‘Pur Adam’: Need to support victims of violence, stress experts

Attend launch of media campaign for gender equality


Hafsah Sarfraz November 25, 2015
PHOTO: NNI

ISLAMABAD:


Gender equity is a vital global issue not just for implementation of human rights but also for governance and economic progress.


Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson said this at the launch of a national media campaign for gender equality, titled ‘Pur Adam’, on Wednesday.

“Gender equity is the core of Australia’s foreign policy and overseas aid programmes,” she said.



She also said Australia particularly welcomes focus on gender equity in the recently adopted UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Australia is pleased to know that it shares the same vision with Pakistan. Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but it is foundational for a peaceful and prosperous world,” she added.

Hyderabad Police DIG Khadim Hussain Rind said gender-based violence is deeply rooted in our society. “It is often portrayed as a family issue that should stay within the walls of the home. That is not how justice can prevail. It is not a family issue; it has a lot to do with the state,” he said.

While narrating a few of his personal experiences where police would not intervene in such cases, he said there is a need to change the official structure. “Police and policymakers along with society need to ensure that justice prevails and women are protected, even if they need protection from their family members,” he said.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said she could see a future when people will look back at this time and identify a period of change. “We do not realise the cruelness of the situation; we continue to deny how dire the situation is. However, at the same time it is encouraging to see women parliamentarians helping us and people bringing this matter up,” she said.


Minister of state and Benazir Income Support Programme Chairperson Marvi Memon said we
need to give all women sufferers the confidence and courage to say that enough is enough and that there is a life and way forward. “Women would undeniably feel more secure if they know they are not alone in this journey,” she said.


Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th,  2015.

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