News - Aurat Foundation

2-Days’ Capacity Building Workshop with office bearers of political parties on of gender discrimination

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with AAWAZ Consortium partners (SAP-PK, SPO, Sungi) organized a 2-days capacity building workshop on ‘Gender Sensitization’, on 18-19 May, 2014, at Avari Hotel, Lahore.

Sixty two (62) political party office bearers including two MPAs from mainstream political parties attended the workshop. The participants were invited from twenty (20) districts of Punjab, namely Sargodha, Jhang, Okara, Rawalpindi, Mandi Bahauddin, R.Y. Khan, Rajanpur,D.G.Khan, Attock, Khushab, Faisalabad,

T.T.Singh, Nankana, Bahawalpur, Bhawalnagar, Mianwali, Pakpattan, Gujranwala, Khanewal, Bhakkar and Lahore.

The rationale for holding the consultative sessions was to create sensitization within political parties on women’s rights, promote women’s political engagement at the decision making process at district level, enable them to understand and map out women’s social exclusion and rights of excluded groups.

Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Provincial Manager, AAWAZ Programme, welcomed the distinguish participants and shared the objectives of two days’ workshop. She conducted a session on ‘Gender Disparities in Political Participation and Pro Women Legislation in Pakistan’ with special focus on recent pro-women legislation in Punjab. Mr. Salman Abid conducted a session on ‘Unpacking Women Political Participation and Democracy’. Mr. Ali Imran, Country Program Manager, West Minister Foundation for Democracy, conducted session on ‘18^th Amendment and Right to Information Law in Punjab’, while Mr. Samson Salamat, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights Education, conducted a session on ‘ Understanding Social Exclusion and Rights of Minorities’.

Ms. Fouzia Vaqar Chairperson, Provincial Commission on the Status of Women, Punjab, Chief Guest of the event, spoke about the importance of women’s political participation and gender sensitization within political parties. She said that gender disparities in current political scenario are still increasing, and political activists could push their parties to overcome these gaps. For this, amendments are essential in Political Party Act, 2002. Parties should award the tickets to their women leaders on winnable general seats.

Ms. Nasreen Zahra, Resident Director, Auart Foundation, Lahore, said that to remove gender disparities in key decision making bodies including Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Law Commission, economic planning bodies etc. Political parties shall also develop a strategy to mainstream women political activists. She said that reactivation of local government is an opportunity for women participation in political process. She stressed that woman political leaders and activists need to play an active role in implementation of the Punjab Fair Representation Act, 2014.

At closing session, Ms. Fozia Vaqar, and Ms. Nasreen Zahra distributed certificates among participants.

Women journalists demand 33% seats at decision-making level in journalist’s unions

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Aurat Foundation (AF) jointly organized an All-Pakistan Women Journalists Convention (APWJC) in Lahore on May 2, 2014.

Around 150 women journalists from all parts of the country took part in the convention and unanimously passed the Lahore Declaration which was presented at the concluding session.

Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed was the Chief Guest at the concluding session. President PFUJ Mr Afzal Butt, senior lawyer and former Chairperson Supreme Court Bar Association Ms Asma Jahangir, Ms Zakia Shahnawaz, Minister for Population Welfare, Punjab, senior journalist Ms Moneezah Hashmi, politician and activist Ms Bushra Aitazaz, senior journalist and activist Ms Jugnu Muhsin and AF’s Director Advocacy Rabeea Hadi spoke on the occasion. They expressed solidarity with journalists and called for protecting freedom of speech.

The Lahore Declaration – authored by PFUJ after recording the concerns of female journalists – got unanimous approval of the participants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The declaration demands that all female journalists be given press club membership and seats in club elections; allocation of 33 per cent seats for women journalists in PFUJ and other decision-making bodies as well as Pakistan Press Council; provision of basic facilities in media houses (including day-care centers, separate washrooms and rest rooms); establishment of sexual harassment complaint committees in every media house, union offices and press clubs under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace 2010 Act.

It also calls for provision of transport facilities for women journalists; paid three-month maternity leave for female journalists as per ILO Convention; equality in pay structure: beat distribution and exposure opportunities; insurance cover (as given to male colleagues); 10 per cent quota in working women hostels, welfare schemes for retired female journalists; free healthcare for women and their dependants; and provision of loans for female journalists.

