Islamabad: The European Union has committed one million euros to fund a 3-year project, ‘Beyond Barriers’, which is being implemented by Sightsavers, along with key civil society partners, to advance women’s rights and economic empowerment for women with disabilities. The launching ceremony for the project took place in Islamabad.
The European Union’s commitment is complemented by 5 per cent Sightsavers co-funding and the initiative is implemented in collaboration with Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) and the Awaz Foundation Pakistan (AwazCDS). The project seeks to strengthen the organisational capacity of women’s groups and build strong coalitions capable of driving long-term, structural change in the arena of disability inclusion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jeroen Willems, Head of Co-operation, European Union shared that, “On behalf of the European Union, I extend my warmest congratulations to Sightsavers, PODA, and AwazCDS for spearheading Beyond Barriers — a groundbreaking initiative on women’s disability inclusion in Pakistan. The EU takes immense pride in championing inclusion as the cornerstone of our development cooperation. Next year, Pakistan will integrate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into its GSP+ framework that aligns perfectly with our shared vision of leaving no one behind.”
Munazza Gillani, director Pakistan & Middle East, Sightsavers, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “Today’s commitment marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to break down barriers that hold back women, especially women with disabilities, from leading economically empowered and dignified lives.
