




2024
Our shared future- World We Want (2024-2026)
We're embarking on an exciting new journey with the 'World We Want' project—a global movement dedicated to creating a fair, thriving, and equitable world. This initiative, born from the wisdom of the White Ribbon Alliance and Women's March movements, marks a significant milestone in our progress. As global secretariats gracefully transition, we're honored to step into a leadership role, ensuring the momentum continues. The World We Want, following years of development and collaboration, offers invaluable datasets, tools, connections, and resources. Our role entails providing grassroots organizations in Pakistan and worldwide with these assets and expertise to amplify women's voices using our unique Ask- women and girls what they want, Listen- to their concerns and ideas for change, Act - on what they say and galvanize others to do the same, methodology. Looking ahead, this is our future. We will expand beyond our national White Ribbon Alliance roots, embracing a broader mandate of empowerment and equality. For those seeking to make women's voices heard and drive change, we are the team to connect with.
Read more2023-2024
Improving Maternal and Neonatal Health in Pakistan: Development of Maternal Survival Strategic Framework & Implementation Guidelines
Forum for Women Development & Research in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination (MoNHSR&C) and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), drafted Pakistan’s National Maternal Survival Strategic Framework and Implementation Guidelines. This milestone was achieved through extensive consultations with stakeholders at national, provincial, and regional levels, extensive desk research, and in-depth discussions with key stakeholders. The framework is endorsed by the MoNHSR&C’s Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health and Midwifery (RMNCAH/MIDWIFERY) Technical Working Group, paving the way for its adoption and implementation by the provinces.
2023
‘Forum for Safe Motherhood’ Rebranded as ‘Forum for Women Development and Research'
To extend our portfolio to encompass advocacy on gender equality, climate change, reproductive health and economic empowerment as well as to engage more extensively in formative research, we have now rebranded ourselves as ‘Forum for Women Development and Research’ (FWDR)’. With this new identity, we aspire not only to contribute to the development of women along multiple allied dimensions but also to undertake research in the challenges that our beneficiaries face within the local context, thus offering in-depth insights for policymaking and funding prioritization at multiple levels.
2023
Asking, Listening and Acting to Women’s Health and Wellbeing needs in Pakistan
Expanding on the 2019 "What Women Want" initiative, we launched the "Listening Across the Life-Course: Women’s Demands for their Health and Well-being" campaign. Recognizing that women's needs extend beyond reproductive health, our campaign engaged 1.3 million women globally to understand their health concerns. In Pakistan, we surveyed approximately 100,000 women across Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, revealing vital factors for women's well-being. Rapid analysis by White Ribbon Alliance Global highlighted priorities such as access to free healthcare services, adequate nutrition, and clean water. These findings emphasize the urgent need for inclusive, affordable health systems tailored to meet women's diverse needs.
Read more2022-2023
Ripple Effect: Amplifying Women’s and Healthcare Provider’s Voices for Health in Post-Flood Pakistan
In response to the devastating floods of 2022 affecting millions in Pakistan, including a significant number of women, we initiated a focused effort inspired by the successful What Women Want (WWW) Campaign. Embracing the empowering approach of WWW, we amplified women’s voices to advocate for prioritized reproductive and maternal healthcare in the post-flood scenario. Additionally, we surveyed healthcare providers to identify their needs for extending quality healthcare during disasters. Engaging women, adolescent girls, and community health workers in flood-affected regions of Sindh, Punjab, and Baluchistan, we gathered over 2,700 responses. These were compiled into an interactive digital Dashboard, shared with policymakers and development partners to inform impactful policies and allocate appropriate budgets for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) during disaster recovery efforts
Read more2022
Relentless climate change and its impact on heat-ravaged mothers and newborns in Pakistan
Propelled by climate change, extreme heat has deepened Pakistan's maternal health crisis, leading to alarming increases in maternal and newborn deaths. By exploring the link between extreme heat and maternal well-being, we are amplifying women's concerns. Through groundbreaking formative research with 16 pregnant and postpartum women in Shikarpur District, Sindh, who endured catastrophic flooding as well as a deadly 2022 heatwave, we have been able to map the devastating impact of extreme temperatures on maternal and newborn health.
