Aawaz II forum champions inclusive community change in KP

Aawaz II, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by the British Council brought together over 100 community voices, civil society organizations, and government representatives for a two-day Learning Forum in collaboration with the Provincial Partner, Omer Asghar Khan Development Foundation (OAKDF). The event promoted sustainability of community engagement, social inclusion, and behavioural change.

The forum was inaugurated by Qasim Ali Shah, Minister for Social Welfare, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and opened with an engaging experience-sharing session where participants shared stories from the field. Participants included Aawaz II field teams, Village Forum members, Resource Persons, Aawaz Change Agents, District Forum members, and other community leaders who spoke candidly about the challenges they had tackled and the progress made in making their communities more inclusive and just.

“The voices from the field are the heartbeat of this programme. Their lived experiences shape our strategy and guide us towards inclusive development,” said Dr Yasmin Zaidi, Team Lead of Aawaz II, during her opening remarks.

Over the two days, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions designed to deepen the impact of community-led change. Discussions explored how grassroots volunteerism can drive lasting transformation, the importance of inclusive leadership, particularly for transgender persons, women, persons with disabilities, and minority groups, and how to build stronger connections between communities and institutions through tools such as service information corners and direct dialogue. A standout session on laws, policies, and budgets featured policy experts Rukhshanda Naz and Waqas Paracha, who led an informative session on public accountability and making governance more inclusive.

The event provided a platform for participants to showcase best practices, reflect on successes, and strategise for the future. Community members, such as Farzand Masih, Sajila Bibi, and Rani, shared moving testimonies about how Aawaz II support has empowered their leadership in local decision-making spaces.

From inclusion to leadership, this Forum is a powerful reminder that change begins in communities,” said Rashida Dohad, Executive Director of OAKDF and KP Strategic Lead for Aawaz II.

Wazir Zada, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs, reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring no voice is left behind. Omrah Khan, Additional Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, praised Aawaz II and its partners for their work in strengthening grassroots movements for inclusion and equality. Their remarks reinforced the collective responsibility of institutions, civil society, and communities to sustain and scale social change across KP.

Also read: Aawaz II and SNG Convene Provincial Consultation on Inclusive Budgeting