Violence Against Women and Civil Society’s Role in Raising Mass Awareness for Women’s Rights

The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (debate and council) discussed violence against women in Pakistani society and the role of government and civil society organizations in raising public awareness for women’s rights. Recent cases of violence against women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were passed in review and the urgent need of special legislation and laws to counter violence against women was stressed. Furthermore, the debate focused on the role of female parliamentarians and activists as well as the establishment of Dispute Resolution Councils (DRCs) and Women Desks in police stations to tackle domestic violence cases. The program highlighted efforts of social welfare organizations to end violence against women and the violation of their rights. Moreover, the importance of education for women and societal barriers encountered by them was elucidated.

Ms. Zareen Zia, Member of KP assembly and Secretary Information of Women Parliamentarian Caucus (WPC) and Mr. Asif Elahi, Program Officer, Aurat Foundation, Peshawar, were the studio guests in the show.

Ms. Zia said: “Unless there is no proper legislation, violence against women will be continued.  As our government came into power, a committee drafted a bill to end violence against females, but it was utterly rejected by the Council of Islamic Ideology. We need a strict legislation like other provinces to overcome this issue.”

Mr. Elahi said: “Due to the absence of concrete laws, violence against women is on the rise in KP. This ratio is believed to have escalated in the past few years because of deprivation of women’s rights and the lack of public awareness. Most of the victims cannot report domestic violence as it would bring dishonor upon their families.”

A radio report was made part of the program which emphasized on honor killing and early child marriage cases in KP and FATA.

A caller took part in the program condemning violence against women and urging government for appropriate legislation to counter this issue.

About Sabawoon

Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.