Read more2021-2022
From Allocation to Utilization: Budgetary Analysis of Family Planning Resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In 2021-22, FWDR embarked on a transformative journey to bolster family planning (FP) resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Recognizing the critical role of the public sector in provision of FP services, FWDR advocated tirelessly for increased budget allocation, a need exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Collaborating with the Population Welfare Department and Health Services Academy (HSA), we spearheaded an advocacy campaign that not only identified crucial trends and barriers in fund allocation, release and utilization but also raised awareness and support across civil society, academia, and media. This concerted effort resulted in a remarkable 200% increase in FP commodity procurement and a 105% boost in FP budget usage for Fiscal Year 2021-22, alongside the development of an implementation framework for the KP Reproductive Healthcare Rights Act 2020. FWDR's journey exemplifies its commitment to enhancing FP services and ensuring their effective utilization for the betterment of the population. Additionally, FWDR developed an innovative app for real-time tracking of family planning services, further enhancing its impact and reach in the region.
2021
Aaghaz: Premarital Counselling for Healthier Beginnings
An essential tool for helping to provide timely guidance and screening for genetic disorders, guide fertility behaviours and to educate couples about their rights and responsibilities, particularly in view of the country's high population growth rate, premarital counselling in Pakistan is all the more significant due to its inclusion in the Action Plan (2019-24) approved by the Council of Common Interest (CCI). In collaboration with the Population Planning Wing (PPW) of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MNHSR&C) and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), we developed Aghaaz, a pioneering counselling model based on a multi-touchpoint sensitization approach designed to offer comprehensive premarital/marital counselling in Pakistan. Advocating a holistic approach by leveraging insights from extensive primary and secondary research and consultative meetings with reproductive health experts, Aghaaz strives to meet the diverse needs of young couples and to ensure effective counselling across the board.
Read more2021-2022
Midwives’ Voices, Midwives’ Demands Campaign (MVMD)
Expanding on the success of the What Women Want Campaign, White Ribbon Alliance launched a groundbreaking "Midwives’ Voices, Midwives’ Demand" (MVMD) initiative with the aim to highlight the challenges encountered by midwives in delivering high-quality care to women and babies. The campaign engaged approximately 56,000 midwives across 101 countries. In Pakistan we mobilized 6,145 midwives from 14 districts. Through an Ask-Listen-Act approach, we actively solicited input from midwives, facilitated discussions with stakeholders, and advocated for their demands to be heard by policymakers. Data collected was compiled into an online dashboard, providing evidence for policymakers to address midwives' demands and ensure quality healthcare provision, even in remote regions.
Read more2020
Safeguarding resource allocations for Maternal, Newborn Child Health & Family Planning programs in times of crisis
With the onset of COVID-19, we became concerned that government funding, primarily allocated to other health programs, would be diverted to pandemic response activities and rehabilitation efforts. We felt that this would exacerbate maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly in view of the heightened vulnerability of women during such crises. Collaborating with the Health Service Academy (HSA), we developed an advocacy tool to provide guidance and a framework for ensuring that Maternal, Newborn, Child Health (MNCH) resources remained unaffected by COVID-19 response allocations. We shared our tool with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure that services for MNCH and FP needs are safeguarded and not compromised during emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Read more2020
Reimagining White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan as ‘Forum for Safe Motherhood (FSM)’
In a strategic step forward, we rebranded as the Forum for Safe Motherhood (FSM), formerly White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan, to adapt to the urgent needs of MNCH in Pakistan. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, we modernized our operations and expanded our scope to enhance effectiveness. This strategic move allows us to initiate new projects focused on improving MNCH outcomes in Pakistan.
2019
Preventing Maternal Mortality
Amid Pakistan's challenges in achieving healthcare-related MDGs, especially in maternal health, the drive to meet subsequent targets in the SDGs grew stronger. The WHO's "Strategies towards Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM)" report of 2015 emphasized the urgency of addressing maternal mortality within a broader social context.To capitalize on this, we partnered with NIPS and WHO to organize Pakistan's National Dialogue on EPMM. This gathering aimed to identify action priorities, integrate social determinants into policies, and advocate for better maternal health. During the dialog, we identified Pakistan's top (03) EPMM priorities and facilitated the formation of National and Provincial EPMM Technical Advocacy and Accountability Groups (TAAGs). Additionally, we conducted a Landscape Analysis of EPMM to assess the implementation status of EPMM nationwide
Read more2018-2019
Women Wants to Women Wins
With the mission to flip the script, empowering women and girls to define their own needs rather than to choose from narrow preset options and recognizing them as the true experts of their own lives, the WRA launched a pioneering global campaign ‘What Women Want’. Over 1.3 million responses from 114 countries shaped the campaign's focus, transforming demands into victories. In Pakistan, we gathered 250,000 responses from 20 districts to ensure diverse representation of needs. Engaging high-level champions and utilizing an AI-powered dashboard, we provided policymakers with crucial evidence to drive healthcare improvements. Our advocacy efforts led to inclusion of listening sessions in Family Planning 2030 roadmap in Sindh and increased financial resources allocation for FP in both Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These demands remain central to our future advocacy, ensuring tangible improvements for women and girls in Pakistan
Read more2018
Ensuring respectful and dignified maternal care as a human right
Amidst the hustle and bustle of healthcare facilities, pregnant women's journeys are often marred by mistreatment from care providers. Our research uncovered various forms of mistreatment, from abandonment to verbal abuse, fueled by accountability gaps and inadequate training. To address this urgent issue, we launched a targeted campaign advocating for Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) based on human rights principles. Through diverse communication channels, we raised awareness and garnered political support for legislation and policies. Our efforts led to the adoption of the RMC Charter by Health Care Commissions in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, integrating RMC into patient rights charters and improving health worker training curricula.
