I am a mental health professional working with staff, children, communities, hospitals and clinic in various settings. I am well versed in several counselling techniques and have a compassionate approachable demeanor. My work and career focus on the mental health and psychosocial support needs of individuals and communities affected by humanitarian emergencies and disasters. Experience in working with survivors of torture, rape, war trauma, SGBV, tsunami, earthquake, cyclone, IDP, refugees, and families of missing persons. Centrality of protection technical guidance on GBV risk mitigation into actionable programme interventions and ensure humanitarian programming is safe and accessible for women, Adolescent girls, children, and other at risk groups. This work includes making certain that frontline humanitarian workers are able to respond to CP concern, GBV, including SEA, disclosures in a non-stigmatizing and compassionate manner.
Conceptualize and execute program vision from start to finish, managing complex milestones while adapting to changes and shifting priorities. Proven expertise developing and implementing MHPSS, CP Protection programs strategically, coordination and collaboration with donors, UN, Member states, and diverse stakeholders at regional and global, proposal/report writing, Strategic partnership, conducting research assessment, overseeing emergency preparedness training, and documenting findings. I am passionate to work for the protection and promotion of human rights and contribute to bringing positive changes in behaviours as well as policies that human rights are respected and protected.
Rosters UNV, UNDP, WHO, MHPSS-DSS, NRC, CANADEM, Affiliation ANZMH association, Pakistan Psychological Association Membership
Career Contributions
Played a stellar role in implementing program, improving quality, and raising fund of millions of dollars
International Speaker on Centrality of Protection in humanitarian response at CP Alliance Global annual meeting, June 2023 self initiative mental health
Gender Power Gap analysis funding secured and lead GAP analysis for country program 2023
Contributed to the Global MHPSS MSP initiative led by Global UNHCR MHPSS Lead, 2023
International Speaker on GESI consideration in health rehabilitation system at Global 7th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research global conference, 2022, Bogota, Colombia. Technical support to GESI consortium member of Ukraine and Uganda Health system Rehabilitation
Safeguarding initiatives for Protection CP Programming. Provided tailored technical guidance to PSEA staff at country level on development, implementation, and monitoring of PSEA action plans.
Contributed to development of GBV Preparedness Response Plan for GBV Sub cluster, KP, 2018
Gender Network for IDP was formally notified by Child Protection and Welfare Commission Government Department Peshawar, GNI is a subgroup of District Coordination Working Group, District Bannu. Gender sensitive hygiene kit was formally endorsed by Provincial Disaster Management Authority Peshawar. This kit is now considered a standardized hygiene kit, 2014.
International Experience Volunteer
Ambassador EGAC- (Volunteer) / ASDD and Politics4Her Europe July 2024 onward
To increase global awareness End Gender Apartheid Campaign, advocating for international condemnation, driven by a commitment to gender equality and social justice, contribute to article and social media campaign
Publication https//endgenderapartheidinafghanistan.com/2024/09/23/human-rights-violation-and-impact-on-mental-health-with-special-reference-to-females-in-afghanistan/
Global CSCG for the GFF / CSCG CSO Asia Rep (Volunteer)/ June 2024 onward Coordination among the steering committee members on gender sensitive health financing, SRH and GBV integration, policy brief, TWG meeting
Program: Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems & Mental health– USAID
Role: To integrate rehabilitation and assistive technology services across all levels of care within health systems & Mental health integration, Develop Programs strategies with inclusive approaches by including gender, age and disability lens, Ensure technical support to program, Program development, Health & Gender equality & social inclusion esp. intersectional approach, TWG Meetings with 6 international consortiums (Johns Hopkins University, Melbourne University-Nossal institute for global health, UCP-Wheels for Humanity, Physiopedia, Miracle feet), liaison with WHO for inclusive health system esp. rehabilitation & AT devices in primary health care, multi-countries (Uganda, Ukraine & Myanmar) Research program, Develop GESI & Mental health analysis, strategy & Referral mechanism
Key Achievement: GESI situational analysis of health system was conducted and prepared GESI Action Plan, MIW Committee formed for advocacy & good practices esp. capture the voices of vulnerable group, built capacity of service providers and primary health care, To contribute in the development of E- Learning modules, conducted GESI assessment of stakeholders, developed cluster model & referral system at Swat & Jamshoro and contributed to provincial strategic plan. To support Ukraine and Uganda team on GESI component, MHPSS response plan
Honour and Award: My Research abstract as an oral presentation was acceptance by Global 7th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research committee conference. I also presented my abstract in HSR global conference, held on Oct 31 – Nov 4, 2022, at Bogota, Colombia.
