Gilgit Baltistan Right to Information Initiative

We are delighted to share that we have successfully completed Session 7: Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Session 8: Safeguarding as part of the Learning Network Digital Capacity Building Series 2026.

These sessions strengthened our understanding of creating more inclusive, equitable, and safer communities. From promoting gender equality and social inclusion to reinforcing safeguarding principles, every discussion inspired us to become more responsible and impactful changemakers.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Sabeen Fiaz and Ms. Naveed Mussarrat for their insightful facilitation, and to The Learning Network, UNFPA Pakistan, Group Development Pakistan (GDP), and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for making these valuable learning opportunities possible.

Learning never stops—and neither does our commitment to building inclusive, respectful, and resilient communities. 💜

The Gilgit Baltistan Right to Information Initiative (GBRTII) is proud to have participated in the second lineup of The Learning Network 2026 digital learning sessions held from 28–30 July 2026.

The three sessions provided valuable learning and practical insights on:

🔹 Managing Technology-Facilitated GBV
🔹 Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
🔹 IEC & SBCC Content Development

Each session strengthened our understanding, expanded our skills, and offered practical approaches that we can carry forward in our work for more informed, inclusive, safe, and resilient communities.

🙏 Our sincere gratitude to UNFPA Pakistan, Group Development Pakistan, the Government of the Netherlands, and The Learning Network 2026 for creating this meaningful platform for learning, collaboration, and capacity building.

A special appreciation to the facilitators Ms. Sabeen Fiaz, Mr. Hassan Rizvi, and Ms. Madeeha Raza for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and valuable perspectives with such dedication.

At GBRTII, we believe that continuous learning strengthens our ability to serve our communities and advance our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the right to information.

Together, we learn. Together, we lead. Together, we create impact. 🌍

We are proud to share that Gilgit Baltistan Right to Information Initiative- (GBRTII) successfully participated in The Learning Network 2026 — a meaningful journey of learning, reflection, and capacity building.

We extend our sincere gratitude to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan, Group Development Pakistan, The Netherlands, and The Learning Network 2026 for creating this valuable platform for learning and collaboration.

Through three impactful sessions on:

📱 Social Media & Digital Communication
🧠 Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
🏆 Organizational Leadership

we gained valuable insights, practical knowledge, and new perspectives to strengthen our work and contribute more effectively to our communities.

A special thank you to our facilitators Ms. Madeeha Raza, Ms. Naveed Musarrat, and Mr. Saheem Khizar for sharing their expertise, experience, and guidance throughout these sessions. 🙏

At GBRTII, we believe that informed communities are empowered communities. Every opportunity to learn is an opportunity to grow stronger, work better, and create greater impact.

Gilgit Baltistan Right to Information Initiative Joins Pakistan Alliance for Life Skills (PAL)

The Gilgit Baltistan Right to Information Initiative (GBRTII) proudly participated in the two-day orientation meeting of the Pakistan Alliance for Life Skills (PAL), held in Islamabad from April 15–16, 2026. The gathering brought together diverse organizations and stakeholders from across Pakistan, including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, to collectively advance the agenda of Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE).

GBRTII was represented by Ms. Kaneez Fatima (President) and Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed (Director Strategy & Finance), who actively contributed to discussions around the Alliance’s vision, strategic priorities, and collaborative roadmap for strengthening life skills education nationwide.

The orientation was convened by Aahung, Idara e Taleem o Aagahi ITA, Dastak Foundation, and Blue Veins—organizations at the forefront of youth development and social impact in Pakistan.

We are pleased to share that GBRTII has officially joined the Pakistan Alliance for Life Skills (PAL) as a member organization. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to empowering youth, promoting informed citizenship, and contributing to inclusive and transformative learning spaces.

GBRTII looks forward to meaningful collaboration with partner organizations and to driving impactful initiatives that equip young people with essential life skills for the future.

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak & Navroz Mubarak ✨🌸

As the crescent moon shines and spring awakens new beginnings,
we celebrate a beautiful convergence of joy, renewal, and hope.

On this special occasion of Eid and Navroz,
the Gilgit Baltistan Right to Information Initiative
extends warm wishes to all communities across the region and beyond.

May this season bring:
🌿 New opportunities
🌼 Fresh perspectives
🤝 Stronger communities
📖 And a continued commitment to transparency and empowerment

Let’s step into the new season with knowledge, unity, and purpose.

Eid Mubarak | Navroz Mubarak 💫

🌙

Men as Allies in Menstrual Health

With the support of Mahwari Justice and their well-designed menstrual health manuals, an impactful awareness session was conducted at Dapa Primary School where male teachers played a crucial role in fostering understanding, dignity, and care around menstrual health. This collaboration highlighted how informed support can create safe and respectful learning environments for girls.

In a context where limited information often leads to confusion, teachers chose empathy over silence. Simple yet thoughtful practices aimed at girls’ comfort and well-being were already part of the school culture, reflecting care rather than extremism.

Teachers shared that this initiative addressed a dire need in the area and committed to using this training to continue awareness for students in the future.

Awareness is not gendered. Support makes the difference.

Volunteer in Action ✨

Our committed volunteer Madiha led an engaging Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) awareness session in Balam Village, creating a safe space for young girls to learn, ask questions, and gain confidence about their health and hygiene.

She also facilitated the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits, helping ensure that essential resources reach those who need them the most.

This activity is part of GBRTI’s Community Impact Program, where our volunteers continue to uplift communities across Gilgit Baltistan through knowledge, compassion, and service.

Small actions. Big impact. 💙

Volunteer in Action ✨

Our dedicated volunteer Yasmeen Batool conducted an impactful Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) session in Malong Village, Dapa Baltistan, engaging young girls in open conversation about health, hygiene, and confidence.

As part of the activity, Yasmeen also distributed menstrual hygiene kits, ensuring access, dignity, and awareness for those who need it most.

This initiative is part of GBRTI’s Community Impact Program, where our volunteers continue to step forward for meaningful change across Gilgit Baltistan.

Empowering communities, one session at a time. 💙

Our volunteers continue to turn awareness into meaningful action.
Masooma conducted a comprehensive RTI and menstrual health session in her village Malong, engaging students at the local madrassa and supporting menstruating members with dignity kits.

This effort not only spreads essential knowledge but also strengthens community confidence in youth-led initiatives. Each session is a step toward breaking stigma, promoting informed choices, and ensuring access to basic rights.

As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, we reaffirm our commitment to creating informed, empowered, and safer communities for all.

Painting Awareness in Pink 🎗️

Today, something quietly powerful unfolded at Dapa School.
Our volunteers returned for another session under the MHM project, this time carrying a message wrapped in the color pink.

They began with a simple, relatable story about the Pink Ribbon Mission, a global reminder about understanding our bodies, noticing early signs of change, and encouraging the women around us to seek help when something doesn’t feel right. The volunteers gently turned these ideas into age-appropriate lessons the students could easily connect with.

The children listened with curiosity, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered how small habits—awareness, empathy, and open conversations can protect the well-being of their families and communities.

A heartfelt thanks to Shaukat Khanum Hospital & Research Centre for providing the informative training material that helped make this session more meaningful and impactful.

The day wrapped up with bright smiles and a shared promise:
to grow up informed, confident, and caring for themselves and for those around.