Women Protection Center wraps up 16-day anti-violence campaign

Official highlights 6,732 cases handled over 18 years

FAISALABAD:

On the eve of Global Human Rights Day, District Women Protection Officer Kanwal Shehzadi reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding women's rights and combating gender-based violence.

Speaking to media at her office, she said the Women Protection Center has been running a special awareness campaign for the past two weeks, launched on November 25 in connection with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Shehzadi said the campaign featured a series of phase-wise activities aimed at educating the public on gender-based violence. As part of the initiative, an exhibition was organized showcasing products made by women who had benefited from services at the Women Protection Center and are now financially independent.

Items on display included handicrafts, garments, food products, and other handmade goods. Manager Qasr-e-Behbood, Rehana Yasmeen, visited the exhibition and praised the center's efforts to empower women.

Kanwal Shehzadi emphasized that women constitute more than half of Pakistan's population and deserve meaningful representation across all sectors.

"If we want to compete globally, we must move beyond confining women to their homes and instead provide them with safe, equal opportunities so they can become productive members of society," she said.

Addressing a session at Faisalabad College of Law, Shehzadi highlighted the importance of the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016, noting that it guarantees protection, relief, and legal assistance for women facing abuse.