ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Pakistan’s inaugural national conference, ‘Connected for Care,’ concluded in Islamabad, focusing on strengthening capacity in gender-based violence (GBV) case management. The two-day event saw significant emphasis placed on institutional sustainability, mentorship, and the establishment of a resilient national alumni network. Key participants included the Ministry of Human Rights, Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan. High-level speakers underscored the alarming statistic that approximately one in every three married women in Pakistan has experienced violence, highlighting the considerable barriers faced by survivors in accessing justice. The conference meticulously identified existing gaps in GBV case management for married women and adolescent girls, subsequently formulating recommendations for their remediation. A strong call was made to integrate GBV case management skills into the curricula of universities and training institutions. A significant institutional outcome of the conference was the establishment of the National GBV Case Management Mentorship Forum. In their closing remarks, government officials and partners reiterated the imperative for collaborative efforts in responding to and preventing gender-based violence, reaffirming a commitment to providing long-term support for survivors.