Read more2015-2018
Battling Maternal Anemia in Sindh for Healthier Mothers
In our ongoing MNCH mission, we teamed up with local partners like HSA and SOGP. Together, we pinpointed critical issues, including malnutrition among women of childbearing age, impacting maternal and newborn health. To tackle this, we launched the MASS campaign, specifically targeting rising maternal anemia rates in Sindh. We advocated for government action on supplementation and better counseling for healthcare providers, 26% rise in Sindh’s Health budget, resulting in 100,000 signed petitions and integration of nutrition messages into high school curricula. Additionally, a $62 million government nutrition project was launched. Through initiatives like Citizens’ Hearings and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including the Girl Guides Association of Pakistan, we've effectively championed our MASS campaign.
Read more2011-2014
Saving Mothers’ Lives Initiative
With funding secured from Research and Advocacy Fund under the Department for International Development (DFID), we initiated the groundbreaking 'Saving Mother’s Life' project in Pakistan. This pioneering effort targets the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality in the country. Despite ample research supporting magnesium sulfate as the primary treatment, challenges such as lack of demand, interrupted availability, and policy obstacles hindered its use. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals and stakeholders, we developed desk reviews, policy briefs, guidelines and specialized training modules. Our advocacy efforts resulted in the adoption of guidelines prioritizing magnesium sulfate as the main treatment for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
Read more2009-2010
Catalyzing endorsement of Maternal, Newborn Child Health and Family Planning best practices in Pakistan
With fresh insights from the Bangkok conference on Scaling up MNCH & FP Best Practices, we convened a 2-day Policy Seminar on scaling-up MNCH and FP best practices in Pakistan in Pakistan. This culminated in the signing of the historic Karachi Declaration by representatives from various governmental bodies, donor agencies, and development partners. The declaration marks a substantial commitment to scaling up 10 effective MNCH-FP practices. Its impact is profound, broadening the scope of MNCH to encompass FP and post-abortion care, while also advancing MNCH-FP practices across Pakistan.
Read more2009
Signified Birth spacing in Family Planning
Under the aegis of White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) and funding made possible with a grant by the Packard Foundation, we produced two Position Papers and a video documentary titled "MOHABBTAIN," highlighting the importance of birth spacing within Family Planning initiatives. Additionally, with WRAP support, the Pakistani delegation was able to participate in the International Scaling up of Maternal, Newborn Child Healthcare (MNCH) & Family Planning (FP) Best Practices conference in Bangkok, Thailand. This enabled Pakistan to customize its action plan for scaling MNCH & FP programs to meet specific indicators and national goals, ensuring the spread of best practices throughout the healthcare system.
Read more2007
Establishment of the White Ribbon Alliance Chapter-WRAP (Pakistan)
Our collective commitment to maximizing our impact and drawing upon the resources and expertise of the global network to advocate for the health of women and newborns led us to the establishment of the White Ribbon Alliance Chapter (WRAP) Pakistan. Since our integration into the global White Ribbon Alliance movement, we have played an instrumental role in advancing the health of women and newborns.
2006
Revolutionizing the landscape of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) in Pakistan
Our Mother Newborn and Child Health advocacy hit a turning point when we opposed the Ministry of Health's plan for a medical tower in Islamabad for medical tourism. Instead, as Safe Motherhood advocates, we advocated for diversion of these resources to MNCH programs, addressing critical healthcare gaps in Pakistan. This led to the first-ever International Public Health Conference prioritizing MNCH in 2006, where the Prime Minister signed the Islamabad Declaration. This paved the way for Pakistan's USD 350 million National MNCH Program, still in operation today.
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