Aurat Foundation, under its USAID funded Gender Equity Program (GEP), launched Pakistan’s first 3D animated series on gender-based violence titled “Main Aur Mere Dost” on Monday. The launch was made in connection with “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” campaign. The Urdu language series, called “Main Aur Mere Dost” (Me and My
Friends) is the first animated cartoon produced in Pakistan by Creative Village, University of Lahore using 3D technology.
Designed to educate children about gender equity and to advocate against gender-based violence, the seven episode cartoon series would counter gender stereotypes and would send across constructive messages against gender- based violence. “The United States believes that investing in women and girls is one of the surest ways to achieve economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for Pakistani women and men,” said US Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Richard Hoagland while speaking at the event. “That’s why the United States government funds programmes like
Main Aur Mere Dost, an animated public education campaign designed to help Pakistani women and girls to lift up their families, communities, and nation.”
The event was attended by famous media personalities, civil society representatives and government officials but the most prominent guests at the occasion were children from different public and private schools.
Others who spoke on the occasion included the technical editor of “Main Aur Mere Dost” Adnan Shakeel and famous poet and script editor of the animated series Fahmida Riaz.