ISLAMABAD: In a mobilisation event organised by White Ribbon Pakistan in Islamabad, men and young boys belonging to more than 70 districts of Pakistan, pledged to make their districts ‘violence-free zones’ for women and minor girls.
The event was organised by White Ribbon Pakistan in collaboration with United Nations (UN) Women Pakistan, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR).
During the unique event, thousands of men and boys from across the country poured out into the streets in solidarity with the opposite gender and called for an end to crimes against women and girls.
Congregating outside local press clubs in their respective areas, male participants vowed to “leave no woman or girl behind” by prioritising their dignity and calling for their protection against violence.
Talking at the main event, White Ribbon CEO Omer Aftab said, “Violence against women is a global phenomenon that affects 1 in 3 women, and Pakistan is no exception. As the world observes November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this day also marks the start of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ lasting until Human Rights Day on December10.
He further said that, “In collaboration with MoHR, NCSW and UN-Women, the campaign has been launched in 70 districts across the country. Additionally, we have mobilised 14 District Commision on the Status of Women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine divisional commissioners in Punjab, as well as 70 colleges. We have also engaged more than 300 corporate organisations to support our cause.”
Speaking on the occasion, NCSW Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz said that, “Violence affected the lives of women across all classes and regions of Pakistan. We need to get rid of this scourge and expel it from our society for good. This can be made possible if women and men collectively pledge to do so and commit to the ideals of equality and dignity.”
Addressing participants, MoHR Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha said, “Pakistan has a strong legislative framework for the protection and enforcement of human rights. Despite many government initiatives, forces of patriarchy continue to hamper efforts for inclusion of women in different walks of life. We cannot leave it to women to fight their battles alone. Men must come forward as agents of change. A society of open-minded and enlightened men is essential to ensure the promotion of human rights and the protection of women along with other vulnerable groups in our country”
UN Women Pakistan Deputy Representative Sangeeta Thapa said, “We want to see elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls so that they are not discriminated against, and are able to live a life of dignity and respect, without the fear of violence. UN Women acknowledges the important role held by Pakistani men in taking a unified stand against violence against women and minor girls.”
The day concluded with a firm commitment by male parliamentarians, ministers, and notable personalities from the civil society and media organisations. The participants unanimously rejected violence against women in all its forms, and reaffirmed their resolve to take personal action to strengthen the government mechanisms to address discrimination/violence against women with greater involvement of all stakeholders.
