By Hira Nafees Shah
U.S. Embassy Islamabad and the Pakistan U.S. Alumni Network arranged a panel discussion on “Best Practices for Combating Gender Based Violence” Dec. 3 at the National University for Sciences and Technology’s (NUST) Business School. More than 200 activists, students and educationists attended.
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus and Pakistan Television Network Anchor Sidra Iqbal moderated the discussion which was chaired by Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Peter Brennan. The other panelists included three alumni of different U.S. government sponsored exchange programs. The discussion highlighted the international campaign on “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence” which began Nov. 25, the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.
“The 16 day activism campaign offers an opportunity to renew commitment to free women from violence,” said Peter Brennan in his address. “Gender based violence remains a public health and law enforcement challenge worldwide and the U.S. remains committed to advocating for women’s rights.”
Panelist and Islamabad High Court barrister Ayesha Siddique Khan (Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) alumna) asserted that it is important to treat the disease of gender-based violence in Pakistan instead of trying to cure its symptoms. She held loopholes in Pakistani laws responsible for letting culprits go free.
Non-profit Acid Survivors Foundation’s Director of Operations Syed Irfan Haider (IVLP alumnus) drew attention to the problem that in 90 percent of violence against women cases, the police were reluctant to register an FIR without taking bribes, or wanted the women to internally resolve their issues.
When the discussion shifted to how men used violence against women as a symbol of masculinity and to feel powerful, the Minister Counselor made an excellent point that it is important to challenge stereotypes and perpetuate the belief that a strong, confident man should not hit a woman.
NGO Women’s Organization for Rights and Development’s Executive Director Aqsa Ghairat Ali Khan (IVLP alumna) said economic dependency prevents many Pakistani women from breaking away from their abusive spouses. But she believes collective solidarity involving both men and women can help control gender-based violence in Pakistan.
Summing up the conversation, Brennan said awareness campaigns on combating violence against women take time, but the ultimate aim is to create gender harmony in society.
