Gender-based violence: Women’s help desk set up in Hyd court

Rights activist marks establishment of kiosk as victory in fight against violence

A women's facilitation kiosk has been set up in Hyderabad court to provide easy legal access to victims of gender-based violence.

Establishing a women's facilitation kiosk to contribute to the protection of women’s legal rights and strengthening of the district bar association was a project goal shared by Sindh Rural Partners Organisation's (SRPO) Zahida Detho. The event was jointly organised by SRPO, USAID and Aurat Foundation at Indus Hotel, Hyderabad, on Monday.

These activities are meant for the capacity building of lawyers and the provision of legal assistance to 70 female litigants, said Detho. Until justice is not provided to female victims, we cannot develop a balanced society, she added. Meanwhile, District Bar Association president Basharat Memon appreciated the efforts of the SRPO and assured his support.

Senior advocate Rehana Gujjar said that establishing a women's facilitation desk is a great step towards helping female victims. "Pakistani women have changed a lot in the past years and are more empowered but there is a need to work more on these issues," said Human Rights Cell incharge Najma Khero.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2017.