On 13 January 2026, Dr. Luay Shabaneh, Country Representative UNFPA Pakistan, along with his team, visited the SBBWC as well as the Shelter Home and Helpline Center Quetta. During the visit, Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary, Women Development Department, briefed the delegation on the department’s efforts to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and proposed collaboration and partnership for upcoming women- and GBV-focused initiatives.
The Women Development Department, in partnership with SPO, has launched the Media Fellowship Program to strengthen media engagement on issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The initiative aims to raise awareness, sensitize policymakers, and help reduce under-reporting by promoting informed and responsible coverage, thereby contributing to GBV prevention across the province.
The Women Development Department, in partnership with SPO, has launched the Media Fellowship Program to strengthen media engagement on issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The initiative aims to raise awareness, sensitize policymakers, and help reduce under-reporting by promoting informed and responsible coverage, thereby contributing to GBV prevention across the province.
Quetta, 5th December, 2025
A provincial consultation was held in Quetta by SPO, UNFPA, and the Women Development Department to develop a comprehensive roadmap for preventing and responding to domestic violence in Balochistan. The session gathered key government departments, experts, and civil society representatives to outline priority actions for strengthening law implementation, survivor-centred services, and coordinated provincial mechanisms.
Lasbela, 4th December, 2025
The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan, organized a Women’s Food Gala and Meena Bazaar inaugurated by Secretary Women Development Balochistan, Ms. Saira Atta, alongside the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik Tareen. The event highlighted women’s skills, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, featuring stalls by local women and reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening women’s economic participation.
Quetta, 1st December, 2025
Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary, WDD distributed financial assistance cheques to deserving and skilled women entrepreneurs under the Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund. This initiative, aligned with the vision of the Chief Minister and Advisor WDD, aims to strengthen women’s economic inclusion through interest-free loans for skill-based businesses.
Quetta, 14 November, 2025
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Women Development Authority and UNFPA regarding measures and coordination against gender-based violence, as well as media fellowship and research.
Quetta, 14 November, 2025
A five-day training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was conducted, during which Secretary Women Development, Ms. Saira Atta Baloch, emphasized the Government of Balochistan’s commitment to working with relevant institutions to curb GBV and ensure strict legal action against offenders. UNFPA Balochistan Representative, Ms. Sadia Atta, also addressed the participants, highlighting GBV as a major global issue and stressing the need for joint, practical efforts by all stakeholders for its prevention. Certificates were distributed among the participants at the conclusion of the training.
Quetta, November 12, 2025:
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the Provincial Ombudsperson’s Directorate for Protection against Harassment, emphasizing stronger laws and active enforcement to ensure a safe and dignified work environment for women. He directed continued prosecution of harassment cases even after settlements, activation of anti-harassment committees, and full support to women reporting such cases. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and dignity.
20th, 21st and 22nd of October, 2025
The Women Development Department conducted written tests for the posts of Accountant (BPS-14), Assistant Computer Operator (BPS-12), and Social Worker (BPS-11) at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Centre & Shelter Home, Quetta, maintaining strict transparency and fairness throughout the process.
October, 03, 2025 Loralai
Advisor to Chief Minister on Women Development, Ms. Rubaba Khan Buledi, inaugurated the SBBWC & Shelter Home and Baby Day Care Center at Loralai, accompanied by Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary Women Development Department, and the Deputy Commissioner Loralai.
Hon’ble Advisor to CM, Ms Rubab Khan Buledi said “The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Centre & Shelter Home and Daycare Centre in Loralai stand as powerful proof of the Government of Balochistan dedication to women’s empowerment. These vital initiatives will provide a path for the welfare and advancement of women in Loralai, ensuring a better future for their lives, Insha’Allah”
September 15, 2025 Sibi
Deputy Commissioner Sibi, Major (R) Ilyas Kabzai, visited the Women’s Bazaar Sibi and appreciated the facilities and opportunities provided for women’s economic independence by the Women Development Department.
