Two-Day Workshop on Implementing the Home-Based Workers (HBWs) Policy in Sindh

HomeNet Pakistan held a two-day workshop on June 29–30, 2016, at Hotel Marriott, Karachi, to discuss practical strategies for implementing the Home-Based Workers (HBWs) Policy in Sindh. The event brought together representatives from
government departments, civil society, labor unions, and development organizations to work on formalizing HBWs through legal reforms, institutional support, social protection, and economic opportunities. Recommendations included setting up a Directorate for Informal Workers, revising labor laws, issuing social security cards, improving market access, and supporting the ratification of relevant international Labor conventions. The workshop was a significant step toward securing the rights and recognition of informal workers in Sindh.

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Tripartite Workshop on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Issues

On December 1, 2015, HomeNet Pakistan, in collaboration with GIZ, organized a Tripartite Workshop on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at Park Lane Hotel, Lahore. The workshop brought together government officials, trade unions, civil society, and informal workers—particularly women, to address critical OSH issues. Key presentations highlighted the lack of legislation, poor awareness, and severe health impacts faced by informal workers, with 72% of women reporting work-related health problems. Experts emphasized the economic benefits of investing in OSH and called for the formulation of laws, awareness campaigns, and improved data systems. The event concluded with a strong call for the adoption of national and provincial OSH policies, ratification of ILO Conventions C-183 and C-187, and a commitment to continued collaborative action

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Women’s Economic Empowerment and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

Pakistan Stakeholder Consultation Workshop

The Pakistan Stakeholders Workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), held on 17 August 2016 in Lahore and organized by HomeNet Pakistan, brought together over 40 representatives from government, civil society, academia, and media. Part of a UK Aid-funded multi-country research initiative led by IMC Worldwide, University of Portsmouth, and ICRW, with local partners like LUMS and HomeNet, the project explores how economic empowerment intersects with and impacts gender-based violence. The research in Pakistan spans diverse communities—home-based workers in Lahore, middle-class professionals in Islamabad, and women in Lyari, Karachi—using surveys, interviews, and ethnographic methods. Key speakers, including Justice (R) Nasira Iqbal and Mr. Irfan Mufti, highlighted cultural, legal, and economic drivers of violence, while lead researcher Ms. Fatima Ihsaan presented the feminist methodology guiding the study. Government officials shared key reforms like the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016 and the Gender Parity Report, while civil society alliances such as AAWAZ and MUMKIN emphasized grassroots advocacy and support services. The workshop concluded with plans to form a Country Advisory Forum to guide research uptake and policy action, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts to end violence and promote women’s rights and economic inclusion in Pakistan.

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HomeNet Pakistan is a network organizations formed to raised awareness about the working conditions of Home Based women workers who comprise 70% of informal workforce behind the country economic activities.

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