Speakers call for efforts to prevent child marriages

PESHAWAR: Several civil society organisations organised a seminar to observe 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

As per a press release, the event was organised by Blue Veins, in collaboration with Regional Directorate Federal Ministry of Human Rights, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW), EVAW Alliance, National Action Coordination Group (NACG).

On the occasion, posters were showcased on the theme of “Combat Child Marriages”. The poster exhibition was arranged about 16 days of activism, which is an international campaign launched each year worldwide, to raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels. Ghulam Ali, Director, Regional Directorate of Human Rights (Ministry of Human Rights), said: “Gender-based violence doesn’t just impact the well-being of individuals, societies and nations, it also affects economic stability. Considerable efforts are required to promote women’s and girls’ autonomy and choice and to ensure the realization of the right of women and girls to a life free from violence.” Rukhshanda Naz, KP Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment Women at Workplace Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said: “Global estimates show that one in three women worldwide experiences either physical and/or sexual violence, mostly by a partner at some point in their lives. Farzana, secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW), said that child marriages are universal reality existing in all societies regardless of socio-economic status, culture or any other form of diversity.