ISLAMABAD: Prominent women activist, Dr. Fauzia Saeed today called for the implementation of laws related to women inheritance & early marriages in letter & spirit along with ensuring accountability of those who are violating these laws.
Talking to the Media in connection with the ‘National Women Day’ celebrations held today, she appreciated the significant work done regarding Implementation of harassment law, terming it a positive development. “We should also play our active role in strengthening women role in society.
Condemning domestic violence prevailing in the society, Dr. Fauzia said strict implementation of relevant laws is the only way to ensure the protection of women. “Situation will not improve until punishment is not given to the violators”.
Domestic violence against women is considered a matter of dominance and pride for the men and is appreciated by the family and society. This prevailing mindset can never be changed until we hate and socially boycott the person committing this crime, she observed.
“Mothers can play a significant role in inculcating positive values of respect for women in the minds of their children from the very beginning,” she said.
Dr. Fauzia said during the last year, no major achievement has been made regarding women development which can be celebrated on this day. Policies and laws are although important but their implementation is indispensable to get desired results.
She said it has been observed that women have made several achievements on their own what lacks is the role of society and the government for empowering women.
Women are moving forward on their own and creating space for themselves in diversified fields of life and society must play its due role to boost their active participation in all the fields of life.
Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Ms. Khawar Mumtaz said February 12 was the historic day when a large group of women belonging to different forums raised their voices against the discriminatory laws.
On 12th February 1983, with the Section 144 was in place, the women defied the ban on public assembly and conducted a march on the Lahore High Court, in which many Woman Action Forum (WAF) members participated to protest Zia’s Law of Evidence.
Ms. Khawar Mumtaz said the march was the first public demonstration by any group against martial law. The protest also marked the first time in the history of Pakistan that police used tear gas and batons on women, injuring many and arresting nearly 50.
During the ban on all the political activities at that time, the strong resistance shown by women against the discriminatory laws became a symbol of democracy and strength and that struggle is still going on, she observed.
This struggle was not meant for only a specific group of women but those belonging to oppressed segments of society also, she said.
About the progress of the present government regarding women empowerment, she was of the view that it is too early to judge the performance of this government regarding women development and it will take time to bring solid initiatives in this sector.
Chairperson NCSW underlined the need to implement pro-women laws in true spirit which is the only way to ensure women protection and empowerment on the grass root level.
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