AMAL means action in Urdu. Started in 1994 as a youth-focused HIV/AIDS action group, today AMAL is one of the most visible advocates for prevention, treatment and awareness in Pakistan. Part of a network of 400 non-governmental and community-based organizations, AMAL engages with a number of important related issues in the course of tackling the HIV/AIDS problem. Patriarchal social structures are at the root of the exclusion of women and young children from their full rights as citizens. As a result, these vulnerable groups not only suffer social exclusion, they are also highly exposed to the evils of violence, trafficking and sexual abuse.

AMAL tackles the problems of HIV/AIDS in women and young people in two ways.

• The first is through its growing project portfolio, designed to bring about change in the lives of individuals and communities.
• The second is through a series of events and collaborations with other organizations, intended to raise the profile of issues central to women and young people in Pakistan.