Denied justice: Speakers demand women friendly policing
Seminar held in connection with 16 days of activism against gender violence.
ISLAMABAD:
Problems faced by women in approaching police stations to register complaints were highlighted at a seminar titled “Towards Women Friendly Policing” where experts stated that there was a dire need for a long term trust-building exercise for people to access police stations and courts in Pakistan.
To commemorate 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, USAID supported Gender Equity Programme (GEP) of Aurat Foundation organised a panel discussion on Tuesday.
Panellists said the structures in place were weak and recommended training officials on gender sensitisation, inclusion of more women in police and a separate department for investigation. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shela Qureshi said there was a need to establish stronger community policing exercises so trust is developed between the public and police stations.
TV actor Sania Saeed, who moderated the event, said “There is a dire need for long-term trust building exercises for people to access police stations and courts in Pakistan.”
“Police alone cannot make a difference — can never make a difference” said former Inspector General of Police Iftikhar Ahmed. Ahmed said there is women friendly legislation but no effort is being made to change the mindset.
According to a press statement, advocate Mohsin Kiyani said out of the total strength of bar associations, approximately 20 per cent are women. From 1981 to 1986, there was no women lawyer in Islamabad but the number has increased to 580 in 2014, informed Kiyani.
Talking to The Express Tribune, researcher and activist Sarah Zaman said there needs to be greater education and emphasis of disseminating public service message on basic rights of women.
Rule of law adviser at the US Embassy, Julia Fromholz, said the criminal justice system should such that it caters to the public not the powerful.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy chief of mission of the US embassy Tom Williams said access to justice is a necessary step towards eliminating domestic violence. “It is incumbent on governments around the world to ensure that women feel safe in their homes and communities, and have access to authorities and to mechanisms for redress.”
A large number of civil society representatives, lawyers, students, and media representatives attended the event.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2014.
Problems faced by women in approaching police stations to register complaints were highlighted at a seminar titled “Towards Women Friendly Policing” where experts stated that there was a dire need for a long term trust-building exercise for people to access police stations and courts in Pakistan.
To commemorate 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, USAID supported Gender Equity Programme (GEP) of Aurat Foundation organised a panel discussion on Tuesday.
Panellists said the structures in place were weak and recommended training officials on gender sensitisation, inclusion of more women in police and a separate department for investigation. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shela Qureshi said there was a need to establish stronger community policing exercises so trust is developed between the public and police stations.
TV actor Sania Saeed, who moderated the event, said “There is a dire need for long-term trust building exercises for people to access police stations and courts in Pakistan.”
“Police alone cannot make a difference — can never make a difference” said former Inspector General of Police Iftikhar Ahmed. Ahmed said there is women friendly legislation but no effort is being made to change the mindset.
According to a press statement, advocate Mohsin Kiyani said out of the total strength of bar associations, approximately 20 per cent are women. From 1981 to 1986, there was no women lawyer in Islamabad but the number has increased to 580 in 2014, informed Kiyani.
Talking to The Express Tribune, researcher and activist Sarah Zaman said there needs to be greater education and emphasis of disseminating public service message on basic rights of women.
Rule of law adviser at the US Embassy, Julia Fromholz, said the criminal justice system should such that it caters to the public not the powerful.
Speaking on the occasion, deputy chief of mission of the US embassy Tom Williams said access to justice is a necessary step towards eliminating domestic violence. “It is incumbent on governments around the world to ensure that women feel safe in their homes and communities, and have access to authorities and to mechanisms for redress.”
A large number of civil society representatives, lawyers, students, and media representatives attended the event.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2014.