No society can develop without protecting women, says PU VC

LAHORE:Punjab University Institute of Social & Cultural Studies’, Department of Public Health and Directorate of Student Affairs organised an awareness seminar on ‘Combating Violence against Women through Community Policing’ on Wednesday.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Ali was the chief guest on this occasion. Director ISCS Prof Dr Rubeena Zakar, Director Students Affairs Dr M Ali Klasara, National Coordinator of IUCPSS M Murtaza Noor, Head of the Department of PCHR Huma Kashif, DSP Punjab Police Arsalan Saif, District Women Protection Officer Rabia Usman, lawyer and human rights advocate Ms Asia Ismail, faculty members and students were present on this occasion.

In his address, PU VC Prof Dr M Ali said that no society can develop without providing protection and equal opportunities to women. He highlighted the importance of women empowerment and said that children should be brought up in a manner that inculcates respect for women from an early age.

PU VC said that Pakistani women have to be economically strong to become socially strong. “Our law and religion protect the rights of women and more than 80 percent of the household work is done by women in the rural economy. Women are the better gender who do office work well along with household chores,” he added.

Dr Rubeena Zakar said that the purpose of this event was to provide timely information to students for educating the community, promoting accountability, gender equality, and empowering women. She underlined the roles of IUPSS, PCHR and PU DSA in promoting social justice, emphasising that women’s empowerment is vital for sustainable development.

Murtaza Noor stressed that students should play a key role in raising awareness about violence against women. Huma Kashif introduced the ‘Tahaffuz’ project, supported by UN Women, focused on sensitising police and training medico-legal officers on gender violence. Asia Ismail discussed women’s constitutional rights, the need for their involvement in policy-making and the importance of financial independence for protection. Arsalan Saif threw light on the role of policy forums in registering complaints from women and transgender. Filing a complaint at a police station is the first step in addressing violence against women, he added. Rabia Usman explained the implementation mechanisms of the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act 2016.