Consultancy: A literature review of South Asia region and prepare brief analysis around identification of Safeguarding issues and child safeguarding issues especially PSEA / SEA; Prepared safeguarding questionnaire for country assessment survey to know the knowledge of organizations on safeguarding / PSEA.
The Mental health and substance abuse unit of the UHC/NCD department at the EHO office for the Eastern Mediterranean region in coordination with the concerned units at the HQ, regional office and country offices , provides technical support in coordinating, developing and monitoring initiatives in the area of Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS); development, adaptation and use of approaches, and interventions aimed at protection, promotion of mental health and prevention of Mental, Neurological and Substance use disorders through integration of mental health and substance abuse components in general health care and promoting intersectoral collaboration. The key role is to provide support to all stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programs and plans on mental health and psychosocial support based on the best available evidence and guided by the WHO, and IASC polices, position papers and strategies and guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support during emergencies and COVID 19 pandemic.
Key Achievements:
Provided technical oversight at proposal development, project reports, position paper, and mental health strategy, E-learning mental health packages & EMRO region MHPSS technical working group meetings like Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Palestine and Pakistan
Maintained smooth coordination with internal and external stakeholders for the smooth implementation of program activities during emergencies and COVID 19 pandemic;
Shared technical suggestions around that how can team ensure age, gender and diversity perspective in the program planning and implementation.
With direct day to day management and support from the LNGB Team Leader and technical supervision and support from the Senior Protection Coordinator and WPE Technical Advisor, the Women’s Protection and Empowerment Senior Manager will play a key role in implementation, providing technical support and guidance to relevant IRC and partner staff, and ensuring the delivery of quality WPE programming in project locations. She will be primarily responsible to support partners for the establishment of GBV service provision (GBV case management, PSS and networking for women and girls, and risk reduction activities) through safe spaces for girls and Girl Shine activities in Baluchistan. The position holder will ensure smooth transition of girls in safety, education and livelihoods outcomes and contribute to the overall accomplishment of the program’s goals and objective. She will support the LNGB Team Leader in external representation and donor relations activities, including through participation in the development of strategies and proposals and work closely with the Child Protection (CP) team both in country and at HQ in supporting adolescent girls and their caregivers. In addition, she will support and advise female caregivers to access women’s support groups and GBV response services.
• Coordinate and oversee the quality of project implementation, assure that annual targets for delivery and quality result indicator are timely met through coordination, liaising, review and monitoring of activities/events and implementation plan. Prepare and execute the project implementation plan and activities, make adjustments as necessary.
• Provide oversight and guidance to the project volunteers, network partner and project implementing partners on all related matters for smooth and successful implementation of the projects.
• Identify funding opportunities in areas of responsibilities
Achievement:
o Taking lead on Helath programe (GBV, Youth, SRHR &MNCH) & ensure social inclusion & GBV mainstreaming
Facilitated the Police reform initiative for democratic policing, improved Governance & Accountability system in Police system, improved mechanism in Human right cells in police station for GBV and violation against women incidents and promotion of SRHR.
o Designed social action plan for three phases of advocacy i.e. gross rote level, policy and intuitional level for the improving governance system of democratic policing,
o Conducted baseline and end line assessment on Social Exclusion and Gender Analysis & mainstreamed Marginalized groups especially Person with Disabilities & Minorities).
o Provided Technical backstopping to staff and partner organization to ensure social inclusion and Gender mainstreaming, strengthen Social accountability and strategy for prevention and response to GBV, promotion of SRHR.
o Taking lead on Health signature programme (MNCH, ASRHR & GBV) & incorporate social inclusion and gender, social accountability and resilience in ongoing work
Honour and award
Awarded certificate from Government department on Free and safe environment from open defecation.
