With around 70 to 80 percent women suffer domestic violence in Pakistan; White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) in collaboration with Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) marked the International Day for Eradication of Violence against Women on Monday, to show support and solidarity to women suffering different kinds of violence in their lives.
A special event in this regard was held at LCWU, in which a huge number of students and representatives of civil society participated. Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheeduddin was the guest of honour, while other prominent guests were TV Anchor Habib Ikram, Vice Chancellor LCWU Dr Sabhia, religious scholars Prof. Ijaz Ahmed and Ms. Kokab Shahzad, Psychologist Dr Ali Hashmi, Gender Specialist Prof. Kousar Jamal Cheema and Advocate Prof Humayun Ehsan.
In Pakistan, White Ribbon Campaign marked this day every year especially to highlight role of men in eradication of violence against women.
Highlighting the importance of women's role in progress of the country, Punjab Minister Hameeda Waheed said that women are more than 50 percent of the country's population, and Pakistan would never progress without their betterment and active participation.
On the other hand, expressing concerns over current condition of Pakistani women, speakers at the event stressed on the need of immediate steps for eradication of violence against women.
Talking about the importance of the day, Chief Executive White Ribbon Campaign Omer Aftab said that men need to play a significant role for eradicating violence against women, because they are mainly held responsible for women's dire condition in Pakistan.
Mentioning some serious statistics about violence against women in Pakistan, he added that around 70 to 80 percent women suffer domestic violence in Pakistan, and according to international reports our country is the third most dangerous country for women.
It may be mentioned that the White Ribbon Day against gender inequalities is an international campaign initiated by White Ribbon Campaign here in Pakistan. It starts from November 25- International Day against Violence against Women - and ends on December 10- International Human Rights Day - to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasise on the fact that biases of all sorts are the violation of human rights. With such activities, the campaign aims to express its support towards free will of individuals, be it men or women, in order to raise voice and create awareness about discriminatory behaviours and practices against women.