Senior representatives of major political parties and parliamentarians, civil society organizations and officials of Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights called on Wednesday for a national policy on ending violence against women in society.
The policy dialogue organized by AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme was held at a hotel in Bhurban.
It was presided over by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi and attended by representatives of PML-N, PPPP, MQM, PTI, JI, JUI-F, ANP, QWP and PML-Q.
The participants agreed to develop the national policy in consultation with stakeholders through dialogue at provincial and local levels.
The proposed policy framework suggested by the participants included a vision statement on safe spaces for women and girls, relevant legislation, institutional and response mechanisms, and rehabilitation of survivors of violence against women in a dignified manner.
The policy must adhere to promote rule of law at all levels ensuring enforcement of the policy.
The proposed policy framework also included a major awareness raising at all levels on the issues of violence against women and capacity building of police and judicial officers.
It was also said that media, educational institutions and madaris as well as other social and political institutions should be involved for creating enabling environment for the success of the policy.
The proposed framework highlighted the crucial significance of law enforcement agencies such as police and lower judiciary in curbing gender based violence.
The participants also suggested that a one-stop approach was required to address the issue, where medico-legal, police help, shelter home and rehabilitation facilities were put under one roof.