In his inaugural speech, Mr Afzal Butt made a commitment that National Press Club Islamabad and PFUJ would reserve seats for female journalists for the positions of vice-president, assistant secretary-general and governing body member. He recommended regional press clubs adopting similar constitutional amendments to enhance women representation.

Butt condemned the recent dismissal of women media persons from service due to maternity leave requests and said that paid maternity leave was the right of every female journalist. He saluted Pakistan’s female journalists for their resilience and admirable work ethic despite encountering rampant misogyny in both the field and office.

The PFUJ president said the government should monitor implementation of labour laws in the media houses and ensure working journalists receive sufficient healthcare coverage and old age pension.

Mr Pervaiz Rashid said PML-N government was sensitive to the concerns of women workers and would consider the recommendations featured in the APWJC declaration in future policies and schemes. He announced that proposal of transferring secret fund of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to endowment fund for journalists is under consideration. A special prosecutor would also be appointed by the federal government to represent the cases of journalists under attack, he added.

Director Advocacy for Aurat Foundation Ms Rabeea Hadi termed it unfortunate that women journalists raise voice for the rights of other sections of the society but nothing substantial had been done to protect the rights of women in media. She called for women representation at decision-making level of journalist’s unions and media regulatory bodies.

Women journalists in both print and electronic media from across Pakistan shared their experiences at the convention. Issues raised included verbal and psychological abuse from male colleagues, challenges in contesting press club elections, soft beats for women journalists, mistreatment in the field, discrimination against women photo journalists, lack of women chief reporters and editors, infighting between female reporters, little family support and patronizing male attitude.

Policy dialogue: Political parties stress urgent need for national policy on ending violence against women and girls

Senior representatives of major political parties and parliamentarians, civil society organizations and officials of Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights have agreed at a policy dialogue that country urgently needs a comprehensive national policy on ending violence against women and girls from society. The 1-day policy dialogue, organized by AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme, was held on April 30, 2014, at a local hotel in Bhurbhan. It was presided over by Mr Mr Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly and attended by representatives of PML-N, PPPP, MQM, PTI, JI, JUI-F, ANP, QWP and PML-Q.

The participants agreed to develop the national policy in consultation with relevant stakeholders through dialogue at provincial and local level. The proposed policy framework suggested by the participants included a vision statement on safe spaces for women and girls, relevant legislation, institutional and response mechanisms and rehabilitation of survivors of violence against women in a dignified manner. The policy must adhere to promote rule of law at all levels ensuring enforcement of the policy.

The proposed policy framework also included a major awareness raising at all levels on the issues of violence against women and capacity building of police and judicial officers. It was also said that media, education, creative arts, schools and madarsas as well as other social and political institutions should be involved for creating enabling environment for the success of the policy.

The proposed framework highlighted the crucial significance of law enforcement agencies such as police and lower judiciary in curbing gender based violence. The participants also suggested that a one-stop approach is required to address the issue, where medico-legal, police help, shelter home and rehabilitation facilities are put under one roof.

Mr Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly, in his remarks as Chief Guest, emphasized that civil society organizations must take political parties along in their struggle for gender equalituy. If the political leaders would be aware of the problems, they would strive to resolve those in the constituencies. He also suggested that AAWAZ programme should start work in all the provinces so that women and girls of the whole country may benefit this struggle for equality and justice.

The participants expressed deep concern on the increasing incidents of violence against women with the alarming scale and intensity. They highlighted the urgency of early adoption of policy and laws on domestic violence. Earlier, Dr. Rakhshinda Perveen, Gender Specialist, initiated a debate on ‘Gender Based Violence – Forms and Current Situation’ through her representation.

