Empowered women

Sadly, we still live in a society where women are considered inferior to men. However, a majority of the people have become open-minded over the past few years and have started giving women the respect and recognition they deserve for all that they do. At present, women are excelling in various professional fields along with their male counterparts to prove that they are no less than men. Recently, a ride-hailing service run by women was also introduced. The government must be credited for that as it has provided women and young girls with various opportunities in all walks of life.

The government and the civil society organisations must work hand-in-hand to create awareness in society about gender equality and provide women with enough opportunities in all fields.

M Taimur Shahzad

Rawalpindi

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It is quite appreciable that the Punjab government has taken a positive major initiative by establishing the Prevention of Violence Against Women Centre in Multan. The centre was inaugurated on March 25, 2017. The centre will go a long way in providing protection to women against violence. It will provide facilities including legal and/or medical help, psychological rehabilitation, shelter home, etc. The centre, rightly claimed to be first of its kind in South Asia, has been set up by the Chief Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit in collaboration with the Provincial Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Department. More such centres are also going to be set up throughout the province. According to some media reports, the centre is established to protect women against physical abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, cybercrime and stalking.

It is also commendable to note that the centre is run by trained female staff. This initiative is commendable and in order to make it successful, women should avail the services. This will help curb the violence against women. Such centres should be established in rural areas as well. Women rights activists along with the government should raise awareness campaign to educate women how they can protect themselves from violence and other related issues.

M Z Rifat

Lahore