Peshawar, November 25, 2019 (PPI-OT): Chairperson Women Parliamentary Caucus Maliha Asghar Ali Khan on Monday said that the problem of violence against women is a national issue that is also highly prevalent in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). She reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protect and support women through effective legislation and provision of quality services. She urged all the female members of the provincial assembly to set an example for other provinces by unanimously passing the long pending pro-women bills.
She was talking at an event to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign in the province. The event was jointly arranged by the Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), Ombudsperson Secretariat and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women with support from UN Women Pakistan.
Maliha Asghar Ali Khan, in her welcome remarks, appreciated the participation of more than 500 community women at the event that was arranged at a community level in Union Council Kafoor Dheri, Sufaid Sung of district Peshawar.
“16 days of Activism is an international campaign, which is commemorated each year to raise awareness on violence against women as a human rights issue, focusing on the importance of grassroots work to end violence,” said Zainab Qaisar Khan, Head of Provincial Office UN Women Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chairperson KP Commission on the Status of Women, Dr. Riffat Sardar said at the occasion, “Being an oversight body with the mandate of monitoring pro-women laws and policies at the provincial level, we strongly recommend that all women machineries join hands and make collective efforts for the protection of women and girls from violence. There is a need to understand the cultural context of the province and bring necessary reforms in the service delivery mechanisms in this regard.” She also shared her life story which was a source of motivation for women to embark on the journey of empowerment.
Ms. Rehana Ismail, member provincial assembly emphasized the importance of women rights. She shared that Islam is a religion of peace and do not encourage gender based discrimination. Teachings of Islam reassure respect of women. Two theatre performances were also given where local theatre groups portrayed the positive image of women in a family.
Afshan Afridi and Saira Shams were physically challenged women, who came to share their inspirational life struggles towards claiming their basic rights and their success as empowered women. They proved that self-determination is key to achieving one’s goals and that the physical disability could not stop them from moving towards a prosperous life.
Ms. Rukhshanda Naz, Ombudsperson KP, highlighted the importance of sensitizing masses about women’s rights. She added that obtaining education is the most important thing for women to do because low literacy level and lack of awareness about basic rights makes them more vulnerable to oppression and discrimination. She explained the role of Ombudsperson and how it is linked with controlling the harassment at workplace.
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