A round table meeting on draft of Child Marriage Prohibition Bill 2015 was organized by Aurat Foundation at Serena Hotel, Quetta. The activity was chaired by Ms. Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani, Speaker Provincial Assembly of Balochistan. Women parliamentarians Dr. Shama Ishaq, Ms. Kishwar Naheed, Ms. Masooma Hayat, Ms. Spozmai Achakzai, Ms. Arifa Siddique, and Ms. Salma Qureshi, Director Women’s Development Department, Justice (retd) Mehta Kailash Nath Kohli, Chairperson Balochistan Public Service Commission, members of standing committee, representatives from Social Welfare Department , Women Development Department, Law Department,  civil society and media also  participated  in the  meeting.

Ms. Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani said that Council of Islamic of Ideology (CII), religious scholars and other stakeholders would be taken on board on the  bills pertaining to child marriage, acid throwing on women and welfare of disabled persons.

She said this that consultation with the stakeholders before legislation on women’s rights issues will make the bills and laws acceptable for all people. She praised the efforts of Aurat Foundation for presenting the pro-women agenda for Balochistan especially legislation for prohibition of child marriages.          

She said that standing committees of Balochistan Assembly are functional and all stakeholders are being consulted and all aspects are being reviewed before legislation on different issues. The members of every standing committee must review all aspects of the draft on any issue before tabling it in the assembly, she said. She also said that drafts of all bills would be tabled in the assembly with the recommendations of the Standing Committees.

Earlier, Mr. Haroon Dawood, Resident Director Aurat Foundation Quetta, briefed about the stages that were taken by Aurat Foudation and other civil society organizations till the vetting of draft by Law department. He informed the participants that child marriage prohibition bill was drafted after comparing the both bills of Sindh and Punjab.  Later, bill of Balochistan was also translated by Advoacte Azam Jan Zarkoon and handed over to Social welfare department for further process.   

Ms. Saima Javaid Deputy programme Manager, presented the facts and adverse effects of early marriage on society and also presented the draft of proposed bill on child marriage before the participants. Justice (Retd) Mehta Kailash Nath Kohli reviwed different points of the bill.

The participants shared their views and appreciated efforts of AF for preparing the draft and putting continuous struggle for its passage from Balochistan Assembly.

An awareness raising campaign was organized on Child Marriage Act, 2013 and ‘stop killing women’ by Aurat Foundation in Tehsil Dharki on 6.1.16, whereas earlier  in District Ghotki on 30.12.2015.  As part of the campaign, two seminar were also organized in Tehsil Thul on 05-1-2016, whereas in District Jacobabad on 29.11.2015. These activities were conducted under the LISTEN project by Ms. Malka Khan, Regional Coordinator LISTEN, Sindh & Balochistan. It provided an opportunity for information exchange, regarding child marriages and killing women in the name of ‘honour’ in Sindh and Balochistan.  Women group leaders, lady health workers and community women were  part of the  campaign.

While sharing campaign objectives, Ms. Malka Khan said that this campaign is to raise awareness about the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 for its effective implementation. In Pakistan, child marriages take place owing to various reasons such as customs, traditions, and extreme poverty, tribal and feudal structure of society.  Ms. Amar Sindhu, renown women’s rights activist, stressed that government shall place  an effective  mechanism to curb ‘honour’  crimes  against women.

In Thul & Jacobabad Ms. Safia Abbasi, District Coordinator Shikarpur said that child marriage is the most prevalent phenomenon in Pakistani society especially in Sindh. Early and forced marriage is a flagrant violation of human rights, she further said. 

Ms. Firdous Khawja, District Coordinator Jacobabad; said that Aurat Foundation has been continuously working and established 50 Women Leaders Group in 30 Districts in Pakistan and these groups have been working hard to for human rights specially for women’s rights. Mr. Faqeer Mohammad, EDO Social Welfare, Ghotki , said that they  will try their level best to implement the Act in the district..

A delegation of civil society and Pakistan Gender Coalition (PGC) led by Aurat Foundation Quetta office called upon newly elected speaker of Balochistan assembly Ms. Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani in her chamber on 4 January, 2016. The delegation congratulated her for being elected as first woman speaker of Balochistan assembly. The delegation said that  appointment of Ms. Raheela Durrani as speaker is a big achievement for the civil society of Balochistan as civil society organizations, PGC and Aurat Foundation had continuously been demanding for women’s representation in the provincial government.

During the meeting, copy of charter of demand for women’s rights and copy of Child Marriage Prohibition Bill was presented to her for information and further lobbying in Balochistan assembly. At the end of meeting Ms. Raheela Durrani thanked the members of delegation and assured them of every support in promoting women cause on the floor of assembly.

