The 131st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The first guest on show, Ms. Mehwish Mohib Kakakhel, an advocate by profession, noted that the provision of equal citizenry rights is ensured by the constitution of Pakistan where the fundamental human rights vide articles 8-28 are available to all citizens without any discrimination of gender. Laws on property, harassment and domestic violence issues are crucial for gender equality and address structural inequality issues. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) courts at the district level (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) where GBV related cases are specifically heard is an exemplary initiative as it provides speedy justice to the litigants. It also acts as a model for whole range of other interventions for gender equality.
It is not only a matter of legislation but also awareness among the women about legal services on offer and how to utilize them to seek justice. But we must be cognizant of the fact that the state can only do so much and it is the responsibility of the citizens to report and support victims and connect and facilitate them availing the legal services on offer. Role of media is also worth mentioning, for positive portrayal of the role of women in the society.
Speedy justice is another essentiality where the process of service delivery should be prompt enough. Legislation will be of no avail unless the key law enforcement institutions as part of criminal justice system implement the GBV related laws efficiently.
The second guest on show, Mr. Muhammad Danish, a student and CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumnus noted that violence has different manifestations, and all forms of violence should be responded whether physical or mental. Women, children and transgender community are more vulnerable to different forms of violence and need special attention and legal coverage. It is the social and legal responsibility of male members of the society to support their female counterparts to grow and thrive.
The third guest on phone, Mr. Shafiq Gigyani, a social activist noted that we should not let the culture and religion be misused for the violation of women rights. For an egalitarian society, it is fundamentally important to invoke the discourse key to gender equality, provide women with equal opportunities in all walks of life, and ensure their fundamental rights.
Mindset change in the society will come through cultivating the young minds; sensitizing children on ideals of equality and peace during their formative years of education.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.