The representative of political parties and parliamentarians included Senator Ms Farah Aqil Shah, ANP, Senaor Mr Amar Jeet Malhotra, ANP, Ms Asia Naz Tanoli, MNA, PML-N, Ms Farhana Qamar, MNA, PML-N, Mr Rashid Mehmbood Khan, MNA, PML-N, Mr Abdul Rehman Kanju, MNA, PML-N, Dr Mahreen Bhuttu, MNA, PPPP, Mr Shaukat Basra, MNA PPPP Punjab, Mr Amir Fida Paracha, Incharge Central Secretariat, PPPP, Islamabad, Mr Muhamad Ali Rashid, MNA, MQM, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, former federal minister, MQM, Ms Kishwar Zahra, MNA, MQM, Mr Ateeq Rehman, office bearer MQM, Mr Shehryar Afridi, MNA, PTI, Ms Munaza Hassan, MNA, PTI, Ms Nafeesa Inayatullah Khattak, MNA, PTI, Ms Sajida Zulfiqar Khan, MNA, PTI, Mr Farid Ahmed Piracha, JI, Dr Rukhsana Jabeen, Secretary Women Wing JI, Naeema Kishwar, MNA, JUI, Ms Shahida Akhtar Ali, MNA, JUI, Mr Meraj Humayun Khan, MPA, QWP, Mr Tariq Ahmed Khan, Information Secretary, QWP, Mr Sultan Muhammad Khan, MPA, QWP, Mr Asad Afridi Advocate, office bearer QWP FATA, Ms Jameela Gilani, former MNA, ANP, Syed Jaffar Shah, officer bearer, ANP, Ms Maham Ali, General Secretary Central Women Wing, PML-Q, Ms Fauzia Naz, Secretary General Women Wing PML-Q, Syed Faqir Hussain Bukhari, office bearer PML-Q.

Mr Muhammad Hassan Mangi, Director General International Commitments and Human Rights Wing, Mr Munawar Douggal, Legal Consultant and Mr Shahzad Ahmed represented the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights. Mr Harris Khalique, Mr Sajif Mansoor Qaisrani, Mr Naeem Mirza, Younas Khalid, Ms Naghma Imdad, Mr Irfan Mufti, Ms Anbreen Ajaib represented AAWAZ consortium.

AWAZ Voice and Accountability, a five year programme, is aimed at inclusive and tolerant democracy in Pakistan, which is open, inclusive and accountable to citizens, specially focused on women and minority religious groups. The project is implemented through five leading NGOs of Pakistan i.e. Aurat Foundation, Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK), SUNGI Development Foundation and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), and a management organization (DAI). The geographical range of AAWAZ Programme is 45 districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Workshop on understanding gender concepts and legislative issues

A one-day workshop on ‘understanding gender concepts and legislative issues’ was organized by AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme on April 29, 2014, at a local hotel in Bhurbhan. It was attended by representatives of PML-N, PPPP, MQM, PTI, JI, JUI-F, ANP, QWP and PML-Q.

Welcoming the participants, Mr Sajid Mansoor Qaisrani, Executive Director SUNGI Development Foundation, stressed the need for a political and democratic society in Pakistan. He said that only a participatory and inclusive democracy can survive and benefit the society. He said that AAWAZ programme strive for a stable, inclusive and tolerant democracy in Pakistan with a focus that democratic processes are more open, inclusive and accountable to citizens, specially focused on women and minority religious groups.

Mr Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer, Aurat Foundation, in his introductory remarks updated the participants about the history of women’s reserved seats in Pakistan, and various models adopted by various countries. He invited the participants to discuss and give suggestion on which model of reserved seats for women be adopted in Pakistan. Tipping various points for discussion, he also asked the participants to discuss how to end violence against women in Pakistan.

Ms Khiswar Sultana, Gender Specialist, took a session on ‘Understanding Basic Gender Concepts’, which discussed the difference between gender and sex, gender division of labour, gender equity and equality, gender gaps, and practical gender needs vs. strategic gender needs. She also discussed how many identities a person may have and how are they developed with social, political, ideological, religious, sectarian, ethnic and geographical linkages. She said that these are identities which define or declare one as powerful or powerless. Women have weaker identities and hence face violence from men, who have stronger identities. She also said that these identities are developed by state, classes, religions, myths etc rather than oneself. She said that the word ‘gender’ is neutral word which comprises both men and women, only the society and the socio-political systems and so-called traditions decide the weaker and stronger gender. This brings inequality among gender, and so women were made weaker gender. She said that most of the work done by women goes unpaid. Her reproductive role is not valued and paid, although in Islam there is an option that a mother may get paid for feeding her baby.

