Islamabad, 26 November 2023 (TDI): Today, Pakistan is joining the world in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The Government of Pakistan posted that women have every right to live a violence-free life with dignity and equality in a just and equitable society. It also added that there is no excuse for gender-based violence.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and persuasive human rights violations in the world.
Despite the adoption of the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, violence against women and girls remains a persuasive problem.
In a statement issued by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi expressed his heartfelt solidarity with all women vulnerable to the adverse impacts of violence.
The president said that Pakistan is committed to creating a society where women can live free from fear and violence.
It added that Pakistan has taken steps to eradicate violence against women, including the establishment of the National Commission on the Status of Women to inquire into violations of women’s rights.
Additionally, a family protection center in Islamabad and women’s crisis and shelter centers in provinces were established.
The President quoted that while recognizing the importance of support for victims of violence, we have increased the availability of counseling services, shelters, and helplines to provide immediate assistance and long-term support to affected women.
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The statement also stated that although Pakistan has made progress to promote women’s rights and eliminate violence against them, more efforts are still needed.
The International day for the elimination of violence against women is a call to action, urging us all to redouble our efforts to create a world where every woman can live free from violence and discrimination.
The President urged government organizations, civil society, the media, and ulema to work for the elimination of violence against women.
Abdul Momin Rasul is a contributing author on TDI
