Tributes to courage of violence survivors

Islamabad: Endorsing the global theme to celebrate woman activists from rural and urban areas on International Women’s Day, an event was hosted by Women Protection and Rehabilitation Centre here. The event was Ministry of Human Rights organised an event in collaboration with Hashoo Foundation and UGOOD, which was attended by people belonging to different sections of the society.

The event honoured violence survivors and volunteers. However Salma Bibi, the first registered client of the Centre stole the show. The brave brick kiln child of the late 90s was given away in early marriage and was rescued by the Centre in February 1999.

The event was a tribute to the courage of violence survivors and shelter residents of the Women Centre that gave them an opportunity to voice their experience and their journey towards survival and recovery."From a life of pain and abuse the Centre steered us all the way towards a stable future,” said Kiran, a mother of two minors.

All out support for women was pledged by the chief guest Mumtaz Tarar, the minister for Human Rights. He said that the govt is committed to bring change in the lives of the vulnerable women through provision of better health opportunities and compulsory education with s focus on rural women.

Reiterating government vision on protection and development of women and children Mohd Hassan Mangi, DG Ministry of Human Rights lauded the efforts of the volunteers and civil society in addressing the challenge. He assured all possible space and cooperation by his Ministry in implementing the gender and child rights agenda.

He informed that the govt is engaged with the provinces in shaping a far reaching women empowerment policy. Hassan Mangi assured support in consolidation mechanism for the Women Centre.

The event was also addressed by former Senator Saeeda Iqbal, Dr Rubina Fareed Chairperson Women Centre, a religious scholar and this scribe. A documentary on women movement in Pakistan and a skit depicting how to say no to domestic violence was also part of the programme. A special award was given to Saira Furqan manager Women Centre and cash presents were given to all shelter residents.