Thematic Focus Areas & Interventions

In Pakistan, gender inequality remains a critical challenge, with every third woman being illiterate, 60% suffering from anemia, and women earning between 40% and 70% less than their male counterparts for the same work. Alarmingly, every fourth woman who dies in childbirth globally is from Pakistan. PIHRO’s programs aim to address these structural inequalities by empowering women through education, skills training, health awareness campaigns, and advocacy for equitable wages. The organization promotes reproductive health awareness, facilitates access to maternal care, and provides vocational training to enable economic independence. PIHRO also advocates for gender-sensitive policies and works to dismantle discriminatory practices that hinder women’s participation in social, economic, and political life.
Pakistan faces a child welfare crisis where one in three children is born underweight, 20% die before reaching the age of five, and millions are forced into hazardous labor instead of attending school. As one of the countries with the highest number of child workers, this issue demands urgent attention. PIHRO collaborates with government institutions, NGOs, and community groups to identify out-of-school children, facilitate their enrollment in educational programs, and advocate for the enforcement of child protection laws. Special emphasis is placed on rescuing children from exploitative labor and ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment.
Tribal populations in Pakistan, particularly those in remote and conflict-affected areas, experience poverty rates far above the national average. PIHRO works with local partners to strengthen the resilience of these communities by enhancing knowledge, skills, and confidence so they can assert their rights and participate fully in civic life. The organization prioritizes the creation of community assets such as clean water facilities, sustainable livelihood projects, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring benefits for both people and the environment.
PIHRO has long recognized the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, making disability rehabilitation a dedicated focus area. The organization works to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities through advocacy, rehabilitation services, and skills development programs. By promoting inclusive education, workplace accessibility, and social integration, PIHRO helps dismantle the barriers that limit opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Homelessness in Pakistan disproportionately affects migrant workers, including daily wage earners, rickshaw drivers, and manual laborers. These individuals often lack access to safe shelter, clean water, and basic healthcare. PIHRO has developed targeted initiatives to address these issues, including health interventions that provide specialized care, medical diagnostics, and essential medicines. The organization also advocates for policies that ensure housing rights and improve living conditions for the urban poor.
HIV/AIDS continues to be both a public health and human rights challenge in Pakistan, contributing to poverty, vulnerability, and social stigma. PIHRO’s work in this area spans prevention, care, and support. The organization runs awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, provides counseling and healthcare services, and connects individuals with treatment programs. By integrating HIV/AIDS interventions into its broader poverty alleviation and health initiatives, PIHRO ensures a holistic approach to improving the lives of affected individuals and their families.
Human development indicators in Pakistan reveal deep gender disparities, particularly affecting women from marginalized communities. PIHRO actively engages in advocacy through media outreach, community mobilization, and policy dialogues with lawmakers. The organization campaigns for progressive legal reforms, especially in areas concerning women’s property rights, protection from gender-based violence, and the elimination of discriminatory laws. PIHRO also addresses the issue of adverse sex ratios through awareness programs that promote the value of girls in society.