Speakers call for ending gender-based violence

LAHORE:Punjab University on Monday hosted UN Women Pakistan’s groundbreaking campaign, Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels, which seeks to ignite conversations and inspire collective action against gender-based violence (GBV).

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, educational institutes transform into powerful platforms for theatrical performances, highlighting the urgent issue of GBV.

The event aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and spark collective action towards a more equitable and violence-free society. Opening the proceedings, Anwar Qureshi, Head of Office Sindh & Punjab at UN Women Pakistan, emphasised the campaign’s impact: ‘Through creative platforms like Rolling Resistance, we aim to spark dialogue, foster empathy, and empower communities to reject violence in all its forms.’ Chairperson Department of Gender Studies Prof Dr Ra'ana Malik, Secretary Women Development Department, Punjab Usman Ali Khan, Ms Saman and Nabila Malick from UN Women, Islamabad, faculty members and students were present.

In her address, Dr Ra’ana Malik emphasised the critical importance of rising voices against gender-based violence in Pakistan. She highlighted the PU’s commitment to fostering awareness and mobilising change in society. Usman Ali Khan underscored the department’s initiatives and responsibilities in addressing women’s issues in Punjab. He conveyed the chief minister’s unequivocal message of zero-tolerance on violence against women and girls, reinforcing the government’s stance against gender-based violence. Ms Saman encouraged all attendees to come together and advocate for a world free of violence and inequality. The theatrical performance captivated the audience, delivering a powerful narrative that highlighted the pervasive issues surrounding gender-based violence.

Awareness seminar

As part of its awareness campaign, the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab organised a seminar at Kinnaird College for Women University. The event was presided over by the Principal of the university, Dr Irum Anjum. During the seminar, the media adviser to the Ombudsman Punjab, Abdul Basit Khan, addressed the students, highlighting the significance and efficiency of the institution in delivering swift justice. He emphasised that the Ombudsman Punjab provides affordable and timely justice within 45 to 60 days without requiring a lawyer. Advisers are available across all districts of Punjab to serve the general public, and complaints can be registered 24/7 via the helpline (1050). On the occasion, Senior Registrar of the Ombudsman Punjab, Shahid Abbas, explained the steps involved in filing a complaint.