Youth of Muzaffarabad commit to end gender based violence

Muzaffarabad, Pakistan — A symbolic walk with orange balloons in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan Administered Kashmir, PAK) from Chattar Chowk to the State Parliament, saw young men and women raise their voices and slogans to end all types of violence against women and in the favor of women’s empowerment.

A symbolic walk with orange balloons in Muzaffarabad saw young men and women raise their voices and slogans to end all types of violence against women and in the favor of women’s empowerment. Photo: UN Women/Naseem Butt

The event was organized by the Women Development Department of Pakistan Administered Kashmir, in collaboration with UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), and was held on 25 November 2016, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, starting the regions 16 Days of Activism campaigning to end gender based violence.

Speaking at Parliament Gate, the Honorable Ms. Noreen Arif, Minister for Women’s Development Department and Social Welfare Department, PAK said: “Commemorating 16 Days of Activism today is an opportunity to renew commitments to end discrimination against women and girls, and reminds us of the role we have in standing up and raising awareness on the rights of women and girls. We will only achieve this goal if men and women stand side-by-side in their efforts. The youth of our country need to know that they, as our new generation, need to take forward the works that was started before us, and build upon what we are collectively doing today.”

Photo: UN Women/Naseem Butt

Mr. Zeeshan Haider, Representative of Youth Activists, said: “Men and boys must engage as advocates and stakeholders, to break the silence, raise their voices and take action for the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment.”

Ms. Bushra Shams, Gender Advisor UN Women, in her remarks said: “Women participated in this event are the representatives of the women and girls of our region. We want to ensure a life free of violence for them; we will not compromise on their rights.”

Mr. Khawaja Mohammad Ehsan, Secretary for Social Welfare and Women Development Department, PAK in the vote of thanks commended the active collaboration between UN Women and the Women Development Department over the years particularly on legislative reviews and lobbying for their effective implementation.

The day-long event concluded with pledges being made on a 'Banner of Hope' to end violence against women and girls.