The second session, titled ‘Legislative Dynamics: Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly’ was delivered by Mr Muhammad Mushtaq, Joint Secretary, Legislation, National Assembly. He said that Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, and Rules of Procedure of Pakistan 1973 provide the rules according to which the business of the House is conducted. Addressing to the parliamentarians present in the policy dialogue, he said that a careful and detailed reading of the rules would provide the parliamentarians an opportunity to fully participate in the business of the house and see any violation of the rule is hindering their right to take up issue on the floor of the House. The National Assembly also provides researcher to facilitate them in formulating questions, calling attention notices, points of order, motions, bills etc.

He further briefed the participants about question hour, supplementary questions, moving calling attention notices, motions and bill, raising point of order and privilege motions etc. Parliamentarians asked a lot of question about the rules and conduct of parliamentary business and raised many complaints that their interventions are not responded fully and properly. They also asked questions about the powers of the Speaker in requisitioning and adjourning the national sessions. About the question that if Standing Committee on Finance has any role in budget making process, he replied that Finance Committee has a lot of role in budget making as is the case in other countries.

Ms Sadia Mumtaz, Gender/ Legal Expert delivered third session on ‘Women Legislative Quotas – Models and Constraints’, which covered types of electoral quotas like reserved seats, legislative candidates quotas and voluntary party quotas, in Pakistan and other countries. For voluntary party quotas, political parties take measure voluntarily by adopting a quota requiring comprise a certain proportion of candidates who are allocated tickets to contest elections. She also gave the history of reserved seats in the parliamentary since 1956 Constitution to 1973 Constitution and then the allocation of 17% quota for women in parliament in 2002. While talking about proposals for electoral quotas, she discussed the recommendations of the Commission on Inquiry 1997 and proposal by various political parties. She also discussed the constraints in existing system e.g. women do not have a constituency, they do dependent on men for their nomination as candidate, there is no criteria of nomination of women on the basis of priority, and that voters do not know who will be their women representative in assemblies.

Participants reached to the conclusion that in Pakistan the current reserved seats system should prevail with some reforms and also the political parties should be bound through legislation to allocate a percentage of party tickets for women. A point was raised to include women from minorities, and from Tribal Areas.

Third session was titled ‘An Overview of Pro-Women Legislative Initiatives (First Parliamentary Year of 14th National Assembly)’ was contributed by representatives of political parties. One representative from each party was asked to share the commitments of their party towards and their role so far in pro-women policy making and legislation. Ms Anbreen Ajaib, Gender Advisor, SPO, concluded the proceedings and debate of the first day of the policy dialogue.

Protest held against prevailing incidents of violence in South Punjab

Gender Equity Program (GEP) of Aurat Foundation Lahore Office, in collaboration with the Mukhtar Mai Women’s Organization and its PGC group of South Punjab, organized a peaceful protest against the prevailing incidents of violence against women in Multan on March 25, 2014.

GEP team, members of Pakistan Gender Coalition, Citizen Action Committee and women activists of South Punjab region participated in this protest held in front of Multan Press Club followed by a rally.

Aurat Foundation strongly condemned the increasing incidents and cases of gang-rapes, violence, and discrimination against women in South Punjab. Ms Sumera Saleem, Senior Program Officer, Aurat Foundation, stressed on the approval of Domestic Violence Bill at the earliest to ensure safety and security of women and protect them from the dreadful and atrocious acts of sexual harassment, domestic violence and rape etc.

Aurat Foundation also condemned the recent incident of gang-rape that took place in Muzaffargarh in which the victim attempted suicide by setting herself on fire outside the Bait Mir Hazar Khan Police Station after the main accused declared by the police, innocent. The participants also slammed the incident of kidnap of two girls from their house a couple of day before.

Aurat Foundation emphasized on to take strict actions against the criminals and scolded them to bring such incidents to an end in future. Mukhtar Mai also showed her deep concerns to the families of victims and emphasized on the dire need of strict legislation& transparent investigation against criminals.

