KARACHI – In a seminar ‘Torture on Women’, held at Department of Psychology, Karachi University on August 31, speakers said women are subjected to torture, harassment and stress by men.

Chairperson Rakshanda Talat Hussain said torture on women, particularly in rural areas has posed an alarming situation. They are not protected by the society despite various attempts made by NGOs, she said.

Senior NGO activist, Aroosa Sehar said women in rural areas are leading miserable lives, chained to ethos of traditions and day-to-day exploitation. She said harassment and exploitation cases of women in urban areas had decreased due to the awareness among women for their rights.

Dean of the faculty of Arts of KU, Abu Zar Wajadi said balance of power among women and men could secure their rights. Zia Awan lauded efforts of Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA) and said this institution was established in 1989 to protect women’s rights.

Source: The Nation

Date:9/1/2004