Tackling violence: Speakers discuss women’s security, diversity and volunteerism

LAHORE:

A seminar organised to encourage youth volunteerism and highlight the importance of knowing one’s rights was held at the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) on Thursday. Students from the Social Work Department in collaboration with Dastak Charitable Trust and the Youth Development Foundation had organised the seminar on Tackling Violence against Women: Good Practices and Approaches.

Dastak Charitable Trust Advocacy Director Saba Sheikh gave a brief introduction to her organisation and highlighted its functions as a shelter and advocacy institution over the past 20 years.

Robina Shaheen, the Crisis Centre Manager at Dastak Charitable Trust, spoke on women’s security and means to protect them against violence. Inter-Faith Youth in Action Founder Shahid Rehmat discussed inclusive advocacy for women and emphasised the importance of respecting diversity.

Muhammad Waseem, the CEO and founder of Interactive Resource Centre, discussed strategies for encouraging volunteerism among the youth. He spoke of volunteerism in the context of combating violence against women and removing gender stereotypes to develop zero tolerance towards violence.

Over 100 students and the university’s faculty attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2014.