An international campaign being observed across the globe including Pakistan since November 25, aimed at ending violence against women, would conclude on December 10 (today). During the campaign, organisations of women launched campaigns, demonstrations, protests and rallies throughout their countries.
In Pakistan, thousands of women joined these associations and organisations to demand an end to violence, as women continue to experience sexual harassment, domestic violence, acid violence, forced marriages, abduction. This year, a number of activities were arranged by both national and international organisations working for women rights in Pakistan. A series of seminars were arranged by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), ActionAid, Women's Organisation for Rights and Development (WORD) with the support from Gender Justice Protection Project, UNDP.
Various exhibitions were also arranged by local exhibition galleries to highlight violence problem faced by women across the country. A Women Solidarity Mela held earlier this week was organised by Aurat Foundation and Oxfam-GB in which the representatives from all parts of the country participated and raised voice against gender biased attitudes. National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) and Ministry for Women Development (MoWD) were also part of these activities. Survivors of violence were given cash grant from rupees5,000 to 25,000 by MoWD in a ceremony held in connection with 'small businesses'.
In the current events, a daylong seminar on "Facets of Violence and Community Response" will be held by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with ActionAid on Friday (today), in which speech on 'Violence Against Women' would be presented by Mome Saleem, Research Associate SDPI. Sherry Rehman, Member of National Assembly, will chair the inaugural session of the seminar, while Chairperson NCSW, Anis Haroon and Chairperson NCHD, Nafeesa Shah will speak on "Politics on Domestic Violence Bill."