AF delegation attended CSW’s 58th session (10-21.3.2014)

Mr. Naeem Mirza, COO Aurat Foundation and Ms. Simi Kamal, COP, Gender Equity Programme, were part of a delegation from Aurat Foundation that participated in the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), 10-21 March, 2014, in New York City. The ten day session dealt with Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the way forward post 2015. The delegates worked with the Pakistan Mission and also with Women’s Learning Partnership, an NGO of global women activists including women from many Muslim countries.

The AF delegation supported the Pakistan Mission in the official sessions by providing information and inputs from the global women’s caucus. It also participated in 2 seminars organized by the Pakistan Mission where members of the Punjab government presented the recently introduced women’s package and other steps being taken for the empowerment of women in the province. The AF delegation also worked closely with the Chairperson for NCSW in her role within the Pakistan Mission through two seminars and her other activities.

Mr. Mirza was a featured speaker on one of the seminars organized by the Women’s Leading Partnership. Ms. Kamal also spoke at this seminar. The AF delegation interacted daily with the women’s caucus and gave inputs in several sessions, workshops and roundtables organized by NGOs.

AF delegation attended CSW’s 58th session (10-21.3.2014)

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2014 with domestic female workers

Gender Equity Program (GEP) of Aurat Foundation Lahore office, in collaboration with Asavari Development Organization, arranged an event, on March 16, 2014, with the domestic female workers of Mariam Nishat Colony to celebrate International Women’s Day.

GEP team, domestic female workers of the colony, staff of Asavari Development Organization and volunteers from domestic workers’ group of Gujranwala attended the event.

Hasna Cheema, Deputy Program Manager GEP, briefed the audience on the history and work of Aurat Foundation. She also provided a quick introduction of Gender Equity Program, with reference to its work being implemented in Punjab region. She highlighted the initiatives of GEP’s recent cycles in which the Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors were provided with the facilities of shelters, help lines for psycho-social counseling and referrals and opportunities of economic rehabilitation.

Sumera Saleem, Senior Program Officer GEP, explained the objectives of the event. She highlighted the importance and significance of March 8 – International Women’s Day for women’s rights across the world.

Domestic female workers of the colony shared that they alone carry the economic burden of their families and also observe customary practices set by the society. They said that the employers exploit their rights lack of awareness on their rights and supporting laws. They also shared the issues of low wages against their services. Sexual harassment by the employers is the major problem faced by domestic female workers which needs to be addressed properly on priority basis.

Aster Anjum, focal person from Asavari Development Organization, gave the introduction of Asavari and shared the nature of work being done.

Towards the end, a small group from domestic female workers presented a theatre play, titled ‘Khud Ko Badlo To Zamana Badlay Ga’. They highlighted the major problems of low wages for their services, accusation of theft and sexual harassment by employers in their performance. They also emphasized upon the need to change societal attitudes.

103rd International Women’s Day Celebrated

President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain stressed on collaborative efforts by the government and civil society to change social mindset that hinders the effective implementation of pro-women laws.

He was speaking at an event jointly organised by Aurat Foundation and Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights, and UN Women to celebrate 103rd International Women Day (IWD) on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA). Civil society activists from all parts of the country and people from all walks of life participated enthusiastically in these activities and expressed their resolve to continue their struggle for equal status of women.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that the government is committed to provide all support to women and realise that there could be no development without women participation in development. “We want women to become active part of mainstream economic activities. Side by side, I will advice women of my country to respect their identification as a Muslim and as a Pakistani.” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Pervaiz Rasheed said the main hurdle in the empowerment of women is the patriarchal structure of the society which portrays men as rulers. “The pro-women legislation is there. Civil society is also putting in all effort. The only missing link is the will of people to grant space to their women and have faith in them,” he pointed out. He gave the example of Prime Minister Youth Loan scheme. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave 50 per cent share of the scheme to women but in response, less than 2 per cent of applications were received from women.

Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) demanded the government to declare Women Home Based Workers as labors. “It will increase our ratio of women participation in labour market which is one of the lowest in the region,” she said. Barrister Zafarullah, Federal Secretary for Ministry of Law and Justice, said that protection of women rights is the priority of the government. He said the government respects its international commitments with regard to women and children and planning to introduce special cells at federal and provincial level to monitor the implementation of international commitments.

Dr Masuma Hasan, President Boad of Governors, Aurat Foundation, demanded of the government not to compromise women on rights during peace talks with Taliban. Another major event was organised in the evening where civil society kept its tradition of organising a rally which started from China Chowk and ended at Parade Choke in front of the Parliament House where participants made speeches and presented their Charter of Demand.

Rallying on International Women’s Day

The rally was organised by EVAWG alliance in collaboration with IHI, CRM, WAF and FADAN networks.

A statement issued at the rally demanded of the government to repeal all discriminatory laws, ensure the enforcement of existing pro-women laws and approve the pending pro-women legislation in all provinces including Fata, Pata, GB & AJK.

It pointed out that after 18th Constitutional Amendment (2010), there is an urgent need for strengthening the national and provincial women’s entities, especially the National Commission on the Status of Women and establishment of Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women. The statement also demanded 33 per cent minimum representation of women in the Local Government System at all tiers.

The statement also demanded of the government to strengthen the criminal justice system through sensitisation of the law enforcement agencies on attitudinal change in dealing with cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and revision of the rules and procedures of police investigation and prosecution. It suggests the government to strengthen the gender crime cell and increase the number of women in the police force.

The statement urged the government to eliminate unconstitutional, illegal, unjust, traditional “adjudication” councils, called ‘jirgas’ and ‘punchayats’ and termed them women/girls and develop a National Policy and Strategy on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, from prevention to rehabilitation phases besides adopting holistic, comprehensive, strategic and well-resourced action to ensure the safety and protection of women human rights defenders and justice for those killed.

Minister for Women’s Development, Balochistan, visited Aurat Foundation Quetta office

Minister for Women’s Development, Government of Balochistan Mir Izhar Khan Khosa, visited Aurat Foundation’s Quetta office on March 4, 2014. Mr Haroon Dawood, Resident Director Aurat Foundation, Quetta, welcomed the Minister and briefed him about the goal and objectives of Aurat Foundation’s Gender Equity Programme (GEP).
Ms Saima Javaid, National Manager, MER, Aurat Foundation, shared following agenda points / demands with the minister:

1. Formation of advisory committee for Ministry of Women Development;
2. Inclusion of women parliamentarians in provincial cabinet;
3. Implementation of SOPs of Dar-Ul-Aman;
4. Establishment of Crisis Center and Dar-Ul-Aman in same premises to strengthen seamless service for the help of GBV survivors;
5. Sharing and consultation with relevant stake holders on women related resolution and bill before presenting on assembly floor;
6. Implementation and display of code of conduct of ‘The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010’ in government departments all over Balochistan;
7. Formation of Provincial Commission on the Status of Women in Balochistan;
8. Discussion on the possibility of GEP’s non-competitive grants with Women’s Development Department (WDD);
9. Celebrating 8th March, the International Women’s Day, with women and men parliamentarians of Balochistan in provincial assembly building.

Responding to these demands, Mir Izhar Khan Khosa said that he would try his level best for the development of women in Balochistan, and for this the ministry would keep close coordination with the Aurat Foundation. He also gave commitments for introducing policies for women’s empowerment in Balochistan.
Mr Allauddin Khilji, Mr Amir Ali, Mr Lal Muhammad and Ms Fatima Tahir, from Aurat Foundation, were also present in the meeting.

Minister for Women’s Development, Balochistan, visited Aurat Foundation Quetta office

Provincial Consultation on the ‘State Report for Beijing +20’

Aurat Foundation’s Quetta office, in collaboration with Rozan and National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), organized a provincial consultation on the ‘State Report for Beijing+20’, on February 18, 2014, Serena Hotel, Quetta, so that to involve the relevant government agencies, parliamentarians, NGOs and other stake holders to have their input and experiences documented for the state report on 12 thematic areas outlined in the Beijing platform for action.

