NDMA and UNFPA convened the first Gender Based Violence Sub-Working Group meeting of 2026, bringing together more than 50 humanitarian partners from government departments, UN agencies and civil society organisations to focus on GBV response in disaster preparedness and emergency settings.

Participants reviewed strategies to strengthen prevention, mitigation and survivor-centered response, with an emphasis on integrating gender-responsive and community-sensitive approaches into humanitarian action. The meeting highlighted the need for clear coordination among agencies to ensure services reach those most at risk during crises.

Dr Gulnara Kadyrkulova, UNFPA Deputy Representative, underscored the importance of prioritising sexual and reproductive health and GBV response services in emergencies, stressing that SRH availability and survivor-centered care are essential components of effective disaster response planning.

The sub-working group is intended to reinforce collaboration across national disaster preparedness mechanisms and humanitarian partners so that GBV response is embedded in contingency planning and emergency operations, enhancing protection for vulnerable communities across Pakistan.