Took lead as well strengthen Protection, GBV, MHPSS and Gender in Emergencies Reform initiative in KP & FATA in Pakistan.
Summary of achievement:
o Identified Protection and gender gaps and improved Protection and Safety framework for staff.
o Conducted rapid gender analysis and designed Gender Action Plan for 8 project to promote gender equality.
o Designed Protection and GBV Response Plan to eradicate the risk of violation of human rights especially women, children, person with special needs and older people.
o Ensured Social inclusion in humanitarian response.
o Developed Protection and Gender sensitive assessment tools.
o Contributed in the Institutional capacity building of partner’s organization and strengthening the system.
o Established and strengthen Referral mechanism for Protection, GBV and Child protection incidents and ensured documentation
o Managed and provided technical backstopping to various Partner Organizations, field staff, and various government department.
o Designed and roll out the Behavioural change communication strategy to improve health and wellbeing of communities.
o Provided technical input on Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation (PATS) approach.
o Delivered session on GBV, Protection and Gender mainstreaming in WASH Program for members of KP /FATA WASH cluster.
o Delivered training sessions on GBV Preparedness and Response, Gender in emergencies.
o Designed Gender Inclusive FATA Protocol and roll out in operational areas.
o Contributed in the development of GBV Preparedness plan for GBV Sub Cluster / UNFPA.
o Facilitated and provided technical backstopping and Ensured Protection, Gender, Disability, GBV and Child Protection mainstreaming in DRR and Climate Change, WASH, FSL, Health, MNCH and Education Programmes cross Pakistan.
o Facilitated and provided technical input in WASH Pre KAP,
Summary of achievement:
o Provided technical support in designing, planning & implementation of two projects CBHFA and Organizational Development esp. DRM.
o Ensured the Provision of technical support to partner staff in the baseline assessment.
o Ensured gender and protection mainstreaming in 2 project (Solar Power Pump – WASH, CBHFA (Community Based Health First Aid).
o Ensured smooth Coordination with Red Cross national Office to assure programmatic success and compliance with both the donor agreement and organization procedures and performance targets
o Ensured transparency and accountability in all programmes and follow humanitarian accountability principles and standards
o Ensured activity and financial reports are submitted to donors as well as monthly updates to national office
• Responsible for planning, implementation, financial management and follow-up of all projects, monitoring and evaluation, report writings, advocacy.
• Close coordination with partner organizations, government departments, NDMA, PDMA, DRR Forum, UN agencies, consultants, academia and consortium members for the smooth implantation of project
• Established coastal consortium with the collaboration of UNDP and UNESCO for Tsunami advocacy initiative
• Ensure gender mainstreaming in community-based DRR activities.
• Provide technical support to implementing partners staff as and when needed during field activities
• Identify the project technical needs at the on-going basis. Also take the lead role in providing/arranging technical support from the relevant consultants, advisors or institutions especially in key areas of disaster risk reduction and coastal hazards.
• Contribute effectively in the capacity of programme management; provide input to the mid- and end-year programme review process on issues related to project control and risk management.
Achievement:
o Designed and implemented the Gender action plan and ensured gender mainstreaming in the project.
o Contributed in the Institutional capacity building of partner’s organization and strengthen system.
o Designed and implemented capacity building plan for staff of the partner’s organization.
o Managed and provided technical backstopping to various Partner Organizations, field staff, DRR Forum, PDMA, DDMA and Academia.
o Facilitated the Installation of Tsunami Siren Pole – Early Warning System – Pasni Baluchistan with the collaboration of PDMA, PMD.
o Contributed in the successful launch of Asia Specific Tsunami Seminar.
o Participated and co facilitated the Tsunami consortium (UNESCO and UNDP) meetings.
