Govt joins global drive to end violence against women

PCSW Chairperson says society must fight to end discrimination against females

LAHORE: The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) has launched a 16-day activism campaign all over the province to end violence against females.

The United Nations, international agencies, governments across the globe, non-government organisations and community-based groups working for the promotion of women’s rights partake in an international campaign to end violence against women and girls from November 25th to December 10th each year.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign begins on International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25) and ends on December 10—International Human Rights Day. In this connection, a press conference was held in the office of the Lahore Division commissioner.



Speaking on the occasion, PCSW Chairperson Fauzia Viqar stated that as a society and a nation, people must fight to end discrimination against women and ensure they are provided adequate protection.

She also said that the stability and growth of any society was directly linked to the status of women. “Therefore, any act of violence against women and girls must be taken as an attempt to sabotage the social order. Rights-based education must be promoted in all schools and colleges to ensure a more empowered, gender sensitised and inclusive society.”

Viqar urged all stakeholders to contribute actively and effectively to build a strong, value-based society which empowers women across the board. She urged religious sanctions against any form of violence against women and girls because all faiths preach peace, harmony and tolerance.

The PCSW chairperson highlighted that the commission was operating through board members and divisional coordinators across the province to give suppressed women a platform to raise a voice.

“To this end, PCSW operates a toll-free helpline (1043) in order to provide information about women's rights and services, apart from registering complaints in case of lack of response or inaction by government functionaries in Punjab.”

Lahore Division Commissioner Abdullah Khan Sumbal pointed out that the government was taking measures to end the violence against women which comprised a major proportion of Pakistan’s population. “There is a need to adopt a progressive approach for human development,” he added.

During 16 Days of Activism this year, PCSW aimed to sensitise key stakeholders and convince them to take concrete measures to end violence against women and girls in Punjab. For this purpose, PCSW organised a series of events in all divisions of Punjab to raise awareness and garner support for elimination of gender-based violence.

To kick off the campaign, PCSW conducted press conferences at the offices of the divisional commissioners in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur.

During the 16 days, awareness sessions on women's rights and laws for protection have been planned at district-level colleges for boys and girls. In addition, PCSW will support White Ribbon's nationwide "Million Man March" to engage men and boys.



In Lahore, an art competition has been organised and girls from the Hamza Foundation for Deaf Children will display their works to the theme of ‘Leave No One Behind’.

A number of activities have been planned at the Transitional Home for Women in Lahore, which included a tableau performance by residents, a poster competition and awareness sessions on breast cancer as well as Women Economic Empowerment.

Awareness and information sharing sessions will also be held at Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University and Kinnaird College for Women.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2017.