The Jugnu Project was started in 2021 by Zohra Ahmed, in honor of her maternal aunt (khala) after she passed away.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Zohra witnessed countless women, including in her immediate family and social circle, who faced domestic violence at the hands of their family, husband / intimate partner, and/or their in-laws. She recognized within herself a passion for helping survivors of gender-based violence and abuse grew after she first started working as a journalist for the English NewsDesk at Dawn.com. She covered stories regarding honor-killing, abuse and domestic violence. She strongly believes that the resounding silence surrounding such crimes, regardless of socio-economic differences, has been the main reason why such offenses have continued undeterred.
Named after a real life survivor, The Jugnu Project aims to provide support and assistance to survivors of domestic violence and abuse across Pakistan in order to help them build a new life for themselves and their loved ones.
You can read about Jugnu’s story here.
Our Vision
The Jugnu Project’s vision is to create a world where survivors of domestic violence find solace, strength and support on their journey to healing. We aspire to be the beacon of hope, breaking the chains of silence and fostering a community that stands united against domestic violence.
We envision a support system that provides a host of socioeconomic, psychological, legal and political resources that allow survivors of domestic violence and abuse to thrive and create a new life. We exist to end domestic violence and create safe spaces for healing.
We envision a future where every individual impacted by domestic violence is empowered with knowledge, resilience, and resources to reclaim control of their lives. Through our unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and community-building, we strive to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate domestic violence, cultivating an environment of empathy, understanding, and action.
At The Jugnu Project, we dream of a society where survivors are not just survivors but those who thrive – individuals who, with the right support, can transcend the traumas of their past and emerge stronger, more resilient, and equipped to lead lives of purpose and fulfillment. We imagine a world where domestic violence is not just condemned but eradicated, and where every person, regardless of their background or circumstance, can live free from the shadow of abuse.
As we navigate towards this vision, The Jugnu Project is dedicated to being a comprehensive resource, a compassionate ally, and a catalyst for societal transformation. Together, let us build a future where love is synonymous with respect, safety is a birthright, and no one has to endure the darkness of domestic violence alone.
Our Mission
Our mission at The Jugnu Project is to provide unwavering support, essential resources, and a beacon of hope for individuals affected by domestic and family violence. We are committed to breaking the generational cycle of abuse in families across Pakistan and to help restructure the family system towards a healthy and more loving dynamic.
Our purpose is to (1) empower survivors with the various resources at our disposal, (2) raise awareness about issues and evils related to domestic and family violence, and (3) to foster a community of strength and resilience whereby survivors have a solid support system around them that can help them to become financially independent and self-sufficient.
So how do we do what we do?
We empower survivors with the information and resources that are essential for the understanding of their legal rights; allowing them to recognize the different signs of abuse and make informed choices.
We focus on capacity building initiatives and workshops, that allow survivors to make use of their respective skill sets and enhance their respective capabilities. By conducting such training sessions, we aim to promote empowerment at every stage of the survivors’ journey.
We act as a facilitation center, connecting survivors to various resources and services that they may need either during their transition out of the abusive situation, and/or after the same. These include resources such as deep trauma therapy, legal aid, transitional housing and capacity building to enhance their earning capabilities. By addressing the multi-faceted challenges faced by many survivors, we aim to equip them with the tools to rebuild lives of respect and dignity.
We are committed to advocating for societal change by raising awareness regarding the pertinent and widespread issue of domestic and family violence across Pakistan. We conduct workshops and training sessions for different sections of the community in a bid to build effect support networks for survivors. We do this by initiating communal dialogue challenging stigmas and by advocating for policies that protect and empower survivors.
Additionally, we also provide various toolkits and advocacy resources to advocates and supporters of survivors to help them spread awareness within their own communal and social circles, creating effective individual impact. By creating impactive dialogue, engaging in community outreach work and collaborating with various stakeholders, we work towards creating an environment where domestic and family violence is no longer tolerated on any level.