Participants of the consultation included government officials, women of different political parties, INGO/NGO representatives, prominent lawyers, political and social activists, academia, labour unions, doctors, paramedic associations, teachers associations, women’s chamber of commerce, Aurat Foundation’s district partners and media persons.

The participants were divided into 12 groups according to their expertise in relevant fields. Participants discussed progress and achievements along with outlining setbacks and challenges for Beijing platform for action. The group discussions were also focused on future plans and initiatives that the government aims to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women. Each group was facilitated by an expert selected from group members. The rapporteur was also designated from each group to present their group works.

The session was chaired by Mir Izhar Khan Khosa, Minister for Women’s Development and Food, Government of Balochistan. While expressing his views he said that, he will try his level best for the development of women cause and also keeps close coordination with the civil society organizations for the advancement of women’s movement. Ms Salma Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Women’s Development Department, Balochistan, was also present in the event.

Ms Saliha Ramay (Rozan) and Ms Farkhanda Aurangzeb (AF) spoke at length on objectives of consultation and also presented the overview of Beijing conference and progress after that. Mr Haroon Dawood, Resident Director (AF – Quetta) and Ms Saima Javed (AF – Quetta) moderated various sessions of the consultation. The group works were assisted by Mr Allauddin Khilji, Mr Ishfaq Mengal, Mr Amir Ali, Mr Lal Muhammad and Ms Fatima Tahir.

5-Day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Community Leadership and Accountability Organized

Aurat Foundation’s Lahore office, under its LISTEN project, organized a 5-day ‘Training of Trainers (ToT) on Community Leadership and Accountability’, from 17th to 21st February 2014, at Hotel Crown Plaza, Lahore. This training workshop was attended by women leaders from 18 districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ms Uzma Yaqoob and Mr Asmat Ullah from Ask Development were the resource persons of the TOT.

The training aimed at apprising the participants on human right, community governance, social accountability, gender justice and community action research with specific attention to knowledge, attitudes and skill enhancement. The training program was designed to build the participants’ capacities as well as to equip them with the material to be used during the downstream trainings by these potential trainers, to the grass root level, coddle the cadre of 1200 prospective trainers in the targeted district under the project.

Training program was an effective mix of lectures, plenary discussions, group works, role plays, documentaries, video clips and case studies.

Solidarity with Participants of Long Marcher for Voices of Missing Persons

Aurat Foundation and other Lahore-based Civil Society Organizations welcomed the participants of Long March for Voices of Balochi Missing Persons (VBMP), which started their march at Thokar Niaz Baig to Freedom Chowk, The Mall Road Lahore.

A large number of members of civil society, students, youth, and media persons have joined the marchers in solidarity with the missing persons. Mr A R Rehman, HRCP, also participated in and addressed the rally.

Aurat Foundation’s resident director Nasreen Zehra, Provincial Manager Mumtaz Mughal, Programme Officers Nabeela Shaheen, Sarah Anum, Anjum Raza, Abid Ali and many friends of Aurat Foundation participated in this rally.

Solidarity with Participants of Long Marcher for Voices of Missing Persons

National Women’s Day celebrated at Lahore

Women Action Forum (WAF) and Aurat Foundation organized a rally to commemorate the Pakistan’s National Women’s Day at the Mall Road, Lahore. The day is commemorated each year on 12^th February to remember the day of ‘February 12, 1983’, when women activists were batten-charged while protesting against the discriminatory Hudood laws as promulgated by the then military dictator General Zia ulHaq.

Prominent activist of WAF Mehnaz Raffi, Mumtaz Razi, FakhraTahreem, TanveerJahan, Gulnar, Nighat Saeed Khan, Neelam Hussain, Shabnam, Humaira, Sabiha Shaheen, along with Aurat Foundation’s Resident Director Nasreen Zehra, Provincial Manager Mumtaz Mughal, and other program staff including Nabeela Shaheen, Sara Anum, Abid Ali, Adnan Rasheed and AnjumRaza participated in this rally. The rally started from Regal Chowk to High court Chowk on the Mall Road, Lahore.

Participants of rally raised slogans for equal economic, educational, reproductive rights and political rights of women and their access to employment. They also demanded to end violence against women and girls.

