Violence against women is a universal phenomenon and women shelters such as Darul Amans and women centers are now recognised as a key factor in fighting for violence against women, speakers at a one-day provincial consultation organised by alliance members, NCSW, Shirkat Gah, Rozan and Dastak said on Wednesday. NCSW Chairperson Anis Haroon chaired the seminar. They said that there was a joint effort of certain NGOs to develop policy guidelines, which provide support and services to women in distress and survivors of violence.
The efforts aimed at involving relevant government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders in working towards creation of a comprehensive protection system for women survivors, which was compatible with their rights to human dignity and fundamental freedom. The first session of the discussion was about the present standards of care and treatment followed in shelter homes and women centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Provincial Social Welfare and Women Development Minister Sitara Ayaz reiterated the role of a joint and cohesive effort to strengthen service provider systems for women survivors.
