal framework surrounding child protection in Pakistan. Imran Takkar and Sajida Ahmed discussed the laws that are designed to protect children and the challenges that hinder their full implementation. The workshop also provided an opportunity to discuss the ethical aspects of reporting child protection issues, a critical component in ensuring that these issues are addressed with the sensitivity and responsibility they deserve.
The day concluded with a special guest speaker delivering the closing remarks and distributing certificates to the participants. This workshop served as an essential platform for developing a deeper understanding of child protection issues in Pakistan and highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws.
Workshop 2: Strengthening Child Protection Mechanisms
The second workshop, held on August 6, 2023, built upon the discussions from the first event, focusing on the practical application of the legal and ethical frameworks that can help protect children from abuse and exploitation. Similar to the first workshop, the day began with registration and networking, followed by an introduction by Muhammad Anwar, who welcomed the participants and explained the workshop's goals.
Sajida Ahmed once again took the lead as the moderator, facilitating a series of interactive discussions on child protection challenges in Pakistan. Imran Takkar led a session on child sexual abuse, shedding light on the alarming rates of abuse faced by children in the country. The session also addressed the importance of reporting such cases ethically to ensure that the children involved are given the protection and support they need.
The workshop also included an in-depth session on child domestic labour, a form of child exploitation that continues to be prevalent in many parts of Pakistan. Imran Takkar’s presentation provided insight into the devastating effects of child domestic labor and the need for immediate policy changes to protect vulnerable children.
As with the June workshop, participants engaged in group work to discuss child protection issues specific to Pakistan. Presentations followed, allowing participants to share their ideas and insights on potential solutions to these challenges. The afternoon sessions once again addressed the legal framework of child protection in Pakistan and explored ethical reporting guidelines.
The workshop concluded with a thought-provoking discussion led by Mian Imran Masood, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Asia and former Education Minister Punjab. His remarks emphasized the role of educational institutions in advancing child protection efforts and the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to safeguard children’s rights.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
Both workshops were instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of child protection in Pakistan and the need for immediate and sustained efforts to address these challenges. The participants, ranging from legal experts and educators to social workers and child advocates, collectively acknowledged that while progress has been made, much work remains to be done.
The workshops highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic approach to child protection, one that encompasses legal reforms, ethical reporting, and community engagement. They also underscored the critical role of educational institutions and policymakers in driving systemic change.
Moving forward, Freedom Gate plans to continue its efforts in advocating for child protection by organizing more workshops and creating a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders. The foundation’s work remains crucial in ensuring that the rights of children are upheld and that they are protected from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
The workshops held by Freedom Gate in June and August 2023 provided a comprehensive platform for addressing the pressing child protection issues in Pakistan. Through expert-led sessions, group work, and presentations, the events successfully raised awareness about the legal, ethical, and societal challenges involved in protecting children. As Pakistan continues to face significant challenges related to child abuse and exploitation, the discussions and recommendations from these workshops will be crucial in shaping future child protection initiatives. By providing education, fostering collaboration, and advocating for stronger legal frameworks, Freedom Gate is playing a key role in ensuring a safer future for Pakistan’s children.
