Protecting women: Round-the-clock presence of female cops demanded

Women Action Forum says presence of female police officers is important to facilitate women

KARACHI:

Women rights activists have called for ensuring round-the-clock availability of policewomen at all the police stations of the country.

Women Action Forum's Sarah Zaman said on Tuesday that the presence of female police officers was important in order to facilitate women seeking protection or to register their complaints without any hitch. Zaman demanded that the provincial governments recruit female police officers on the basis of merit. The activist said that through proper training, they could deliver in terms of maintaining law and order.

She further said that this will enhance public confidence in the institution itself and that women will be the beneficiaries as they will be able to approach the police. The activist was appreciative of legislation adopted by the Sindh Assembly in favour of women, regarding child marriage, shelter homes and domestic violence. She said that strict implementation of these was needed, adding that the other provincial governments needed to follow suit.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2015.