Islamabad: The White Ribbon Pakistan arranged a workshop and book launching ceremony on ‘pro-women laws and legal awareness’ in connection with the International Women’s Day.
German ambassador Ina Lepel was the chief guest on the occasion, whereas National Commission on Status of Women Secretary Samina Hassan, woman activist Farzana Bari, media celebrity Tauseeq Haider and Semi Kamal were among other speakers.
CEO of the White Ribbon, Omer Aftab, said in Pakistan, every fifth woman was victim of violence and that ratio was even higher in married women as every third women becomes victim of any sort of violence in her life span.
He said there was a deep-rooted cause behind that sorry state of affairs and that is patriarchal mindset that discriminated against women at individual, societal and state levels. “The White Ribbon is the only organisation, which involves men in ending violence against women,” he said.
Omer gave a brief introduction of the book titled ‘Law, Discrimination and Women in Pakistan’ and said the book was the result of in-depth study of laws relating to women in Pakistan.
He said the book highlighted the real situation of pro or anti-women laws in the country. Tauseeq Haider said media was the strongest tool to change the mindset of any society and since the last two decades, Pakistani media has played its worthy role in bringing the paradigm shift in patriarchal mindset.
The NCSW secretary said preventing violence against women and empowering women continued to be priorities for the commission. “We strongly believe that closing the gaps between men and women in health, education, politics and economic participation will contribute to a more equitable and more prosperous society in Pakistan,” she said.
The German ambassador appreciated the efforts of the White Ribbon and promised her country would offer support and cooperation to Pakistan for the welfare of its women. She praised the efforts of the White Ribbon Pakistan for women’s empowerment and said the book launched was a much needed addition to the publications regarding women issues in Pakistan. “This book can be a resource for the women eager to know about their rights,” she said.
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