When Social Justice Meets Aawaz: Voices of Change from Okara, Punjab
Posted By Baela Raza Jamil and Joshua Dilawar - Team ITA
Okara District, Punjab. The Aawaz II programme continues to illuminate pathways of empowerment and inclusion for marginalised communities; giving Voice to the once voiceless. During a recent annual review attended by representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the British Council, more than 35 community members, including Village Forum and District Forum representatives, Special Interest Group (SIG) members, Aawaz Change Agents (ACAs), transgender individuals, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and programme beneficiaries, shared their compelling journeys from societal exclusion to becoming extraordinary catalysts for social and behavior change.
These community-led forums with capacities built through a well-designed program have proactively addressed pressing issues of gender-based violence (GBV), early and forced child marriages (EFCM), and the systemic exclusion of marginalised groups, including PWDs, religious minorities, and transgenders. Their concerted efforts have yielded significant outcomes at individual and collective levels, including facilitating CNIC/national identity card registrations for transgenders and persons with disabilities, organising birth registration camps, and establishing linkages with over 13 state institutions at the district level to enhance services accessibility and fundamental constitutional rights.
Between 2023 and 2025, Aawaz II has reached a total of 27,365 individuals in Okara District through its inclusive community structures. This outreach comprises 12,789 women, 14,538 men, and 38 transgender individuals, including 3,301 members of religious minorities (1,723 men and 1,578 women) and 1,441 persons with disabilities (956 men and 485 women). The programme has fostered inclusive participation, ensuring that marginalised voices are integral to community decision-making and social transformation.
In Okara, Aawaz II has established a robust network of community structures to promote inclusive dialogue and social transformation. This includes 12 Aawaz Aagahi Centres (AACs), 24 Village Forums encompassing 48 villages, one District Forum, and three District Alliances. Complementing these are the Aawaz Change Agents (ACAs) Network, the Women Community Network (WCN), and a Special Interest Group dedicated to Women with Disabilities (SIG–WWDs). These interconnected platforms serve as safe spaces for marginalised voices (Including women, youth, PWDs, religious minorities, and transgender individuals) to engage in decision-making processes, advocate for their rights, and foster social cohesion within their communities. Government-led initiatives such as the establishment of Meesaq (supporting minorities) and Tahaffuz centers for social protection by the Police Departments have been actively engaged and partnered with in the Aawaz II program, just like services of the Social Welfare Department and NADRA etc. through a well-curated and skill building approach to enable citizen engagement. Achievements and Key learnings from Aawaz II thus far include:
- Village and District Forums have effectively addressed local conflicts, reducing reliance on external interventions, reinforcing that ‘community-led’ mechanisms are sustainable
- Key Learning:Community-led mechanisms are sustainable and effective with proper training.
- Inclusivity through Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and District Alliances have enhanced the representation and participation of marginalised groups in decision-making processes thus amplifying marginalized voices
- Key Learning:Dedicated and Inclusive spaces amplify marginalised voices.
- Structured referrals have enabled 2818 individuals to access essential services through community awareness and direct linkages, enhancing service accessibility.
- Key Learning: Community awareness and direct linkages enhance service accessibility.
- Youth Change Agents enabled by skills and Social Action Projects (SAPs), have promoted community-driven solutions and transformations on Aawaz II’s thematic areas.
- Key Learning: Youth play a critical role in community transformation with proper skills and opportunities.
Mini Blogs: Some of the voices of our beneficiaries are mentioned below:
Shamim Rafiq, Village Forum Member, Teacher, Okara
“I have been a teacher for 15 years, but until I joined the Village Forum under the Aawaz II program, I never truly understood my own rights. When my brother-in-law tried to transfer our family property into his name, I stood my ground with the strength and confidence Aawaz II instilled in me. Today, that house and my share in the property are legally under my name, and I proudly teach my students not only academic lessons but also the importance of knowing and fighting for their rights. I always tell my girls never to stay silent when it comes to their haq (rights). “
Shakela Razaq, Member of Special Interest Group – Women with Disabilities (SIG – WWDs), Okara.
As a woman with a disability, I always felt invisible and excluded from society. Before joining the Special Interest Group for Women With Disabilities (SIG – WWDs) of Aawaz II, I didn’t even know I had rights and I can raise my voice for them. Through their support, I gained confidence got my disability certificate made, and have now applied for a job. Aawaz II has given me a voice and a place in society. Today, I am determined not to depend on anyone, I want to live with dignity and stand on my own feet.
Aish, Resource Person at AAC, Transgender, Okara
Being a transgender person, society never accepted me, we were always treated as outcasts, with no identity, no recognition, and no respect. Through Aawaz II, I finally received my ‘X’ ID card, which has given me a real sense of identity and pride. Today, I work as a Resource Person at the Aawaz II AAC in my community, where people come to me for their issues and awareness sessions, CNIC registration, and BISP enrolment. For the first time, I feel seen, heard, and respected. Aawaz II has not only empowered me but also helped me empower others.
Maqbool Shamoon, District Forum Member & Religious Leader, Okara
In our area, there were frequent disputes between Muslims and religious minorities over shared community spaces and local facilities, which deepened divisions and mistrust. Through the efforts of Aawaz II, we learned about peaceful dialogue, tolerance, and the true value of social cohesion. We started holding joint meetings where both communities could express their concerns and work together on solutions. Today, we see a remarkable change people now cooperate, respect each other’s rights, and stand united in times of need. Aawaz II has been instrumental in strengthening social cohesion and building lasting peace in our area.
Farwa Tariq, Aawaz Change Agent (ACA), Okara
As a survivor of early child marriage, I was married off at a very young age, before I had the chance to experience my childhood or understand my rights. I faced many difficulties, especially during pregnancy, and I did not know how to protect my well-being. After joining Aawaz II meetings, I became aware of my rights and found a new sense of purpose. I wanted to serve others and be the voice that I didn’t have when I needed it. Today, as a Change Agent, I have developed my action plan to fight against child marriage. My focus is to educate the girls in my community about their rights, and I am determined that my daughters will never face the same fate. I am fully committed to breaking this harmful tradition once and for all.
