International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is being observed today (Friday). The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the rights of women and highlight the issues faced by them.
Like many countries around the world, Pakistan is also observing the day to reaffirm its commitments under its own Constitution as well as the Convention for Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) that it signed in 1996.
The Article 25 of Constitution of Pakistan binds the state for taking all measures including legislation for protection of women and ensuring equal status for them in the society.
In his message on the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, public health pandemic and serious obstacle to sustainable development.
It imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and economies. The world cannot afford to pay this price.” (APP)