1st to 3rd September, 2025(Quetta)
The Women Development Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), successfully concluded a three-day training workshop on “Strengthening Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Case Management Environment in Balochistan”. The workshop focused on enhancing GBV prevention and response services and equipped relevant stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required for effective case management across the province.
27th August, 2025(Quetta)
An inauguration ceremony was held on 27th August, 2025 at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Quetta, wherein the Hon’ble Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, formally inaugurated the Balochistan Women Economic Empowerment Endowment Fund. The initiative marks a significant step towards promoting women’s economic inclusion and sustainable development in the province.
29th May, 2025 (Quetta)
Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of Balochistan, led a meeting with UNFPA & LAS to boost implementation of the Anti-Rape Act 2021. Focus: institutional coordination, victim support & justice. A working group will be formed for enforcement.
29th May, 2025 (Quetta)
Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of Balochistan, led a meeting with UNFPA & LAS to boost implementation of the Anti-Rape Act 2021. Focus: institutional coordination, victim support & justice. A working group will be formed for enforcement.
22nd July, 2025(Quetta)
Ms. Rubaba Buledi, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Women Development, visited the newly constructed building of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Centre & Shelter Home, as well as the Women Helpline 1089 and Women Bazar in Quetta.
29th May, 2025 (Quetta)
Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of Balochistan, led a meeting with UNFPA & LAS to boost implementation of the Anti-Rape Act 2021. Focus: institutional coordination, victim support & justice. A working group will be formed for enforcement.
29th May, 2025
The Women Development Department of Balochistan and Islamic Relief Pakistan signed an MoU to empower women through vocational training, legal aid, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Key signatories included Robina Zehri (Women Crisis Center) and Anwar Adil (Islamic Relief), with attendees such as Zafar Iqbal Shahwani and Rizwan Kasi. The partnership aims to enhance women’s socio-economic rights and self-reliance in Balochistan.
“A road safety awareness seminar was held at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Center & Shelter Home on 9th May, 2025, in collaboration with National Highways & Motorway Police.”
“The session focused on educating staff and attendees about traffic rules, emergency response, and the importance of adopting road safety practices.”
“Women Development Department, in collaboration with National Highways & Motorway Police, organized a one-day seminar on road safety awareness. on 8th May, 2025”
“Participants were briefed on the importance of traffic rules and emergency preparedness to ensure safer roads and empowered communities.”
National Highways & Motorways Police held a coordination meeting with Honorable Secretary Madam Saira Atta at Civil Secretariat Quetta, planning Road Safety Awareness Seminars for Women Development staff.
Madam Saira Atta appreciated NH&MP’s efforts in promoting women’s welfare through dedicated road safety initiatives and was presented with tokens of appreciation.
Inauguration Ceremony of newly constructed building of Women Center, Shelter, and Helpline, Quetta Held on 22nd April, 2025
UNFPA and the Women Development Department Balochistan, with support from the Government of the Netherlands, launched the GBV Case Management Capacity Building Initiative to strengthen ethical and comprehensive GBV response.
The Secretary WDD has formally signed a letter of commitment to collaborate with UNFPA for its implementation across the province.
Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy – Organized a special event organized by the Women Development Department in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan on 15 April 2025 at Sikandar Khan Jamali Auditorium, Civil Secretariat, Quetta. 
Honorable Madam Saira Atta (Secretary Women Development Department) inaugurated the Female Prayer Area today for the females of Civil Secretariat Quetta
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Women Development Department and the Prison Department regarding the provision of facilities for women incarcerated in Balochistan’s jails
“Empowering Women, Strengthening Balochistan: Seminar at Governor House Quetta Highlights Economic Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Climate Resilience”
The Women Development Department (WDD), Government of Balochistan, and the Destination Educational & Development Society (DEDS), Quetta, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen vocational training programs for women in Khuzdar District. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the office of Ms. Saira Atta, Secretary, Women Development Department, Government of Balochistan.
