A first in K-P: An end to violence against women urged

Conference marking 16 days of activism held at Jinnah College For Women.

PESHAWAR:

Marking the 16 days of activism for the first time in Khyber-Pakhtunkwa, a conference on ending all forms of violence against women was held at Jinnah College for Women on Tuesday.

The event was jointly organised by the Institute of Social Work and Gender Studies, Ministry for Social Welfare, Commissionerate Afghan Refugees (CAR) and other organisations.

Minister for Social Welfare’s Sitara Ayaz served was the chief guest at the occasion. She said that the government is working for women rights and is “establishing women commission offices in 25 districts from where women could get consultation”.

Director Institute of Social Work and Gender Studies Dr Johar Ali said that the event has been organised to create awareness among women concerning their rights. “Women have been historically subjected to different forms of violence but the government and NGOs are now working in conjunction to end this cycle,” he said.

Highlighting the role of the mothers, University of Peshawar Vice Chancellor Dr Azmat Hayat Khan said that men achieve success in life because of the support and contributions of their mothers. “They deserve due respect and equal rights,” he said.

Meanwhile, human rights organisation stated that the cases involving women against women had exponentially increased over the last year. “Every day we read about women being killed in the name of honour, given on swara, stabbed or burnt to death,” she said.

Khan suggested education and awareness for ending the violence.

While appreciating the conference, Maria,a visitor, said that more was needed to be held on the issue. She also emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and NGOs.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2011.