The visiting delegation comprised of Ms. Roshan Khursheed Barocha, member AF General Body, Ms. Rukhsana Ahmad Ali, Social Activist and  former member NCSW, Dr. Rasheeda Panezai, Social activist and ED Mehack, Ms. Farhat,Representative BEEJ and Member PGC, Ms. Saima Javaid, DPM-GEP,  AF, Mr. Muhammad Haroon Dawood, RD-AF, Quetta, and Ms. Fatima Tahir, CMO-GEP, AF.

Aurat Foundation arranged a meeting with Ms. Farkhanda Waseem Afzal, Ombudsperson for Punjab Protection against Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace on 30 December 2015, at her office. The objective of meeting to enhance coordination between AF and Ombudsperson office. AF delegation was consisted of Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Resident Director AF, Ms. Nabeela Shaheen Advocate, Coordinator Policy Data Monitoring Violence Against Women, Mr. Anjum Rafiq, Coordinator Institutional Strengthening Capacity Strengthening of Women Development Department, and Mr. Anjum Raza, Programme Officer AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme.
Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Resident Director gave a brief introduction of AF programmes and outreach in Punjab. She showed her observations and concerns about weak implementation of Sexual Harassment at workplace Act, nonfunctioning of inquiry committees at district and provincial level, no display of code of conduct in public and private offices, sensitization of inquiry committee members and lack of awareness about law between employees and employers in public and private sector.
Ms. Farkhanda Waseem Afzal acknowledged the civil society role for bringing this legislation at provincial level with its implantation mechanism. She said that it is compulsory for all government and semi-government departments to constitute an inquiry committee with at least one woman member. She said there should a competent authority in every department for this purpose. She further said that the code of conduct in English or any other language, which employees could easily understand, should be displayed at prominent place. Ms. Farkhanda said that if head of any department does not constitute inquiry committee, appoint competent authority and display code of conduct at prominent place, a fine up to one lakh rupees can be imposed.
In meeting, it was decided that:
• Office of ombudsperson would activate provincial watch committee for the protection of sexual harassment at workplace;
• Office of ombudsperson will share the district vise data of inquiry committees of AF AAWAZ districts including Kasur and Muzafar Garh for arranging sensitization sessions;
• AF team would utilize all its resources to create awareness about the law among public.

 

Honourable Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court Mr. Justice Noor Muhammad Miskanzai committed for the provision of Women Friendly Spaces (WFSs) in the premises of all district courts of Balochistan and especially. He said this during the inauguration of Women Friendly Space (waiting room and toilet) in the premises of District Court Sibi on 29  December 2015.

The waiting room is rehabilitated by DANESH organization  under sub-grant of grant cycle 7B, ‘Advocacy campaign for allocation and rehabilitation of women friendly spaces’. “This step taken by Aurat Foundation and DANESH has made us realize that how many important things are ignored which affect the life of women and exclude them from the main stream of development", he  said. He announced the provision of air conditioner for waiting room in district court of Sibi and also ensured Aurat Foundation team for taking suo moto notice if FIR is not registered in the favor of survivors of  gender based violence  (GBV).

While discussing the implementation of Anti-harassment Act in different offices, he asked Aurat Foundation team for a meeting to devise the steps for its implementation in the province. During his speech, he also informed the participants that the cases of honour killing will be trailed under Anti-terrorist courts. It is also worth mentioning that this ceremony was attended by full bench of High Court of Balochistan and a large number of lawyers, and representatives of bar council and association.

Mr. Muhammad Haroon Dawood, RD AF Quetta, Ms. Saima Javaid, DPM-GEP, AF, and  Ms. Ishrat Altaf, Director DANESH Organization  were also part of  the  inauguration ceremoney.

 Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has achieved the target of enrollment of one million beneficiary children in schools under Waseela-e-Taleem (WeT) initiative; its official celebration will be launched by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar early next year. This was stated by Minister of State and Chairperson BISP, MNA Marvi Memon during her visit to Govt. Boys and Girls Taleem-ul-Quran High Schools, Rawalpindi wherein BISP children enrolled in these schools were also present.  

