Women social workers and rights activists have expressed voice concern over closure of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto (SBB) Centre for Women in different parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, demanded of the government to review its decision for continuing its work for protection of women's rights in the province.
Speaking at press conference here at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, Co-ordinator Swat Unity Network (SUN), an umbrella organisation of different social groups, Saeed Khan said that the government had established centres in four districts, including Peshawar, Kohat, Abbottabad and Swat valley under a project in 2005.
After the establishment of Darul Aman in the province, he said the government had decided to close down the centres due to lack of adequate funds to run their affairs in June 12, 2012. He claimed that more than 5,300 women had given speedily relief and resolved their different issues through the centres.
He explained they had addressed different cases of violence against women, inheritance rights, domestic disputes and other issues facing women in the society. He informed the court that has already issued stay order on June 30, 2012, against the closure of the centres.
Saeed Khan said that government non-serious move would increase violence against women in the society in absence of any institute to take remedial steps. "Women are desperately needed to guide them about their legitimate rights and ensure protection", said a woman activist.
She said that the centres have extended legal and moral support to women in solution of their issues both at domestic level and in society. She expressed grave concern over closure of centres, which could undermine the steps for protection of women's rights. The centres, she said, have created new hope for women facing obstacles and hurdles in attainment of their legitimate and social rights in the society. Therefore, she demanded of the government to review its decision and to restore centres on permanent basis to extend services for betterment and protection of women's rights.