The panel discussion on “Panel Discussion on Disability Inclusion and GBV Services” was organized by the UNFPA and STEP on 09 December 2022 in Islamabad. The event was chaired by the Ex Federal Minister and current NCSW chairperson Madam Nilofer Bakhtiar, along with deputy UNFPA, Amina Beg SP, and Hassan Abbas. The audience was particularly noteworthy, as it included a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector, as well as persons with disabilities and their families.
The panel discussion focused on the challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare and preventing and addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues. The speakers highlighted the importance of inclusion and accessibility in healthcare and GBV prevention and response, and discussed ways to improve access for persons with disabilities. They also emphasized the need for data collection and analysis to better understand the needs and rights of persons with disabilities, and for the development of policies and programs that are inclusive and responsive to these needs.
The audience actively participated in the discussion, sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the issues at hand. There were also a number of questions and suggestions for how to improve access to healthcare and GBV prevention and response for persons with disabilities. Overall, the panel discussion was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together and discuss the issues facing persons with disabilities, and to develop strategies for addressing these issues.
