Issues We Address
Baloch Women Forum (BWF) is dedicated to addressing critical issues impacting Baloch women,
Who We Are
Baloch women face severe socio-political challenges, including gender-based violence, lack of education and healthcare access, and exclusion from decision-making roles. These issues stem from deep-rooted cultural barriers, systemic discrimination, and political oppression.
Key Challenges
Gender-Based Violence
Women in Balochistan are frequently subjected to honor killings, domestic abuse, and other forms of violence with little to no legal protection.
Healthcare Neglect
Maternal and reproductive health services are severely lacking, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates.
Educational Barriers
Many girls are deprived of basic education due to cultural restrictions and the lack of schools in remote areas.
Political and Social Exclusion
Women are underrepresented in leadership roles, making it difficult to influence policy changes.
BWF’s Efforts
Organizing awareness programs and workshops on women’s rights.
Advocating for better educational opportunities for Baloch girls.
Supporting victims of gender-based violence through legal assistance and psychological counseling.
Encouraging women to participate in activism and politics..
Example
BWF has hosted several women-led protests to demand justice for victims of honor killings and gender discrimination. They also actively campaign for equal access to education for girls in Balochistan.
Enforced Disappearances and Their Impact on Women
One of the most pressing human rights crises in Balochistan is the enforced disappearances of men, women, and even children. Thousands of people have gone missing over the years, leaving families devastated and without answers. Women, in particular, bear the emotional, social, and economic burden of these disappearances.
How Enforced Disappearances Affect Women
Emotional Trauma
Many Baloch women have lost their husbands, brothers, or sons, leaving them in a state of constant distress and uncertainty.
Financial Hardship
With their primary breadwinners missing, women are often left struggling to provide for their families.
Social Stigma
In conservative communities, widowed or abandoned women face social isolation and discrimination.
Legal Struggles
Families are often denied justice, as legal systems fail to acknowledge these disappearances.
BWF’s Role in Advocacy
Organizing sit-ins and protests to demand justice for missing persons.
Raising awareness through seminars, social media campaigns, and international appeals.
Providing mental health support for women affected by enforced disappearances.
Documenting case studies and survivor testimonies to pressure authorities for action.
Example
In Awaran, BWF hosted a seminar on enforced disappearances, where women shared their personal experiences of losing loved ones. The event saw significant participation and highlighted the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.
Call to Action
BWF encourages individuals and organizations to join the fight for Baloch women’s rights and justice for missing persons. Here’s how you can help:
Spread awareness by sharing stories and posts on social media. Support BWF’s campaigns by attending events and protests. Donate to legal funds assisting victims’ families. Reach out to human rights organizations to amplify these issues internationally.