More than 50 young leaders, including 32 women, from five KP districts interacted with senior government officials and civil society activists at the Youth Summit. The event celebrated youth-led social actions supported under #AawazII to prevent gender-based violence and promote social inclusion.

A powerful testament to the programme’s impact came from Ms. Shagufta Noor, a differently-abled woman from Nowshera, who shared: “My life changed after joining Aawaz II. I came to know about my rights, and I now spread awareness in my area, which has helped other persons with disabilities too.” Her journey from a beneficiary to a community educator underscores the programme’s success in empowering the most marginalized to claim their rights.

“Aawaz II’s successes in engaging the youth in some of the poorest areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is commendable,” stated Mr. Taj Muhammad Khan, Advisor to the Chief Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs. In appreciation of efforts made by Aawaz’s Youth Volunteers, the Advisor gave cash awards of Rs.25,000 to three outstanding volunteers and Rs.10,000 each to three volunteers for producing high-quality social media content on social inclusion. Responding to a question from a PWD activist, the Advisor said that the government is committed to supporting sports events for young PWDs, including women living with disabiltiies. He also requested Aawaz II support to arrange a meeting with PWD leaders to discuss the impending KP Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Bill.

The summit featured a series of sessions giving youth leaders opportunities to interact with prominent panellists including Dr. Sumera Shams, Chairperson of the KP Commission on the Status of Women; Pir Abdullah Shah, Additional Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department; and Ms. Noreen Shams, former squash player and GBV expert.

Aawaz II is a voice and accountability programme funded by FCDO. Its community component is managed by #BritishCouncil in partnership with leading NGOs. #omarasgharkhanfoundation is Aawaz II’s lead implementing partner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.