Girl Power is a 5 years program being implemented in 10 countries. In Pakistan, it is being implemented by three organizations including Bedari. We are implementing it in Multan, Vehari and Chakwal. The primary objective of the program is to build and strengthen civil society to ensure the rights of girls and young women to full and equal participation in the social, economic and political development of society. To achieve this end, there is a serious need to protect girls from violence. Only those girls who feel safe and secure are able to participate actively in the development of the society.

Bedari has established a helpline in Multan for children especially young girls facing violence. It would provide immediate support to such children. The support would include psychological counseling, legal aid and referral to shelters. The Helpline would be supported by a network of volunteers and community based organizations. It would be properly advertised in the region, so that people know and can report cases of violence against children. A community surveillance system is being developed to support and strengthen girl power program.

Another important component of the project is developing the capacity of community based organizations to address the issues of violence against girls and young women. CSOs can serve as a useful forum for representing and amplifying girls’ voices and to help them defend their interests in public decision-making arenas. However, there is a need to strengthen civil society organizations and building their capacities to defend girls’ rights. Bedari would play its due role in strengthening CSOs in the target districts