President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: PID
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged state institutions, civil society and communities to intensify collective efforts to end violence against women, highlighting the need not only for stricter laws but also for their full implementation.
In his message on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the president urged citizens to challenge discrimination, exclusion and silence, pointing out that meaningful change must begin at home and in the workplace.
She said they stand in solidarity with the millions of women and girls around the world who continue to endure violence in multiple and devastating ways. Violence against women, he added, is not only bad on a personal level but also a profound violation of human rights, a barrier to human dignity and an obstacle to social development.
“Empowering women and girls through education, skill development and ensuring financial independence is critical to ending the cycle of violence,” the Presidential Secretariat wing quoted the president as saying.
“Legal frameworks, institutional support, awareness-raising and cultural transformation are equally important to end violence,” he added.
The President noted that 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 issue highlighted the urgent need to address the rise in violence against women and girls in the digital sphere, she said, adding that the campaign called for action by governments, technology companies and individuals to end digital violence.
She further noted that in pursuit of a society where women could live free from fear and violence, the government had undertaken key initiatives including the Protection from Harassment of Women at Workplace (Amendment) Act, 2022, the Anti-Rape (Inquiry and Prosecution) Act, 2021 and the Women’s Property Rights Enforcement Act, 2020.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens, including youth, social and religious leaders and teachers, to unite against violence against women and work towards its elimination.
In his message, the prime minister emphasized that the country is raising its voice to the entire world to highlight this important cause since this year’s theme is “United to end digital violence against women.”
