Introduction
The Knowledge Forum is an independent firm that seeks to produce knowledge-based interventions to assist in efforts and advocacy for communities’ rights. The initiative is driven by the view that knowledge empowers the root and direction of actions aimed at advancing rights and social justice processes.
TKF offers expertise in all areas of human rights and development. The knowledge generation is driven by the community agenda, prioritizing the inclusion of their voice and participation. Through high quality research and discourse curation, TKF aims to assist in the creation of a more informed perspective on complex themes that have a bearing on the communities’ access to rights and participation in political, democratic and development processes.
As a part of its agenda to produce knowledge-based resources to assist in interventions and advocacy for communities’ rights, The Knowledge Forum pursues two-pronged strategy. The Forum generates knowledge resources on rights and development centric concerns and challenges to communities, drawing from community engagement and input; it then uses this knowledge to assist stakeholders in the process for solution identification and development.
We therefore propose research, engagement and advocacy as strategies for the proposed intervention. A series of accessible knowledge resources representing communities’ concerns and experts’ input would help in understanding the crisis and generating informed debate and decision making. This knowledge would be strategically shared with stakeholders advocating for action. Moreover, evidence-based advocacy to utilize the influence of social media and mainstream media for public outreach and messaging for policy makers will supplement efforts for broadening understanding and scope for action.
A Brief Summary of Our Work
- Knowledge sharing through material development such as advocacy briefs, reports, newsletters, and periodicals
- Primary and secondary research in the areas of social development, poverty, peace, labour and employment, corporate social responsibility, urban issues, youth development, community development, and natural resource management
- Documenting, Highlighting, Disseminating knowledge products
- Training and capacity development in areas related to intervention on social development
- Organising engagements, dialogues, seminars, conferences, multi-stakeholder consultations, event management on citizens’ rights focused on tasks including conceptualization, program design, material development, identification of and communication with resource persons, listing of relevant stakeholders, and documentation
On-going Projects
A brief summary of The Knowledge Forum’s key projects
- Better Cotton Decent Work Assessment in Pakistan (May 2021-January 2022): A comprehensive report produced for the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) that sought to understand contextual risks in cotton production with a focus on forced labour and child labour. Based on extensive literature review, key informant interviews and field data, the report delivered on the objectives of helping BCI understand field realities related to labour engagement practices, and identify risk factors and drivers of forced labour and child labour. The project served as an internal learning document for BCI which is the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world.
- Mapping of Labour Unions in Pakistan (August 2021-December 2021):Supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, this is a study undertaken by The Knowledge Forum to draw a qualitative understanding of trade unions in Pakistan. The study to assess their status; challenges; practices; and strategies for incorporating diversity, experience of engaging tripartite structures, institutions, allies, and dealing with recent developments. The study also presents a brief mapping of leading federations and unions in Pakistan. The study concludes with listing of recommendations shared by trade unions and federations for action from government, civil society and trade unions themselves.
- Scaling Back Fossil Fuel in Pakistan (July 2021-June 2022): A project supported by Tara, which is a regionally-led grant-making initiative to accelerate the energy transformation in Asia. The project is focused on knowledge production and dissemination, narrative building, and stakeholder outreach on the theme of scaling back fossil fuel, concentrating on the gas sector.
- Opportunities and Challenges for Civil Society work in Pakistan: Supported by Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the project, through a series of written and audio visual presentations contributes to documentation and critical analysis of recent challenges and opportunities for civil society in Pakistan in the promotion and protection of human rights, including international obligations, environmental and climate justice in the country.
- Aman Sang-e-Meel: The project seeks to facilitate the exposure of the Sindh Government (Human Rights Ministry and Minority Affairs Ministry) with stakeholders, relevant information and best practices on the theme of interfaith harmony. The project is financed by USAID through DAI.