Recently, Aurat Foundation under USAID supported a Gender Equity Program (GEP) that is being carried out. The initiative takes spotlight as it aims to sensitise media personnel regarding gender equality. This is a step that is much needed for Pakistan.
The issue of gender inequality and the crimes linked to it are no hidden fact. The recent phase of the initiative envisions the media as an effective tool. The media is being utilised for public outreach that will positively change the perception of society and empower women. However, it is imperative that the media must also be consulted for the type of trainings required on the subject. The media is the most effective tool to bring change in the country today but it is time to move beyond trainings that are being carried out by many civil society organisations.
As a concerned citizen, I praise civil society for the initiative but I believe they need to focus on research-based projects more that will allow ground realities of gender equality to surface. Women empowerment will only be brought over a period of time and this will require research-based facts.
FARRUKH SARWAR
Islamabad