Composition
The ANF will comprise renowned personalities from Parliament, relevant state institutions, academia, media, lawyers and civil society organizations who work towards strengthening democracy and supporting more open, inclusive democratic processes and accountable governance in Pakistan. AAWAZ National Forum (ANF) will be Islamabad based representatives of program partners, elected representatives, nominee from elected representatives
Role and functions
The ANF will serve as the interface between the rights holders and duty bearers. It will develop a concrete evidence based advocacy campaign at the national level around national and international commitments on gender equality in decision-making and protection from violence in the private and in public space. The ANF will develop a comprehensive advocacy plan after strategic priority setting to boast women’s political participation and representation and ensure their safety and security in public life.
Background
AAWAZ-Voice and Accountability a five-year (2012 to 2017) Programme is striving to strengthen stable, inclusive and tolerant democracy in Pakistan. The Programme views democracy through a gender lens, and intends to contribute to women’s political empowerment, resolution of conflicts across the communities that it works with, and better public service delivery in the areas of health and education through informed and active engagement of citizens. AAWAZ is being managed by Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) and implemented by Pakistan’s prime civil society organizations: Aurat Foundation (AF), South-Asia Partnership-Pakistan (SAP-PK), Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO), Sungi Development Foundation (SDF) and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).