‘Women Safety Wall’ launched at Punjab university

Students informed about app for assistance at public spots

LAHORE:

A Women Safety Wall was inaugurated at the Gender Studies Department of University of Punjab on Wednesday by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) in collaboration with Punjab Safe Cities Authority and Women’s Peace Council.

The purpose of setting up the walls in the universities is to create awareness among students about the Women Safety App developed by the safe cities authority.

Sarwar Foundation Vice Chairperson Begum Parveen Sarwar said while inaugurating the wall at Punjab University that technology had changed the way of life and its effective use could safeguard women.

Uzma Kardar, Chairperson of Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming and Focal Person for Sustainable Development Goal-5, expressed her views on how the use of the mobile application can change and save lives of girls and women in the public arena. Superintendent of Police Asim Jasra, who is Operation Commander of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, introduced the police’s Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre (PPIC3), while his team gave training to the participants of a seminar on the occasion on the use of the Women Safety App, explained its main features an facilities available for the users.

Read More: Punjab Police relaunches old women safety app

Gender Studies Department Chairperson Prof Ra’ana Malik revealed while presenting her research findings and empirical evidence about women and girl’s safety issues in public spaces of Lahore that more than 90% of them faced harassment, especially at public transport sites. Victims of all age groups face the same frequency of harassment, she added.

She emphasised that the app could give confidence to women and girls in case of any unwelcome situation at public spots. Punjab University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammed Saleem Mazhar reiterated the need to integrate the government services for women welfare so that they can move freely in the society with confidence.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2021.