RAWALPINDI: Aurat Foundation (AF), in collaboration with Oxfam Pakistan, launched a rickshaw campaign titled ‘Enough; Together We Can End Violence against Women and Girls’ on Tuesday at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).
The campaign was launched to support the elimination of violence against women and to generate demands for effective implementation of pro-women laws. The campaign featured more than 3000 rickshaws, displaying the campaign message, carrying art work and playing feminist folk songs. The rickshaw campaign was supported by rickshaw drivers who acted as advocates for women rights and were presented as change makers.
Speaking on the occasion, Oxfam Pakistan’s Country Director Muhammad Qazilbash said that despite significant progress made towards the formation of a policy to protect women and their rights, horrific stories of violence against women emerge every day.
Aurat Foundation Chief Operating Officer Naeem Ahmed Mirza talked about the struggle of Mirabal Sisters, who opposed dictatorship and were assassinated on November 25, 1960. In memory of those sisters, the world observes ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence’ from Nov 25 to Dec 10. He said that all around the world, women gave sacrifices for their rights. “This is the century of women, but for those women who stand up for their rights,” he said.
Justice (r) Nasira Javed Iqbal speaking on the occasion said that despite serious political measures, a large number of women are still victims of violence in Pakistan. She praised the approval of pro-women laws but also pointed out the flaws in their implementation. “Despite all those errors, we are happy for the progress and hope that we will be able to overcome hurdles in the way of implementation,” she said.
Australian High Commission First Secretary Trasey Graeney said that violence against women is a global issue. She added by saying that in Australia, one out of four women experience violence. That restricts a woman’s potential to contribute to society.
National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz urged the men to make efforts in eliminating violence from the society. Khawar suggested the introduction of a social media App (application) for quick support to the violence victims. “Women in rural areas may not be familiar with social media tools but local leaders can facilitate such women in accessing the existing support mechanism,” she added.
Arid Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Rai Niaz said that those who disrespect women are unfortunate and that the solution to eliminate the violence is to make women financially independent.
A rickshaw rally was launched from the university premises at the end.
