Project Monitoring Visit
As part of the “Empowering Bonded Workers’ Voices and Participation” project, SPARC’s Project Manager and team conducted a monitoring visit across various intervention sites in SindhThe visit aimed to assess field activities, review implementation progress, and identify challenges across project components such as non-formal education, awareness-raising, and community engagement. Direct interaction with beneficiaries and local partners helped ensure the project remains on track and responsive to community needs.
World Day Against Child Labor
On World Day Against Child Labor, SPARC reaffirmed its commitment to ending child exploitation through awareness events under the Empowering Women and Girls and Empowering Bonded Workers’ Voices and Participation projects. Held across centers in Rawalpindi, Multan, Hyderabad, and brick kiln communities, the events highlighted the harsh realities of child labour, especially in hazardous industries. Through community engagement and child-led activities, we emphasized that every child deserves education, not exploitation, and called for collective action to protect children’s rights and build a future free from child labor.
Youth Empowerment Summit Sindh
Under the Empowering Women&Girls project, SPARC participated in the Youth Empowerment Summit Sindh organized by the Sindh Sports and Youth Affairs Department. Women and girls showcased their handmade crafts, reflecting the skills gained through training and capacity-building initiatives. The event provided a valuable platform for participants to connect with entrepreneurs, explore market opportunities, and gain exposure. This engagement highlighted SPARC’s ongoing efforts to promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion, enabling women and girls to move towards financial independence and active participation in their communities.
KidsRights Index 2025
The 2025 KidsRights Index reveals a critical global mental health crisis among children and adolescents, with over 14% of those aged 10–19 experiencing mental health concerns. Suicide has become the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15–29, yet these figures likely underestimate the true scale due to widespread stigma, misclassification, and poor reporting. Despite the severity of the issue, mental health remains one of the most overlooked and underreported aspects of children’s rights, highlighting an urgent need for increased global attention, data collection, and action.
Read the full report in the KidsRights Index 2025 here
Father’s Role in Supporting Breastfeeding
This Father’s Day, let’s recognize the vital role fathers play in supporting breastfeeding and strengthening family well-being. Research shows that when fathers offer emotional support, practical assistance, and advocacy, mothers are more likely to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. Fathers can make a meaningful impact by learning about breastfeeding, sharing caregiving duties, and fostering a nurturing home environment. Encouraging father-to-father support groups also helps build stronger, more informed communities. By actively engaging fathers, we can build inclusive, resilient support systems that benefit mothers, children, and families.
Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25
The Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25 presents a mixed picture for child welfare, showing some progress alongside persistent challenges. Infant mortality has decreased to 52 per 1,000 live births from 56 last year, and literacy rates have improved to 62.8%, with primary school enrollment rising to 28.6 million children. However, health spending remains stagnant at just 1.4% of GDP, and education spending is still low at 2.1% of GDP. Labor force participation stands at 37.2%, with significant gender and age disparities, indicating that many children especially in rural areas continue to engage in informal or exploitative work.
MESSAGES
Anees Jillani
Chairperson
Over 1,300 children have been killed by the Israeli forces since the end of recent ceasefire (March 18, 2025); more than 3,700 children under 18 years old have been wounded. Through nearly 20 months of war, nearly 17,000 children have been killed and more than 34,000 have been wounded — around one in every 20 children in Gaza....
Asiya Arif
Executive Director
SPARC is a voice for the voiceless i.e. children. We try not to miss out on their issues and create long-lasting impact rather than a band aid solution. This is mainly done through advocacy, networking with likeminded friends, organizations and service delivery. In the age of communication, I still believe website is a powerful tool in amplifying our voice and reaching out to a range of audience including children, youth, policy makers, think tanks, academics and donors. Let’s stay connected as a discourse over children should go on!
Khalida Ahmed
Board Member
Child marriage is a grave violation of human rights. It robs children—especially girls—of their childhood, education, health, and future. In Pakistan, it remains a harsh reality for many. But now, a powerful shift is underway.No nikah khwan shall register a marriage where one or both contracting parties are below 18 years of age,” declares the newly passed Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025...
Vision
A world in which children are valued and empowered, and their rights promoted and protected.
Mission
To promote and protect the rights of children and empower them through advocacy, research, awareness, service delivery, and institutional development.
