Civil Society Organizations and Pakistan Gender Coalition (PGC) organized a ‘Mega Event’ on closing of 16 Days of Activism campaign on Gender Based Violence (GBV) at Officer’s Club Quetta. The event was mega celebration of activities conducted by 23 organizations including PGC throughout the campaign started from 2nd November till 14th December, 2015.

The main objective of the event was to celebrate the campaign by proposing ‘Pro-women legislative agenda for Balochistan’. The event was chaired by Dr. Kaleemullah Khan, Mayor Quetta Metropolitan. Women parliamentarians Ms. Samina Khan (PML-N) and Mr. Hashim Khan Kakar Dr. Shama Ishaq (National Party) also participated in the event. Justice (R) Kailashnath Kohli, Chairperson Balochistan Public Service Commission, Ex-Senator Ms. Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, Dr. Ishaq Baloch (NP), Mr. Hashim Khan Kakar, Director General Social Welfare, prominent social activists, academia, lawyers, line department and media personnel also participated in the event.

Ms. Saima Javaid, DPM Aurat Foundation), presented the proposed ‘Charter of Demand’ and said that Government of Balochistan should take affirmative steps for women and pass the bills on Child Marriage Prohibition Act and Acid Survivors Rehabilitation Bill at the earliest to curb the evil crimes against women. The proposed charter of demand 2015-16 is as follows.

1.      Like other provinces, Provincial Government of Balochistan should take affirmative steps for the establishment of Provincial Commission on the Status of Women.

2.      Provincial coalition government to put their efforts for passage of ‘The Child Marriage Prohibition Bill’ from Provincial Assembly Balochistan.

3.      To ensure the formation of ‘Inquiry Committees’ under Anti-Harassment Act 2010 at all government and non-government institutions and also aware citizens at local level on that.

4.      Provincial Ombudsperson should be appointed as soon as possible for the effective implementation of Anti-Harassment Act 2010.

5.      Formation of rules and regulations regarding implementation of Domestic Violence Act.

6.      Formation of policies at provincial level for socio-economic protection of Women Home-Based Workers, formulation of development schemes for improvement of economic status of Women Home-Based Workers and establishment of ‘Product Finishing Units’ for finishing of products made by them.

7.      Formation of policy at government level for restoration of peace and harmony among citizens of Balochistan.

8.      New committees with the partnership of civil societies, philanthropists, local representatives and scouts should be formed and organized by government beside Provincial and District level Disaster Management Authorities to play effective part in focusing on women and children in time of calamity.

9.      CM Balochistan and coalition government should elect woman parliamentarian as Speaker Provincial Assembly Balochistan.

10.  Women parliamentarians should be included in the provincial cabinet.

11.  Disabled women should be appointed in all government and private offices / institutions according to their allotted quota of 2 percent.

12.  Easy friendly access should be provided to disabled women in all government and private departments.

13.  Mental Health Care unit should be established in all civil hospitals at provincial and district level.

14.  Mobile centers for Fistula treatment should be established at all Basic Health Units across the province.

15.  Psychiatrist should be appointed in the institutions of Special Children established under Social Welfare Department.

16.  Emergency exits should be established in all hospitals including Bolan Medical Complex.

17.  Women Friendly Spaces like day care center, toilets, rest/common rooms and information desks should be established at Chamber of Commerce, Courts, Media Houses and all public and private offices/institutions.

18.  HR policies of Media Houses should be revised in accordance with the gender sensitive needs through provision of maternity, annual and casual leave.

19.  Gender Sensitive HR policies should be prepared by Chamber of Commerce, Courts, Media Houses and all public and private offices/institutions.

20.  Political parties should give equal tickets to women on contesting through general seats.

21.  Legislation and implementation of ‘Acid Survivor Rehabilitation Bill’ for Balochistan.

22.  Dar-ul-Aman for women survivors and women police stations should be established at Divisional capitals.

23.  Special measures should be adopted in the courts to ensure speedy trial of case related to the violation of basic human rights of women.

The charter of demand was endorsed on banner by all participants.

The session was followed by handing over the wetted copy of ‘Child Marriage Prohibition Bill’ to women parliamentarians by DG Social Welfare. Ms. Saima demanded them to lobby on bill with their male counterparts and make strong efforts for its passage from provincial assembly. The session was chaired by Justice retired Mehta Kailashnath Kohli.

Earlier Resident Director Aurat Foundation Mr. Haroon Dawood spoke at length on role of civil society in mitigation of violence against women and mistrust in society.

Women parliamentarians ensured that they will try their best for the passage of proposed bills from provincial assembly. Speaking to the occasion chief guest Dr. Abdul Kaleemullah Mayor Quetta Metropolitan said that women should be given regard in society and home. He said that Islam and constitution of Pakistan provide equal opportunity to women especially their inheritance rights.

Earlier Mr. Ishfaq Mengal (AF), Ms. Surriya Alladin and Ms. Ishrat Altaf (PGC) spoke on the history of 16 days of activism, introduction of PGC and activities conducted during campaign.

The event was closed by cake cutting ceremony.  

At the start ‘one minute silence’ on ‘Tragic Martyrdom of Pakistan’s First Lady Pilot Marriam Mukhtar’ was observed.