Several NGOs launch 16 Days of Activism

Women’s welfare requires greater commitment to education, health.

LAHORE: The Grassroots Organisation for Human Development (GOHD) and the Labour Resource Centre (LRC) under the South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SPA-PK) arranged a press conference, 16 Days of Activism on Thursday. The press conference was arranged on the November 25 to coincide with the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women.

GOHD’s Naeema Malik said, “We can empower women thorough providing better health and education facilities. Health and educations are major problems in developing countries like Pakistan. It is highly important to make women aware of their rights. Civil society should participate in this campaign vigorously.”

When asked if this activity was against men and women were being portrayed as victims, LRC general secretary Asma Rehman said, “This activity is not against men. We are protesting behaviours that lead to violence against women. We need balance for a better society.”

SAP-PK’s Naeema Malik said, “This is a regional campaign. It is against the violence women face because of our outdated traditions, economic problems or religious fundamentalism. Education and skills are very important for female empowerment. International women committees all over the world are celebrating this day.”

SAP-PK’s Shabnam Rashid said, “These activities are important for us. These are pressure building tactics and nobody should ignore them. This campaign will definitely make a difference. We are emphasising that the violence women face is a crime. It is unfortunate that atrocities against women are not considered a serious offence in our society.”

After the press conference, women from several NGOs held placards in front of the Press Club to protest violence that women face.

The Aurat Foundation

The Aurat Foundation is celebrating the 16 days of activism starting from November 25 this year with the theme State of Women in Peace and Conflict.

Aurat Foundation regional coordinator Mumtaz Mughal said, “We are focusing on the United Nation Security Council Resolution 1325 which protects women’s rights in War and during terrorism and when they are displaced in a disaster.”

Aurat Foundation director Naseem Zahra lead a rally held by the foundation. The placards spoke for the elimination of violence and harassment against women.

The foundations also promised help to a woman, Yasmeen, living in a tent with her husband and children in front of the Press Club. The couple say they have been deprived of land by her brothers-in-law. The rally came to an end with the women lighting candles

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2010.