Leaders vow to curb violence against women

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged state institutions, civil society and communities to step up collective efforts to end violence against women, stressing the need for not just stronger laws but their full implementation.

In his message on the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the president urged citizens to challenge discrimination, exclusion and silence, noting that meaningful change must start at home and in the workplace.

He said they stood in solidarity with the millions of women and girls around the world who continue to endure violence in multiple and devastating forms. Violence against women, he added, is not only wrong on a personal level but also a profound violation of human rights, a barrier to human dignity and an obstacle to societal development.

“Empowering women and girls through education, skill-building and ensuring financial independence is foundational to ending the cycle of violence,” the President’s Secretariat Wing quoted the president as saying.

“Legal frameworks, institutional support, awareness-raising and cultural transformation are equally important to end violence,” it added.

The president observed that this year’s theme “UNITE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” invited them to expand their investment in preventive strategies, survivor support mechanisms and systemic reform.

This theme highlighted the urgent need to address the rise of violence against women and girls in the digital realm, he said, adding the campaign called for action from governments, tech companies and individuals to end digital violence.

He further noted that in the pursuit of a society where women could live free from fear and violence, the government had undertaken key initiatives, including the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act 2022, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, and the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens, including youth, social and religious leaders, and teachers to unite against violence against women and work to eliminate it.

In his message, the premier emphasised that the country is raising its voice with the whole world to highlight this important cause as this year’s theme is “Unite to End Digital Violence against Women”.