Simorgh

10/08/2026

Creating Safe Spaces for Women and Children | 2-Day Online Training

Simorgh Women’s Resource & Publication Centre conducted a 2-day online training on Women’s Safe Spaces with community women from Lahore, Nankana Sahib, and Gujrat.

The initiative was taken considering the current situation and the increasing cases of r**e and sexual assault against children. The training provided a space for women to openly discuss safety, violence, family dynamics, and ways to protect themselves and their children.

Day 1 – Presented by Nazia Hassan, Program Manager

The discussion started with a simple but important question: What are safe spaces for women?

The discussion started with recent r**e and sexual assault cases in Pakistan, including the cases of Muntaha, Noor Mukadam, and Zainab. These cases led to a deeper discussion on the safety of children and women in our homes and communities.

Practical ways were also discussed to keep themselves and their children safe, and what role families and communities can play in creating safer environments.

Day 2 – Presented by Neelam Hussain, Executive Coordinator

The second day focused on the roots of violence and explored the difference between the human-developed social systems and the systems built into nature.

Participants discussed the reasons behind domestic fights, how such conflicts can be controlled, and how violence and conflict within the home can affect children and their emotional well-being.

Creating safe spaces is not only about physical safety. It is also about creating environments where women and children can speak, question, feel heard, and live without fear.

28/07/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Community Change | District Forum – Gujrat

Simorgh Women's Resource & Publication Centre recently organized a District Forum in Gujrat, led by Executive Coordinator Neelam Hussain, Program Manager Nazia Hassan, and Senior Researcher Zile huma.

The forum provided an inclusive platform where community women openly discussed the challenges affecting their daily lives, including sewerage and sanitation issues, legal concerns related to divorce, domestic violence, and widow rights, barriers to accessing Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) benefits, polio eradication challenges, and poor cleanliness in streets and public spaces.
The forum also created an opportunity for women to engage directly with government officials, seek guidance, and build stronger connections with institutions working to address community issues. The discussion brought together:
----Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Director Revenue, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Gujrat
----Ms. Farzana Kousar, Inspector, Anti-Harassment Cell, Gujrat
----Mr. Farhan Aslam Warraich, Deputy Director, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Gujrat
The panel responded to participants' concerns, shared information on available government services, and discussed practical ways to improve access to public institutions and strengthen service delivery for local communities.
At Simorgh Women's Resource & Publication Centre, we believe that meaningful change begins when communities and institutions come together to listen, collaborate, and take action. By creating platforms for dialogue between community women and government stakeholders, we continue to promote inclusive governance, strengthen institutional linkages, and support women's participation in community development.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all participating departments, government representatives, and community women for making the forum a productive and impactful event. Together, we are building stronger, more responsive, and inclusive communities where every woman's voice is heard and valued.

'sLeadership

18/07/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Community Change | District Forum – Lahore

Simorgh Women's Resource & Publication Centre recently organized a District Forum in Lahore, led by Executive Coordinator Neelam Hussain, Program Manager Nazia Hassan, and Program Manager Shazia Azam.

The forum provided a welcoming space where women in the community shared their personal journeys, challenges, and inspiring success stories. The forum also created opportunities for women to connect directly with key stakeholders, ask questions, seek guidance, and build relationships that can support their continued personal and professional growth with:

--Aman Shahzadi, Peer counselor from Khawaja Sira society

--Nida Usaman, Legal Consultant and Founder of Women in Law Initiatives

--Izna Khanzadi, VSO Police Tahafuz Markaz Lari Adda

--Dur E Shahwar, COO at All Pakistan Women Association (APWA)

--Sikander Khan, Audit officer at the Social Welfare Department

Bait Ul Maal Punjab

At Simorgh Women's Resource & Publication Centre, we believe that every woman's story has the power to inspire change. By creating platforms where women can share their experiences and engage with institutions, we continue working towards more inclusive, responsive, and empowered communities.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all participating departments, institutions, and community women for making the forum a meaningful and inspiring event. Together, we are building stronger communities where women's voices, experiences, and leadership are recognized and valued.

'sVoices

16/07/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Community Change | District Forum – Nankana Sahib
The forum was led by Executive Coordinator Neelam Hussain, Program Manager Nazia Hassan, and Researcher arshia.
--Mr. Zeeshan Akram chatha Tehsil monitoring officer (LWMC)
--Mr. Shafeeq-ur-rehman GIS Manager Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement (PULSE)
--Miss Irum Baneen, Manager, Shelter Home, Social Welfare Department
--Dr. Sumaira Naeem, H.O.D Chemistry and Focal Person for Women Development Department Punjab (WDD) at Baba Guru Nanak University
-- Muhammad Nawaz, Assistant Director, Local Govt and Community Development Department
--Mr. Ryasat ali ASI In-charge Police khidmat markaz
--Mr. Malik Ashraf, Forest protection officer, and our inspiring community women.
The forum created a valuable platform where government departments, academia, and community members sat together for meaningful face-to-face discussions on the issues affecting women and local communities. Participants openly shared their experiences, identified key challenges, and explored practical solutions through collaboration and dialogue.

