New helpline standard operating procedures (SOPs) for timely, efficient, accessible and responsive services for female survivors of violence were presented at an event organised to mark the International Women's Day on Wednesday.
The SOPs for improved functioning and management of the Helpline 1043 have been developed through consultation of the United Nations Family Planning Association (UNFPA), Punjab Women Development Department (WDD) and nongovernment organisation Rozan.
The women development department organised the event to highlight the importance of women's inclusion on digital platforms.
Provincial Women Development Secretary Sumaira Samad said the purpose of the event was to discuss how a woman, whether urban or rural, educated or illiterate, out in public or in the privacy of her home, belonging to any strata of society and living in the remotest area, could be empowered by improving her technological skills.
She sad the helpline of the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women was one such use of technology.
She said the department had received 23,000 calls of diverse nature, ranging from violence to property disputes, during last year.
There are also other helplines like the Safe City Authority’s number 15 and Multan Violence Against Women Centre's 1737.
Since its establishment in 2012, the WDD has established daycare centres, working women hostels, and trained public sector departments and organisation on gender mainstreaming.
The provincial secretary declared women's participation in the digital sphere a prerequisite for sustainable development.
She said the government had approved legislation like The Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010 and Punjab Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2021, but now the major concern was the implementation of the laws.
Additional Chief Secretary Ahmad Raza Sarwar said it was very important for women to be exposed to digital technology for gender equality and economic stability. He termed it very pleasant to see a large number of woman working in different government departments on high positions.
UNFPA Country Representative Dr Luay Shabaney said gender-based violence was an issue in Pakistan, including cyber harassment, which was prevalent.
"There is a need for legislation and awareness on rights. We have to start with a change in social norms at grassroots. We have to work collectively and coherently to engage everyone, including influencers, community leaders and religious leaders. We are moving in the right direction; however, we need to make women's matters a priority," the UNFPA representative added.
A panel discussion with experts on digital inclusion of women was also organised.
Meanwhile, in a message issued to marl the day, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the importance of respecting women in all roles in the society. He noted that women are granted complete rights in Islam, and these rights are unparalleled in the West.
He said Pakistani women were making significant strides in various fields, including science, politics, art and sports, and their progress was crucial for the country's development.
He stressed that achieving gender equality and justice was essential for sustainable development and the government was committed to ensuring equal opportunities and a favorable environment for women in all sectors.
The caretaker CM expressed the government's resolve to protectwomen from social inequality and paid tribute to their services to the society. He reiterated his commitment to upholding women's rights.
Provincial Caretaker Minister for Information and Culture Amir Mir paid tribute to women for their struggle to achieve solidarity, equality and rights.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2023.
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