Right To Play’s “What Works 2” project in Karachi, Pakistan: A whole school approach to preventing violence against women and girls

The following is part of a series of case studies from CanWaCH partners demonstrating how the thoughtful use of data can inform better policy and programming to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in different contexts. Learn more about data opportunities in responding to GBV in this blog post.

Right To Play is implementing the What Works 2 project in Karachi, Pakistan, using a whole school approach to create lasting attitudinal shifts among adolescents aged 11-14. The project focuses on Play-Based Life Skills Education to prevent gender-based violence. 

A key component of the project is the use of the Gendered Political Economy Analysis (GPEA), a vital data collection tool that guides the development of context-specific, transformative interventions. These interventions are designed to engage policymakers and stakeholders effectively, helping to shape policies and ensure sustained progress in addressing gender inequalities and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The GPEA plays an essential role in shaping the project’s understanding in the following key areas:

1. Assessing the scale of SGBV in Pakistan

The GPEA provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to SGBV. By analyzing gendered disparities and power dynamics within economic and political systems, the GPEA helps quantify the prevalence and scale of SGBV. It also identifies populations most at risk and highlights why they are vulnerable, considering their socio-economic status, political representation and access to resources.

2. Guiding the development of policies and programs

GPEA data helps policymakers understand the root causes and structural factors contributing to SGBV. This insight is crucial for designing targeted interventions and policies that address both the symptoms and underlying causes of violence. The GPEA reveals disparities and needs, enabling the prioritization of resources and ensuring that interventions are being implemented where they are most needed.

3. Monitoring advancements

Regular analysis using the GPEA helps track changes in gendered economic and political inequalities over time. This monitoring process can reveal whether policies and programs are effectively reducing SGBV or if adjustments are needed. The data also serves to evaluate the impact of specific interventions, providing evidence on what works and what does not work in improving gender equality and reducing violence.

4. Identifying gaps in SGBV strategies

The GPEA helps identify gaps in current strategies by highlighting areas where gender inequalities persist or where existing interventions may be inadequate. It provides a feedback loop for refining and improving SGBV strategies based on empirical evidence and evolving socio-political dynamics.

5. Recommendations for action

Based on the GPEA findings and the priorities identified by stakeholders, several comprehensive recommendations have been made to address and prevent violence against women and girls at various levels: government, household, community, educational institutions and national advocacy. Addressing these issues requires sustained, multi-faceted efforts, including:

• Developing gender-responsive policies;
• Creating targeted training programs for educators and health professionals; 
• Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks; 
• Investing in public engagement and media programs to promote gender equality;
• Building partnerships with political leaders and relevant Ministries;
• Encouraging religious madrassas to support non-violence; 
• Fostering women’s leadership in School Management Committees; 
• Providing psycho-social support and mental health counseling for survivors of SGBV.

By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, educational and health institutions can play a key role in advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls.

Moving forward

Using the data and insights from the GPEA findings, Right To Play Pakistan will develop a national strategy in coordination with other regional organizations to prevent gender-based violence. The organization will also advocate for the strengthening of legal frameworks to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, aiming for long-term systemic change.

For more information: [email protected]