Drive to end violence against women launched
ISLAMABAD: A 16-day ‘activism’ opposing violence against women began on Wednesday in 54 districts of Pakistan in connection with the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women being observed on Thursday.
Launched by partners and allies of Oxfam and the ‘We can end violence against women’ campaign; thousands of men and women will mark the 16 days, leading up to Human Rights Day on December 10, by holding rallies, protests and public meetings to draw attention towards the fact that 80 per cent of women in Pakistan have experienced violence at some points in their lives.
According to Oxfam Country Director Neva Khan, the 16 days of activism provides an opportunity to show the people that violence against women is endemic and unacceptable. Across the country, cases of ‘honour’ killings, rape and kidnappings are on the rise.
However, Pakistan has the chance to change this bleak situation into one of hope.
The activism will show that women can, and should be, respected and valued for the contribution they make to their families, communities and society more generally, and should be able to live without fear or being subjected to violence, Neva Khan said.
The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women on Wednesday launched its annual call for proposals for prgrammes that support country level efforts to end violence against women and girls.
On the other hand, the government in a recent communication to the UN explained measures being taken to safeguard women’s rights and pointed out 12 critical areas of the National Plan of Action dealing with women and poverty, education and training of women, their health, etc.
Source: Dawn
Date:11/25/2010
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