Activism against Gender-Based Violence starts from Sindh

Campaign will journey through Quetta, Peshawar before concluding in Islamabad

KARACHI:

UN Women Pakistan, supported by the Government of Japan, kicked off the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" at the iconic Mohenjo Daro site in Sindh.

Through the #KoiJawaazNahi advocacy campaign, the initiative uses Mohenjo Daro's historical and cultural significance to shed light on the persistent issue of gender-based violence, encouraging collective efforts for prevention and elimination.

The campaign, launched at Mohenjo Daro, will journey through Quetta and Peshawar before concluding in Islamabad, involving the illumination of historical structures with orange lights, street theatre performances, and an exhibition highlighting the contributions of home-based workers.

The overarching theme of "Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls" is actively promoted, emphasising the importance of tangible action in safeguarding women's rights.

Sharmeela Rassool, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, stated, "Investing to prevent violence against women is not just a theme; it's a call for tangible action. By choosing Mohenjo Daro as the launch site, we emphasize the resilience of women throughout history and the need to protect their rights in the present day."

Concurrently, the campaign actively promotes and advocates for this year's theme, "Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls," aiming to reach the masses.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international civil society-led annual campaign. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2023.