Domestic abuse: Seminar held on violence against women

Speakers apprise participants of existing laws protecting women.


Asad Zia December 06, 2012

PESHAWAR:


A seminar on violence against women was held at the University of Peshawar on Wednesday.


The event, organised by a non-profit organisation in collaboration with the US Consulate, was geared towards educating the youth about existing laws and framework for the protection of women.

Several laws have been enacted, but the youth is unaware about it, chief guest and Provincial Minister for Women Development Sitara Ayaz told participants of the seminar.

She said her ministry is initiating awareness drives at colleges and other institutes across the province, and urged civil society to help the government in implementing relevant laws.

According to Ayaz, many harassment incidents go unreported due to societal constraints and pressure. This is why justice is delayed or non-existent, she added.

“Acid attacks have increased in the past seven months in the province which is very alarming. The provincial assembly will soon table a bill on protecting women from acid attacks,” said Ayaz.

Explaining the different categories of violence, chairperson of the provincial commission the on status of women Zubaida Khatoon said women suffer either from domestic violence or cultural violence.

Harassment

“Domestic violence is when a woman is harmed physically, mentally or sexually by her intimate partner. Cultural violence comes into play when a social institution or a form of social organisation mandates harm upon women by depriving them of their needs or human rights. Practices like child marriage, honour killing, preferring sons over daughters, or denying [females] inheritance are some examples of cultural violence,” said Khatoon.

“Educate yourself, your friends, family, colleagues and community about women rights and laws that protect them.”

A member of another not-for-profit organisation, Maliha Hussain said Islam gives women equal rights and there should be no discrimination on the basis of sex or religion. The state is responsible for protecting the mother and the child and ensure human rights, she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2012.

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