President Asif Ali Zardari called upon the government institutions, civil society and communities to intensify their collective efforts to end violence against women and to ensure that laws were not only enacted but fully implemented, as well.
“I further invite all responsible citizens to challenge all forms of discrimination, exclusion and silence, because change begins at our homes and at our workplaces,” the president said in a message on the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Today, he said they stood in solidarity with the millions of women and girls around the world who continued to endure violence in multiple and devastating forms.
Violence against women was wrong not only on a personal level but was a profound violation of human rights, a barrier to human dignity and an obstacle to the development of societies, he added.
“Empowering women and girls through education, skill-building and ensuring financial independence is foundational to ending the cycle of violence. Legal frameworks, institutional support, awareness-raising and cultural transformation are equally important to end violence,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
The president said this year’s theme “UNITE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” invited them to expand their investment in preventive strategies, survivor support mechanisms and systemic reform.
This theme highlighted the urgent need to address the rise of violence against women and girls in the digital realm, he said, adding the campaign called for action from governments, tech companies and individuals to end digital violence.
He further said in the pursuit of a society where women could live free from fear and violence, the government of Pakistan had undertaken key initiatives, including the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act 2022, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, and the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020.
The president said these efforts had been reinforced by the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, which contained provisions to combat coercion and trafficking of women.
Furthermore, he said, they had established support systems such as the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and the Family Protection Center, besides a Toll-Free Help line 1099.
“Protecting young girls from early marriage through legal instruments is very important. Sindh is leading with 18 years as minimum age while Islamabad too has made it a law and Punjab has followed. I hope the other two provinces will follow as well,” he observed.
President Zardari stressed upon making a pledge together to build a future where every woman and girl could live a life free from fear and violence, and to realize their full potential.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the survivors, activists, service providers and all those who work each day to ensure dignity, safety and security for women. On this day, let us reaffirm our national resolve, strengthen our shared responsibility and work towards a society where women rights are protected and where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated, anywhere or by anyone. May our resolve today is realised in a better future tomorrow,” he added.