This was stated by experts at interactive session on ending violence against women and girls at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Addressing on the occasion, UAF Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Mahmood Ahmad Randhawa said that Thompson Reuters Foundation’s survey ranks Pakistan as sixth most unsafe country for women. He said that incidents of the violence continued to make headlines in the passing year. All the year, several reports surfaced regarding women and young girls’ domestic violence and honour killings etc. He was of the view that the lack of education, and unawareness were the main hindrance to improve the situation.
Community leader Azad Kastro said that we were living in the male dominated society where the rights of women are denied. He said that government was making all-out efforts to end the menace from the society. He said that violence against women is directly to the education level. He said that it is found in every society that was provoking psychological problems in women.
Assistant Commissioner Zoha Shakir said that women empowerment was a key phenomenon of bringing sustainable socio-economic progress of any country. She added that in the male dominated society, it is the need of the hour to create awareness among the masses to provide an equal opportunity for women to health, education and human rights. Incharge Darul Aman Faisalabad Sufia Rizwan said that 90 percent of the violence against women were coming from less educated families. She said that domestic violence, denial of education for the women etc are the curses that must be eradicated. She said that it is unfortunate that we are not practicing the golden principal of Islam. The situation is multiplying our social and others problems. She called for following Islam that will provide excellent livings and put an end to violence cases. Chairperson Sociology Dr Saira Akhtar called for equipping them with the modern education to face up to the various challenges. She said that education, health and rights are the base of the development of any society. Keeping in view, more steps are needed to educate the people about ensuring rights to women. DSP Zahida Ch said that the police were taking all possible steps to ensure the rights to women. She said that the women need to stand their rights. Dr Nabila Malick from United Nations Punjab office said if we are to fight discrimination and injustice against women, we must start by initiating change in our homes. Dr Naima said that violence against women was a grave violation of human rights. It has many forms. She said that the country had several laws and policies against different forms of violence. Lawyer Rana Rahid, said that we had to expedite efforts to curb the menace from the society. Dr Sadia from Allied Hospital also spoke.