Aurat Foundation arranged a meeting with Ms. Shehla Raza, Deputy Speaker, and MPAs of all parties including PTI, MQM, PPP, PML-Q and PML-N and Mr. Aijaz Mangi, Secretory Women Development, at the Sindh Assembly on 22nd December 2015 to discuss the draft of Acid and Crime Bill. The session discussed the amendments introduced in the bill for the provincial bill. These amendments focused on the license for buying and selling of acid, punishment for the crime, its rehabilitation aspects and inclusion of ‘chemical’ in substances that are used for acid attacks. Special emphasis was laid on the establishment of a Acid and Crime Monitoring Board and its crucial role in regard to purchase and sale of acid and acid attacks. The aims of the amendments was to accommodate all the angles of a acid crime that physically, mentally and emotionally affect the victims.

While focusing on the tabling and passing of the Bill, Mr. Aijaz Mangi assured the committed of his assistance throughout the progress of the Bill and the formation of its rules. Similarly, Ms. Shehla Raza asserted the imperative aspects of the Bill and suggested another meeting for the assistance of the victims financially and discussion over the bill in greater detail. The committee unanimously agreed to meet in the second week of January to further discuss the bill in more detail before it is tabled.

Aurat Foundation, Office of Ombudsperson, WISE and AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme jointly organized an  event in connection with the commemoration of National Working Women Day, on 22 December, 2015, at auditorium of Lahore of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Besides large number of working women, several women representatives of civil society organizations, labour unions and govt. departments including police department, Traffic police, Rescue 1122 and media joined the occasion.

Ms.  Mumtaz Mughal, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, highlighted the issue of limited role of women in decision-making forums and process, which must be increased. Majority of working women are involved in labour intensive jobs in the informal sector, at home and agriculture sector. They take care of crops and livestock, doing vital tasks in home-based manufacturing industry.  Many earn half the wages as compared to men for the same work and face double the problems in terms of gender discrimination, intimidation and most of all sexual harassment.

Ms. Farkhanda Waseem Afzal, Women Ombudsperson, while talking about the law on sexual harassment at working, she said her office is working to ensure harassment free work environment for the women. She urged the working women to speak against the violation of their rights and if they face sexual harassment workplace, feel free to contact her office.

Ms. Bushra Khaliq Executive Director, WISE, said working women are an asset of Pakistan, whether they are working in the formal or informal sector. The budget priorities for the women empowerment are real indicator of govt. sincerity towards women. The govt. should increase budgetary allocation and must stop cuts on this budget, she added

Ms. Sadia Sohail, MPA from PTI,  said, women are the best economic managers, good PROs and fine politicians. Their role in reducing corruption is crucial. Women must encourage women to come forward and claim their due space in various sectors.

Mr. Salaman Abid, Regional head SPO, said, development without women’s participation is impossible. Many women want come out of the home and to work, but the real problem is provision of conducive and harassment free work environment to the women.  State must provide social protection to working classes and particularly the women.

Ms. Lubna Mansoor, from Ministry of Human rights, said government values the vital role of women and is very much aware of human rights issues being faced by the women and other marginal sections of society. A number of pro-women laws are the evidence of state sincerity towards women cause. She appreciated the role of civil society in highlighting and promoting the women’s human rights in Pakistan.

Ms. Ammara Athar, SP Operations, Ms. Gulam Fatima from BLLF, Ms. Ruqiaya Bano from Rescue 1122 and Ms. Fakhara Tehreem from Daily Jang also spoke on the occasion and expressed their solidarity with the organizers for celebrating the important day of working women. 

A lunching ceremony to share the preliminary findings of the scoping review on Gender Based Violence (GBV) intervention in humanitarian context was held on 16 December, 2015, at Ramada Hotel. Ceremony was started with standing ovation to Army Public  School students and teacher followed by national anthem. Mr. Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer welcomed the participation and highlight the importance of study.

Ms. Graceila from UNFPA addressed the participants and talk about the project, importance of scoping review and role of UNFPA in eradicating the GBV. Ms. Uzma Zarrin, Director Programmes, Aurat Foundation presented the preliminary findings of the scoping review on GBV interventions in humanitarian context. Speakers of a penal discussion included Ms. Gulalai, Director Programmes, Khwendo Kor, Mr. Furqan Abbas, Deputy Director, Information Dept. Social Welfare, Punjab, Ms. Roohi Zahir Shah, President Girls Guide Association of Pakistan, Mr. Haroon Dawood, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, Quetta, Mr. Taj Marri, Programme Manager, Bhandar Hari Sangat, and Dr. Nusrat Rana, Psychiatrist.

Speakers shared their experiences and good practices regarding GBV intervention on response and prevention. After that a Question & answer session was conducted.  Ms. Shamaila Tanvir, Coordinator Research & Development, Aurat Foundation moderated the event.  Mr. Younis Khalid concluded the session and thanked all the participants coming from different regions of Pakistan.

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.