Pakistani Men Pledge to Make Their Districts Violence-Free Zones for Women and Girls

Islamabad, Pakistan — Men and boys from across Pakistan are taking a unified stand to become part of the solution to prevent and end violence against women and girls. In a unique event, thousands of men and boys from around 70 districts across the country poured out into the streets in solidarity with women and girls and called for an end to crimes of violence against women and girls yesterday.

Men joining the solidarity Movement at Mardan, KhyberPakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Photo: White Ribbon Pakistan

Violence against women is a global phenomenon affecting 1 in 3 women, and Pakistan is no exception. As the world observes 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this day also marks the start of the "16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence" lasting until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Males from across all provinces and regions, were mobilized by the White Ribbon Pakistan in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan, National Commission on the Status of Women and the Ministry of Human Rights.

Congregating outside the local press clubs on 24 November 2017, men and boys vowed to "leave no woman or girl behind" by prioritizing their dignity and calling for their protection and prevention against violence. In doing so, they pledged to make their districts 'violence-free zones' for all women and girls'.

Guests lighting up candles to mark the end of the launch event. Photo: UN Women/Anam Abbas

Speaking during a solidarity event held in Islamabad, Rabiya Javeri Agha (Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights) said "Pakistan has a strong legislative framework for the protection and enforcement of human rights. Despite many government initiatives, forces of patriarchy continue to hamper women's inclusive and sustainable growth. Women's reticence is not only confined to economic activity but spreads into broader social and cultural spheres and violence against women continues. We cannot leave it to women to fight their battle alone. Men must come forward as agents of change. A society of open-minded and enlightened men is essential to ensure the promotion of human rights and the protection of women and vulnerable groups in our country."

Khawar Mumtaz (Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women) expressed that "Violence against women affects women across classes and regions of Pakistan. We need to get rid of this scourge and to expel it from our society. This can be made possible if women and men collectively pledge to do so and commit ourselves to equality and dignity of women and girls."

Omer Aftab (Chief Executive Officer, White Ribbon) said "In making Districts violence-free zones for women and girls, White Ribbon, the Ministry of Human Rights, National Commission on the Status of Women and UN Women have created a movement of multiple stakeholders. Joining the 'pledge for action' are men and boys from 70 districts across the country, District Commissions on the Status of Women, Divisional Commissioners, academia and corporate organizations."

Sangeeta Thapa (Deputy Representative, UN Women Pakistan). Photo: UN Women/Anam Abbas

Sangeeta Thapa (Deputy Representative, UN Women Pakistan) shared "We want to see elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls so that women and girls are not discriminated against and are able to live a life of dignity and respect, which is violence free. UN Women acknowledges the important role held by Pakistani men and boys in taking unified stand to prevent and end violence against women and girls."

The day concluded with a firm commitment by male parliamentarians, Ministers, and notable personalities from civil society and media joined by their female counterparts, whereby they rejected violence against women in all its forms and reaffirmed their resolve to take personal action and strengthen government mechanisms to address discrimination and violence against women with greater involvement of all stakeholders.