Women Facilitation Desks

WISE, in collaboration with the Local Government & Community Development Department (LG&CDD), Punjab, has established three Women Facilitation Desks (WFDs) in Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib, creating safe and accessible platforms for women to raise civic concerns, seek information, register complaints, and access municipal services. From June 2025 to July 2026, the WFDs and associated digital platforms received 1,071 complaints, strengthening women’s access to public services and improving linkages between communities and local government institutions.

The initiative responds to barriers that often prevent women from engaging with local governance, including mobility restrictions, male-dominated public spaces, limited access to information, dependency on family members, and inadequate awareness of municipal procedures. Through complaint registration, referrals, coordination, and follow-up with relevant authorities, the WFDs have enabled women to navigate government systems and seek solutions to issues affecting their daily lives.

The complaints covered a wide range of concerns, including BISP, pensions, marriage and death certificates, domicile, sanitation, drainage, sewerage, waste disposal, streetlights, water supply, unsafe electrical wiring, roads, and other municipal services. The desks have therefore emerged as an important bridge between women and local government institutions, helping make public services more accessible and responsive.

A key achievement has been the organization of six Public Hearings across Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib, with approximately 100 women participating in each hearing. Women directly raised 106 civic and municipal complaints, all of which were resolved through coordination with relevant government departments. Officials from WASA, LWMC, MCL, and other departments participated in the hearings, providing guidance on complaint mechanisms and responding directly to women’s concerns.

WISE has also established WhatsApp groups bringing together women representatives, community leaders, staff, and government officials to sustain communication beyond the hearings. These digital platforms support continuous complaint follow-up, information sharing, and coordination with authorities.

Through the WFDs, Public Hearings, and digital coordination mechanisms, WISE is enabling women to move from being passive recipients of public services to informed and active citizens. The initiative is strengthening women’s voice, civic participation, accountability, and engagement with local institutions while contributing to more responsive, inclusive, and gender-responsive local governance across Punjab.