Drive against gender-based violence from today

LAHORE:The Punjab Women Development Department (WDD) is launching a 16-day global awareness campaign from today (Saturday) to address and prevent gender-based violence through effective initiatives.

Punjab Women Development Department Secretary Sumaira Samad, along with her team, has completed preparations for the drive, saying that November 25 is observed annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, symbolising unity and determination against gender-based violence.

The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘UNiTE! Invest in Ending Violence against Women and Girls.’ Punjab Women Development Department Secretary Sumaira Samad emphasised that the Women Development Department’s 16-day awareness campaign would involve comprehensive actions.

The iconic structures like the Pakistan monument and the Punjab Assembly building would be illuminated in orange lights. The colour orange is symbolic of the campaign against gender-based violence.

Additionally, during the 16-day awareness campaign, materials related to preventing and addressing gender-based violence would be displayed at the Punjab Secretariat. This material would provide essential information about women’s legal rights, available support services, and reporting incidents of gender-based violence. Sumaira Samad also mentioned that the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women’s cooperation would facilitate the implementation of the Punjab Gender Parity Report 2022.

Furthermore, training for government officials regarding the inclusion of women in key roles, gender-responsive project planning, and budgeting for gender responsiveness would be conducted.

An awareness campaign would also be carried out through the transport department. Sumaira Samad highlighted the use of hashtags like ‘OrangeTheWorld#’ and ‘16 Days’ on social media to expand the campaign’s reach.