Honours and Awards:
o To stop the violation and exploitation of human rights, quality initiative was taken and established Gender Network for IDPs(GNI)in District Bannu (August 2014) and formally notified by Child Protection and Welfare Commission Peshawar in December 2014. GNI has now become subgroup of District Coordination Working Group, District Bannu. The main purpose of this network was to improve humanitarian response coordination and accountability mechanism.
o Gender sensitive hygiene kit for IDPs was designed and formally endorsed by Provincial Disaster Management Authority Peshawar – KP, Pakistan (2014). This kit is now considered a standardized hygiene kit.
Summary of achievement:
o Provided technical input in WASH Pre & Post KAP as well FSL baseline and end line survey.
o Provided technical backstopping and Ensured Protection, Gender, GBV and Child Protection mainstreaming in WASH and FSL Projects across the KP.
o Designed Gender Inclusive field Protocol and roll out in operational areas.
o Identified Protection and gender gaps and improved Protection and Safety framework for organization staff.
o Designed Gender Action Plan to eradicate the risk and promotion of gender equality.
o Facilitated the team to identify and analyse gender-related protection issues and identify appropriate responses to reduce harm and increase the capacity to protect.
o Ensured Social and Disability inclusion in humanitarian response.
o Developed Protection and Gender sensitive assessment tools and Proposals for ensuring safe programming.
o Ensured the Improved Accountability Mechanism of Telecommunication Company.
o Ensured a fencing wall in collaboration with IRC organization in Jalozai camp to enhance the physical safety of IDP’s women and girls.
o Contribute in the Institutional capacity building of partner’s organization and strengthen system.
o 1200 IDPs out of school children were successfully enrolled in Government schools of District Bannu.
Achievement:
o Established and strengthen community-based Child Protection systems and improved coordination mechanism among District Government and CBOs resulting in the prevention and restoration of various child protection incidents.
o Co facilitated Child Protection Review Workshop on Existing Policies and Procedures and Child Protection KP Act 2010.
o Potential trainers were identified from concern CBOs and built capacity on child right programming, Gender sensitization and advocacy. Moreover, they also played vital role in the prevention or restoration of multiple child protection incidents.
o Community Driven Initiative (CDI) Schemes (Road construction, Water supply schemes, Bridges) were identified with the collaboration of CBOs, youth, women, Person with Disabilities and children.
o Ensured Disability inclusion, Protection, Gender, DRR and GBV mainstreaming in CDI schemes and Advocacy plans.
o Child Protection Advocacy Plans were successfully designed with the collaboration of CP committees / CBOs and roll out to create awareness around child rights, referral mechanism and case management.
o Behavioural change communication strategy was designed and roll out to improve the health and wellbeing of people.
o Designed and lead the integrated programme approach that result in reducing the rate of MNCH issues, birth registration, abuse, violence, discrimination and economic exploitation.
• Responsible to monitor budgets and ensure activities are in line with proposals and funds are used appropriately.
• Identified training needs (TNA), conducted training sessions for children, community members, committees, CPCs, DDMA, Social Welfare Department, Child Protection Unit and designed reports.
• Established and strengthen community-based DRR system in intervention areas
• Ensured gender and child protection mainstreaming in all activities of the project.
• Identification of child protection issues developed proper case management system and refer to concern authorities.
• Coordination meetings were conducted with multiple stakeholders for the smooth implementation of the project
• Facilitate and provide technical support to staff and Village Disaster Management Committees in conducting HVCA and development of village development plan / Preparedness Plan
• Distributed DRR Toolkit and DRR games in target communities
• Conducted drills with school children, children club and VDMCs for safety measures
• Organized events, exhibitions, and seminar and conducted training with the collaboration of field staff and active volunteer of communities.
