Islamabad - The Benazir Income Support Programme is launching “BISP child protection campaign” in 40 districts across Pakistan today (Saturday).

The campaign has been planned under the concept of social responsibility, envisaging a call to action from all segments of society.

The campaign includes gatherings in 40 districts which will be led by parliamentarians their respective constituencies.

The main event will be held at BISP headquarters under the chair of BISP Chairperson Marvi Memon. Members of Parliament, academia, civil society, media, INGOs and NGOs working on child protection like Sahil, UNICEF, UN Women, Oxfam International and BISP beneficiaries will participate in the campaign.

During the campaign, BISP women leaders, BISP beneficiaries and their children will be sensitized through training on issues of child protection, children’s rights and ways to ensure the security of children through video documentaries, IEC (information, education and communication) material and animated and illustrative messaging.

The campaign is planned to raise awareness about the different aspects of child protection, the role of parents, teachers, leaders, guardians and responsible members of society regarding child protection. The campaign will also highlight different methods to inform children about the issue. The campaign will focus activities where parents, teachers, youth and the community will be informed on the scale of the problem and the actions which can be taken to control the issue of child harassment and abuse. It is focused towards changing the attitude of complacency towards the children.

Moreover, the BISP also plans to set up a hotline and a call centre as part of the campaign to entertain child abuse complaints and direct them to relevant agencies for actions.