Ahsan Khan gears up to eradicate violence against women

Ahsan Khan of Udaari fame might be seen by some as a pedophile, thief and a child molester courtesy his on-screen avatar.

Well, he is nothing but that in real life and far from the characters he essays.

The actor, who has been associated with a number of social causes, is the only Pakistani celebrity part of this year’s White Ribbon Campaign (WRC). The annual campaign, which will begin on the International Women’s Day, is essentially a men's movement to end violence against women.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Khan shed light on the vital role men could play to end violence against women. “Engaging men and boys is a major tool to eradicate violence against women and girls. We live in a patriarchal society where men have decision making powers and enjoy complete dominance in private and public spaces. Gradually transforming their behaviour will help eradicate violence against women and girls."



Khan said the movement would help the next generation promote gender equality. "It would be beneficial to target men and boys as it enables the society to raise a new generation of boys and girls in a gender-equitable framework."

PHOTO: PUBLICITY

WRC is running a 15-day campaign to curb gender-based violence in collaboration with stakeholders, including the government, the media and law enforcement agencies, among others.

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"We plan to reach communities at grass root level to raise awareness about violence and educate people on the existing pro-women laws; along with all of this we are focusing on men and boys because we believe that men have the most power to stop violence because it starts with them usually."



"Most men do not practice violence against women, so it would be useful if such gentlemen condemn acts of violence and teach others," he added.

The White Ribbon Campaign is an international awareness and advocacy campaign actively working since 2004. The movement is headed by CEO Omer Aftab from Pakistan.

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