The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) organized its 3rd Public Lecture titled “Gender Perspective of Afghan Refugee Crisis: Intersection of War, Migration, and GBV against Women” on 9th July 2025 at the Pink Hall, SS Block, BUITEMS Quetta. This insightful session featured distinguished speakers who addressed the critical gendered dimensions of displacement, particularly in relation to Afghan women affected by war, migration, and gender-based violence (GBV).
The first session was delivered in person by Dr. Aurangzaib Alizai, Assistant Professor at the Department of Gender and Development Studies, University of Balochistan. Dr. Alizai provided a comprehensive overview of the Afghan refugee crisis, focusing on how structural violence and displacement disproportionately affect women and girls. He introduced the socio-ecological framework for understanding GBV in humanitarian settings and emphasized the importance of legal protections, culturally sensitive interventions, and survivor-centered support systems.
The second lecture was presented online by Dr. Sandra Pertek, an expert in humanitarian policy, gender, and forced displacement from the University of Birmingham, UK. This session was held in collaboration with the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSS&H), BUITEMS. Dr. Pertek delivered a powerful talk on the continuum and spiral of GBV experienced by Afghan refugee women throughout different stages of displacement. Drawing from her global fieldwork, she discussed the concept of intersectional vulnerability, the shortcomings of current humanitarian systems, and the need for inclusive, trauma-informed services. She also emphasized the strength and resilience shown by refugee women amid ongoing violence and exclusion.
Ms. Sajida Mehdi, CBP Associate at UNHCR, also spoke during the session. She appreciated the relevance of the lecture topic, reinforced the importance of addressing gender-based violence in refugee contexts, and thanked ICRMS for organizing this timely and impactful public lecture.
The public lecture was attended by a total of 146 participants, including 43 female and 103 male attendees, representing diverse academic, research, and community backgrounds. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, during which participants asked thought-provoking questions to all speakers, fostering dynamic and meaningful discussion. The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Zahid Rauf, Director ICRMS, who appreciated the speakers for their valuable insights and emphasized the importance of continued academic dialogue on the intersection of gender and forced migration. As a token of appreciation, a shield was presented to Dr. Aurangzaib Alizai, while Dr. Sandra Pertek was also warmly acknowledged for her virtual contribution.
Reported by Muhammad Asif
Reporting Associate
