Two-Day Capacity Building Workshop in Lahore on Advancing Social Inclusion for Vulnerable Groups
In Pakistan, civil society organizations (CSOs) are essential in advocating for human rights and the well-being of marginalized communities. However, the needs and rights of older people and persons with disabilities have often been overlooked. Limited support services such as healthcare liaisons and care facilities are available, but the unique challenges these groups face are still not sufficiently addressed in many initiatives.
To help bridge this gap, FAID Pakistan organized a Two-Day Capacity Building Workshop on February 11-12, 2025, in Lahore.
The workshop focused on the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities in civil society programmes and policies. Over the two days, 12 civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Pakistan came together to explore how they can play a greater role in addressing the needs of these vulnerable communities.
This workshop wasn’t just about learning new concepts—it was an opportunity for participants to dive deep into the issues that matter most and develop actionable strategies for change. With discussions, interactive sessions, and collaborative activities, the workshop empowered these organizations to better advocate for the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities.
Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive Action
FAID has long recognized the gap in civil society’s focus on ageing and disability inclusion. As part of its ongoing work, FAID has sensitized more than 40 CSOs and NGOs across Pakistan, bringing them under the Buzurg Dost Network (BDN) at national and provincial levels. This network is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the rights of older people and persons with disabilities, the legal protections available to them, and how civil society can drive real, sustainable change.
Through this network, CSOs are not only learning to integrate the needs of older people and persons with disabilities into their existing programs but are also being equipped to advocate for age-friendly and inclusive policies. FAID’s approach emphasizes the importance of building local capacity so that these efforts continue long after the workshop ends.
A Need for Advocacy and Policy Change
Despite the significant work done by many CSOs in Pakistan, there is still no national organization focused solely on advocating for the rights of older people and persons with disabilities. FAID is stepping in to fill that gap. By supporting CSOs through initiatives like this workshop, FAID is ensuring that the voices of these vulnerable groups are heard, and their rights are actively defended. These organizations now have the knowledge and tools to influence policy change and push for more inclusive approaches in all areas of society.
The workshop focused on the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities in civil society programmes and policies. Over the two days, 12 civil society organizations (CSOs) from Lahore came together to explore how they can play a greater role in addressing the needs of these vulnerable communities.
This workshop wasn’t just about learning new concepts—it was an opportunity for participants to dive deep into the issues that matter most and develop actionable strategies for change. With discussions, interactive sessions, and collaborative activities, the workshop empowered these organizations to better advocate for the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities.
Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive Action
FAID has long recognized the gap in civil society’s focus on aging and disability inclusion. As part of its ongoing work, FAID has sensitized more than 40 CSOs and NGOs across Pakistan, bringing them under the Buzurg Dost Network (BDN) at national and provincial levels. This network is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the rights of older people and persons with disabilities, the legal protections available to them, and how civil society can drive real, sustainable change.
Through this network, CSOs are not only learning to integrate the needs of older people and persons with disabilities into their existing programs but are also being equipped to advocate for age-friendly and inclusive policies. FAID’s approach emphasizes the importance of building local capacity so that these efforts continue long after the workshop ends.
A Need for Advocacy and Policy Change
Despite the significant work done by many CSOs in Pakistan, there is still no national organization focused solely on advocating for the rights of older people and persons with disabilities. FAID is stepping in to fill that gap. By supporting CSOs through initiatives like this workshop, FAID is ensuring that the voices of these vulnerable groups are heard, and their rights are actively defended. These organizations now have the knowledge and tools to influence policy change and push for more inclusive approaches in all areas of society.
Insights from Expert Speakers
The workshop featured three expert speakers who shared their invaluable knowledge on the inclusion of older people and persons with disabilities. Syed Sajjad Hussain, Program Coordinator at FAID, kicked off the event by guiding participants through the concept of vulnerable groups and the critical need for social inclusion. He emphasized how addressing the unique challenges of older people and persons with disabilities must be a priority in every program and initiative.
Next, Muhammad Bilal, Advocacy Officer at FAID Pakistan, led a session on policies affecting vulnerable groups in Punjab. He offered an overview of the current legal frameworks and highlighted areas where CSOs can play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes that better protect these groups.
Finally, Shahzado Khaskheli, Head of Programs at FAID Pakistan, provided insights into how demographic shifts and legal considerations are impacting social inclusion. He explained how changes in population dynamics affect vulnerable communities and why legal protections are essential to safeguarding their rights.
Building a Sustainable Impact
At its core, this workshop was about creating long-term change. It wasn’t just about discussing challenges—it was about taking real, tangible steps toward inclusion. FAID’s goal is to ensure that the needs of older people and persons with disabilities are not an afterthought, but central to every CSO’s mission and agenda. By strengthening the capacity of these organizations, FAID is helping them create sustainable, inclusive programs that benefit all members of society.
Moving forward, FAID will continue to support the Buzurg Dost Network (BDN) and its members, ensuring that the lessons learned from this workshop translate into lasting impact. This initiative is more than just a project—it is part of a broader movement to transform Pakistan into a society where older people and persons with disabilities are respected, protected, and included.
A Bright Future for All
We are proud of the steps taken during this workshop and the positive impact it will have on our work with civil society organizations across the country. FAID is committed to building a future where older people and persons with disabilities are not left behind. With the dedication of our partners and the passionate work of the civil society organizations involved, we can ensure a more inclusive and accessible future for all.
We want to thank all the facilitators, speakers, and participants who made this workshop a success. Your commitment to inclusion is what will ultimately create lasting change for these vulnerable communities.
