'Lawlessness, poverty behind women trafficking'

Lack of proper law, poverty and unemployment are the main reasons behind women trafficking in Pakistan; hence civil society should join hands to press government for necessary legislation to curb rising internal and external human trafficking.
These were the views of participants of a two-day workshop organised by Nomad Gallery of Art in collaboration with Action-Aid Pakistan here on Sunday to mark International Women Day here on Monday. They said that women trafficking and forced prostitution are worse forms of violence to which a large number of women are subjected. All legislation and legal actions have been focused on the victims of the crime, with little attention towards trafficking.
Like every year, the international women day is observed in Pakistan to mark solidarity with the women. On this occasion government and social society organisations have arranged walks, seminars, and show documentaries on women role, issues and responsibilities in the society.
Nomad Art Gallery in collaboration with Action-Aid Pakistan organised different programmes, including screening of documentaries, poetry and a panel discussion in connection with the Women's Day. Two documentaries, each of 20 minutes duration one titled, 'the Dark side of migration", produced by Action-Aid and BEFARe, on Human Trafficking directed by Samar Minallah.
The documentary highlights various aspects of illegal migration including human smuggling within, out of, and through Pakistan. It aims at promoting awareness about the consequences of migrating illegally. Film comprised of interviews of victims, their families, law enforcement officials and experts.
Following the screening a discussion highlighting the increase in human trafficking and violence against women (YAW) was also arranged. A screening of a short presentation of Shanaakht - Main Houn Zindagi, a 13-episode programme produced by Nageen Hyat for PT V-Home focusing on women, professions, culture & taboos was also screened on this occasion.
Students, representatives of the public and private sectors, parents, members of civil society and members of the international community were present. 'Pakistan-The War Within- Fighting Extremist Militants' and 'Voices Unheard-Behind the Politics of Conflict' on the prevailing socio-political situation and its impact on women were also shown on this occasion.