Violence against women: One Billion Rising campaign launched

The Amal Human Development network has been appointed as the official coordinator of the global campaign in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD:

Engaging men in promoting women’s empowerment is key in breaking through issues of gender-based violence and inequality in a developing country like Pakistan.

This was stated by Nighat Rizvi, a representative of the Amal Human Development Network at the launching ceremony of the One Billion Rising For Justice Campaign 2014 at Kuch Khaas on Friday.

The network has been an active member of the global V-Day movement that aims to stop violence against women for a decade.

Furthermore, the network has been appointed as the official coordinator of the global campaign in Pakistan.

The campaign calls for female survivors of violence to gather for justice and engages them in telling their stories through art, dance, marches, rituals, spoken word and testimonies.

A group of volunteers rendered select pieces of the playwright Eve Ensler’s compilation “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer” and a short film based on the theme was also screened at the event.

The readings were poignant, sensitive and questioned the lingering menace of male chauvinism. There were excerpts from works of  prominent writers, poets and playwrights.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2013.