One of the most impactful aspects of the forum was the opportunity for community women to engage with relevant stakeholders directly, voice their concerns, ask questions, and build connections with institutions responsible for addressing these issues. These conversations strengthened mutual understanding and reinforced the importance of collective action in creating inclusive and sustainable solutions.
At Simorgh Women's Resource & Publication Centre, we believe that lasting change begins when communities and institutions work together. Forums like these help bridge the gap between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that women's voices are heard and reflected in local development efforts.
We extend our sincere thanks to all participating departments, institutions, and community members for their active engagement and commitment to building stronger, more responsive communities.

15/07/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Community Change | District Forum – Nankana Sahib
We recently held a District Forum in Nankana Sahib, bringing together representatives from the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement (PULSE), the Social Welfare Department, Baba Guru Nanak University, the Forest Department, Police khidmat markaz and our inspiring community women.
The forum created a valuable platform where government departments, academia, and community members sat together for meaningful face-to-face discussions on the issues affecting women and local communities. Participants openly shared their experiences, identified key challenges, and explored practical solutions through collaboration and dialogue.
One of the most impactful aspects of the forum was the opportunity for community women to directly engage with relevant stakeholders, voice their concerns, ask questions, and build connections with institutions responsible for addressing these issues. These conversations strengthened mutual understanding and reinforced the importance of collective action in creating inclusive and sustainable solutions.
At Simorgh Women's Resource & Publication Centre, we believe that lasting change begins when communities and institutions work together. Forums like these help bridge the gap between citizens and public institutions, ensuring that women's voices are heard and reflected in local development efforts.
We extend our sincere thanks to all participating departments, institutions, and community members for their active engagement and commitment to building stronger, more responsive communities.

02/07/2026

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre shares another episode in the podcast series developed under the project “From the Margins to the Mainstream,” funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Host & Creator: Nazia Hassan
Videography & Video Editing: Laeeque Ahmed
Guest: Kashif Farooqi
Development and Social Inclusion practitioner

In this insightful conversation, development and social inclusion practitioner Kashif Farooqi discusses the importance of psychological counselling and the complex relationship between mental health and social realities.

The discussion highlights:

🔹 How mental health is shaped by social, political, and economic conditions

🔹 The diverse ways individuals respond to their environments, regardless of gender

🔹 The many forms of trauma, which may appear through overworking, overeating, or even constant smiling rather than visible sadness or anxiety

🔹 The distinct experiences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha as digital generations, and how technology influences their perceptions and interactions

🔹 The impact of digital spaces in creating expectations and shaping understandings of reality

🔹 The multiple roles and responsibilities women navigate within society

🔹 The often-unseen pressures experienced by people of every gender

We extend our sincere gratitude to our respected guest, Kashif Farooqi, for sharing his valuable insights and experiences.

The series of podcasts is created under the project “From the Margi...

04/06/2026

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre has launched another podcast on Reimagining Youth's Future in Nankana Sahib

Thank you to our respected guest:
Dr. Sumaira Naeem
Head of the Chemistry Department at Baba Guru Nanak University and Focal Person of the Women Development Department (WDD)

Host & Creator: Arshia
Videography/Video Editor: Laeeque Ahmed

This podcast explores:
--The beauty and significance of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib have helped bridge educational gaps in the region.
-- WDD in our university is actively working for women’s empowerment, including support through NADRA-related initiatives.
-- Female enrollment remains comparatively low in I.T., Computer Science, and B.B.A. programs.
-- Women’s safety is a priority at the university, with female security guards available to assist in emergencies.
-- International visiting faculty members are invited to enhance students’ learning experiences and academic growth.
-- Female students rarely face mobility challenges and generally receive strong support from their families.

To know more, watch the full podcast.

The series of podcasts is created under the project “From the Margi...

02/06/2026

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre recently conducted a Menstrual Health and Hygiene awareness session at Government School, Ferozabad, Gujrat, where students actively engaged in meaningful discussions about menstruation, hygiene practices, and common misconceptions.

What stood out most was the students' willingness to ask thoughtful questions about menstrual cycles, health concerns, seeking medical support, family communication, and the role of faith in understanding menstrual health. Many participants shared that they had previously lacked accurate information, highlighting the continued need for accessible and age-appropriate health education.

The session also focused on challenging myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, empowering students with knowledge and encouraging them to prioritize their health and hygiene. It was inspiring to see young people openly reflect on their experiences and commit to becoming advocates for informed and respectful conversations within their communities.

Creating safe spaces for learning is essential to ensuring that every young person has the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health.

30/05/2026

📢 Opportunity Alert!

Simorgh Women's Resource and Publication Centre is seeking a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Consultant for the project "From the Margins to the Mainstream."

We are looking for a qualified professional with expertise in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and project assessment to support the effective implementation and impact measurement of this important initiative.

If you have relevant experience and are passionate about contributing to meaningful social change, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity within your network.


&E

21/05/2026

An insightful District Forum was conducted on Zoom under the department of LWMC on garbage disposal and women's protection under the umbrella of law, bringing together voices committed to social development and justice in Gujarat. The discussion highlighted two critical community issues: effective garbage disposal management and women’s rights matters, particularly divorce and khula cases.

The session emphasized the importance of creating cleaner environments through responsible waste management practices while also addressing the legal, social, and emotional challenges women face during divorce and khula proceedings.

Participants shared valuable perspectives, recommendations, and solutions aimed at improving awareness, support systems, and community engagement.

Such forums play a vital role in encouraging dialogue, empowering women, and promoting collective responsibility for a healthier and more just society.