Aurat Foundation in collaboration with Sindh Human Rights Commission and Action Aid conducted a dialogue on ‘Promotion of Laws on Eradicating Child Marriages and Violence Against Women in Sindh', on 9 December 2015, at Hotel Mehran Karachi. The session's main aim was to discuss the implementation of already passed pro-women laws regarding child marriage and domestic violence, rules of business and the problems faced pertaining to the implementation of these laws.

Ms. Rubina Brohi and Ms. Fareeda Tahir, Program Officers AF, conducted the dialogue. Speakers included Ms. Anis Haroon, Member NCHR & Board Member of AF, Justice (R) Majida Razvi, Chairperson SHRC, Ms. Saira Shahlani, MPA-PPP, Ms. Rana Ansar, MPA-MQM, Mr. Aslam Sheikh, Law Secretary, Ms. Mahnaz Rahman, Resident Director AF, Ms. Mussrat Jabeen, Deputy Director WDD, Ms. Riaz Fatima, Deputy Director Social Welfare, and Ms. Rukhsana Siddiqui, Program Officer WAR; and AF staff also attended the event.

Ms. Rubina Brohi gave a general introduction of the program and its main agenda behind the various members meeting together to discuss the importance of implementing these bills properly to ensure the security of women in the society. Ms. Mahnaz Rehman gave an overview of Sindh laws on child marriage and domestic violence. Justice (R) Majida Rizvi focused on gaps and loopholes left during drafting of different bills.

Mr Aslam Sheikh, Secretary Law’ focused on the role of NGOs, social activists, police department and government to achieve the goal of equal rights for women and preserving their dignity and security in the society. Ms. Ruksana further highlighted the various problems and issues still faced in dealing with cases of child marriages and domestic violence. Ms. Saira Shahliani emphasized on the role of Parliamentarians in passing the bills and appreciated the efforts of Aurat Foundation and various NGOs. Ms. Anis Haroon, descriptively highlighted the role of media, police, government and NGOs in playing a part in giving awareness to the local people about the laws passed regarding domestic violence and child marriages.

Ms. Farida Tahir, Program Officer., AF, adjourned the dialogue on a vote of thanks together with a general outline of the important laws and recommendations discussed.