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Speakers call for end to gender based violence
Speakers call for end to gender based violence


LAHORE: (Friday, March 5, 2021): The speakers of a seminar has called upon the need to create awareness among public at large and enforcement of relevant laws in the country for elimination of gender based violence, which would help build a strong and healthy society in Pakistan. They were addressing a seminar organized by Punjab University Institute of Social and Cultural Studies in collaboration with the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) to mark International Women’s Day. The seminar was titled “Gender-Based Violence: A Public Health Challenge” in which Punjab Women Protection Authority Chairperson Kaneez Fatima, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar, Dean Faculty of Behavioral and Social Studies Prof Dr Umbreen Javed, ISCS Director Prof Dr Rubeena Zakar, PWPA Director General Irshad Waheed, senior journalist Xari Jalil, faculty members and students participated. Addressing the seminar, Ms Kaneez Fatma said that the most important task to address gender based violence (GBV) was to change the mindset and behavior of the people. She said that every segment of society should play its role to bring the change. Prof Dr. Rubeena Zakar highlighted the significance of approaching the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) from the perspective of public health and shared her intensive research on this issue. Mr. Haider Zaidi said that there was a dire need for creating awareness and education among youth about gender-based violence. Ms. Xari Jalil emphasized that print, electronic, and social media should play its role in reporting GBV and sensitizing general public and stakeholders. Mr. Irshad Waheed briefed about the functions of the authority and interventions of the government to address GBV in Punjab and welcomed suggestions from academics and civil society to further strength the services. Professor Dr. Umbreen Javaid said that GBV was not specific to any class and required interventions at every level. Concluding the seminar, Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar emphasized that there should be strong linkages among academics, civil society and government authorities to eradicate this menace in Pakistan.