• Provide regular and follow up support to communities, community mobilizers and field staff on CBDRR activities
Achievements:
o Designed and roll out capacity building plans (Child protection; UNHCR; Disaster risk management, Case management & Climate Change Adaptation) for Social Welfare Department, Child Protection Units, District Disaster Management Authority and VDM Committees.
o 20 Mock drills were conducted with members of children club, school going children and VDM Committees.
o 25 village development plan / Preparedness Plans were successfully designed with the collaboration of women and men village committees.
o 10 small mitigation plans were successfully designed and roll out in target areas.
o Ensured social inclusion and Gender mainstreaming in DRR Plans.
Job Location: Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur
Honour & Award: • Cluster Network of men and women was established in UC Ghazanfer Garh, District Muzaffargarh Pakistan (2012). Purpose of this network was to strengthen community-based child protection mechanism, improve basic services (Education, Health, and Food, Protection); prevention of Gender Based Violence issues and child protection incidents; strengthen coordination mechanism among child protection committees and District Government. Besides this network was also acknowledged by Allison Zelkowitz, Deputy Country Director, Program Development and Quality, Save the Children International and she shared with top management to include such type of quality initiative in all upcoming programmes. Key Achievements: o Established and strengthen community-based Child Protection systems and improved coordination mechanism among District Government and Communities members. o Established and strengthen Referral mechanism for Protection, GBV and Child protection cases and also ensured documentation. o More than 100 child marriages stopped with the collaboration of CPC Cluster network and children successfully completed their accelerated course and afterwards enrolled for formal education. o Counselling sessions were conducted with multiple parents and improved their parenting skills. o 395 children spell out from labour and enrolled in Learning and Development Centres and formal government schools. o 150 Individual counselling and group sessions were conducted to solve behavioural and emotional problems of vulnerable children, Youth, GBV Survivor, families and adults. o 25 Child Protection Advocacy Plans were successfully designed with the collaboration of CP committees and roll out to create awareness around child rights, referral mechanism and case management. o 25 Children clubs were formed and identified active children as trainers. They delivered sessions for children on self-awareness, child rights, Self-Protection, domestic, personal and environment
• Address Maladministration by Provincial agencies and handle individual complaints
• Study, Diagnose and Advice on systemic issues concerning Children’s Rights
• Awareness Raising on Children’s Rights Violations.
• Proactively bring Children’s voice in policy making arenas
• Provided psychosocial support to vulnerable children and maintained the database.
Achievement:
o Increased levels of awareness among children, parents and public.
• Conducted the psychological assessment of special children and made Individualized Educational Plans (IEP)
• Family counselling: Helped the parents to understand and manage a wide range of developmental and behavioural issues of their children in appropriate way
• Conducted individual and group session to enhance confidence, improve motor skills and remove shyness
• Responsible to monitor the performance of staff and provided on job support whenever required
Key Achievements
o Successfully handle the behavioural and developmental issues of 30 special children and designed tailored made treatment plan for them as well roll out.
• Regular field visit conducted with the collaboration of social unit to identify destitute and neglected children as well follow up for reunification
• Prepared social investigation report (SIR) of destitute and neglected children.
• Responsible to conduct an initial psychological assessment of destitute and neglected children and prepared detail case management plans as well.
• Provided psychosocial support to street children to heal up emotional and behavioural problems
• Conducted individual, and group session to enhance confidence, self-esteem and resolve multiple behavioural problems in the street children.
• Family counselling did whenever required.
• Worked with the collaboration of social, legal, medical and education unit respectively for the betterment of children
Summary of Achievements:
o Behavioural change communication strategy was designed and roll out to improve the health and wellbeing of parents and children.
o Counselling sessions were conducted with parents and children to improve their interpersonal skills, positive behaviours and around the life skills.
o Improved stress management skills of children.