The SHARP-Women Capacity-Building Programme for Young Women Lawyers on Human Rights, Gender-Responsive Justice and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) successfully concluded at the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA), Islamabad, marking the completion of an intensive five-day journey of learning, reflection, practical engagement and professional development.
The final day began with an interactive reflection and feedback session led by Mr. Aatif Afzal, Project Director, SHARP-Pakistan, where participating women lawyers shared their experiences, key learnings and reflections from across the five-day programme.
The first session was conducted by Ms. Huma Aziz, Project Manager, SHARP Pakistan, on Community Legal Awareness & Public Speaking. Participants explored community-outreach methodologies, legal-literacy approaches and ways to engage communities and youth in rights-based advocacy. A practical public-speaking exercise enabled participants to prepare and deliver short speeches, exchange peer feedback and present their messages before the wider group — strengthening their confidence and communication skills.
The second session was led by Ms. Saira Abbas, Project Manager, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), on “Children on the Move: Child Protection at the Border & Tech-Facilitated Trafficking.”
The session examined the heightened vulnerability of children at borders to exploitation, abuse, trafficking and family separation. Participants discussed the responsibility of relevant authorities to identify children in need of protection and ensure access to safe reception, shelter, healthcare, food and legal assistance.
The discussion also highlighted the growing importance of digital safety and awareness, enabling children to recognize grooming, scams, suspicious online contacts and other technology-facilitated risks linked to trafficking and exploitation. Documentary footage presented during the session provided a powerful insight into the realities faced by children during dangerous border crossings, reinforcing the urgent need for stronger child-protection systems, safer migration pathways and coordinated efforts to prevent trafficking.
Closing Ceremony
The completion of the five-day programme marked an important milestone in SHARP-Women’s vision of strengthening women’s leadership within the justice sector.
Mr. Syed Liaqat Banori, Chairman SHARP, appreciated the successful completion of the programme with the support of the Federal Judicial Academy and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. He expressed his gratitude to both institutions and acknowledged the dedication and efforts of the SHARP team. Reflecting on the transformation the programme aimed to inspire, he remarked:
“Lawyers came as lawyers and went back as leaders.”
Mr. Arno Kirchhof, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, appreciated the Chairman’s remarks and encouraged participants to contribute to the rule of law and civil rights, emphasizing that meaningful change can begin with small but consistent steps. He also appreciated the participants’ commitment, hard work and dedication throughout the programme.
Mr. Hayat Ali Shah, Director General, Federal Judicial Academy, expressed his honour and happiness at being part of the occasion and appreciated SHARP for successfully achieving the objectives of the programme. He thanked the participating women lawyers and encouraged them to continue supporting human rights, justice and the rule of law.
Following the successful completion of the programme, training certificates were awarded to all participating women lawyers, recognizing their active participation, commitment and successful completion of the five-day capacity-building journey.
The ceremony also featured a special exchange of commemorative shields in recognition of institutional collaboration and support. Chairman SHARP, Mr. Syed Liaqat Banori, presented a shield to Mr. Hayat Ali Shah, Director General FJA, who reciprocated by presenting shields to Chairman SHARP Syed Liaqat Banori, CEO SHARP Mr. Mudassar Javed, and Mr. Arno Kirchhof, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
SHARP also presented shields in appreciation of the valuable support and contributions of:
🔹 Ms. Samina Iqbal, Additional Director-IT, FJA
🔹 Mr. Syed Muhammad Haroon, Director Instructions-I, FJA
🔹 Mr. Amir Munir, Director Instructions-II, FJA
🔹 Mr. Jehanzeb Shinwari, Senior Director (Administration & Finance), FJA
SHARP Pakistan extends its sincere appreciation to the Federal Judicial Academy and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany for their valuable support and collaboration in making this programme possible.
Most importantly, SHARP congratulates all 25 participating young women lawyers on completing this transformative learning journey and taking another step towards becoming confident advocates, ethical legal professionals and future leaders committed to human rights, gender-responsive justice, protection and the rule of law.
Five days of learning. One shared vision. A new generation of women leaders for justice.
