Minar-e-Pakistan shines ORANGE for 16 Days of Activism

Minar-e-Pakistan, a public monument in Lahore, Punjab province was clad in orange lights to mark 16 of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Photo: Curtesy of Women Development Department Punjab

Punjab, Pakistan — For the first time ever, the Minar-e-Pakistan, a public monument in Lahore, Punjab province was clad in orange lights to mark 16 of Activism Against Gender Based Violence and reaffirm the commitment of the Provincial Women Development Department (WDD) to end discriminatory attitudes against women.

Speaking on the occasion, the Honorable Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din (Minster WDD, Punjab) said that the Punjab government stands committed to put an end to violence and discriminatory attitude towards women who constitute more than 50% of the population of the country. She said that as a part of international campaign against gender based violence, the WDD has launched “her talk 2016” campaign about rights of women and their importance in the process of national development and prosperity. She said in this context ‘Orange the World’ activities include a series of the events - competitions, walks, and screening of an Oscar winning documentary on honor killing - to promote the cause and gender awareness campaign among all sections of the society. There is also a need to mobilize and activate women towards protection of their constitutional, legal and moral rights, concluded the Minister.