National Women’s Day celebrated at Lahore

Civil society protest against Muzaffargarh gang rape case

Human rights and women’s rights activists, belonging to various networks, organized a protest, on January 31, 2014, in Islamabad, against the gang rape of a woman on the orders of local panchayet. The activists gathered demanded that the rapists and all those who held and participated in the panchayet should be arrested and given severe punishment.

The human rights and women’s rights networks, of which Aurat Foundation is an active member, included Insani Haqooq Itehad (IHI), Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls (EVAW/G,), and PRHN, FADAN, Movement for Social Justice, Awami Workers Party, and Women Councilors Network.

The networks issued following press release to the media:

“We the representative of the civil society organizations and human right networks, strongly condemn the gang rape of a widow on the order of jirga in Muzaffargarh. The incident reflects the brutal mindset of our local power brokers. The decisions of jirgas and panchayets are often anti-women and anti-poor that uphold the elite consensus at the local level.

We directly hold the federal and the provincial government responsible for this brutal act as they have failed to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court order that declared jirgas and punchayets as illegal.

The male feudal and tribal elite continue to treat women as the private property of men. The local disputes are often settled on the lives and bodies of women through exchanging them, violating and humiliating them as they are considered repository of male honor. We strongly condemn this decadent mind set.

We demand:

The rapists and all those held and participated in the panchayet should be arrested and given sever punishment within the shortest possible time.
We demand the government to provide protection, medical treatment and counseling services and all kind of support that help the rape-victim to rebuild her life.
We urge the Supreme Court to take its responsibility and deliver justice on people’s door-step by making judicial system more effective, efficient and accessible to women in general and women in particular.
We demand that the police should take the responsibility to monitor the conduct of these jirgas and panchayets on regular basis and make it as part of the crime reporting.”

Consultation on ‘Modalities of women’s reserved seats’

Aurat Foundation’s Queta office, in collaboration with International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) organized a consultation on January 222, 2014, at Serena Hotel in Quetta, to share the proposed modalities of women’s reserved seats and to get maximum inputs from the participants and prepare recommendations for direct mode of elections for women.

The consulatation was chaired by Mr Jan Muhammad Jamali, Speaker Provincial Assembly Balochistan. Dr Kahoor Khan Baloch, Director General, Social Welfare, Ms Sadia Mumtaz and Mr Qazi Saleem Akhtar from IFES, and Mr. Haroon Dawood, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, Quetta, were the resource persons. Dr Ishaq Baloch, Central Information Secretary, National Party, and Executive Officer of Chief Minister Government of Balochistan, gave the concluding remarks. The participants included women parliamentarians, members of women wings of different political parties, NGOs’ representatives, lawyers, political and social activists and media.

The speakers spoke at length on historical perspective and modalities of women’s reserved seats in legislative assemblies and local government system.

The women parliamentarians shared their experiences and problems about their selection on reserved seats. Most of them said that political parties do not encourage women to contest elections on general seats. The participants also demanded for fifty percent women’s representation at all tiers of government.

AAWAZ National Conference on ‘Women, Peace and Social Harmony’ demands gender reforms

There is not much to celebrate while commemorating ‘16 days of Activism on Ending Violence against Women’ in 2013. Things have deteriorated more than they have improved, generally in the context of women’s overall condition in the society, and in particular, with regards to state responsiveness on women’s concern. This was the crux of the national moot ‘Women, peace and Social Harmony’ held in Islamabad to conclude the 16 days of activism campaign by AAWAZ-Voice and Accountability Programme. The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign on ending violence against women.

AAWAZ, consortium of five well known civil society organizations of Pakistan including Aurat Foundation, South Asia Partnership-Pakistan, Strengthening Participatory Organization, Sungi Development Foundation, and Sustainable Development Policy Institute with DAI being the managing partner organised series of activities across 45 districts of Punjab and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, on this occasion.

The National conference was chaired by Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women. Other speakers include Barrister Zafar Ullah Khan, Federal Secretary, Law Justice and Human Rights, Justice (R) Nasira Javed Iqbal, Allama Tahir Ashrafi, Chairman, Pakistan Ulema Council, Ms Neelam Toru, Chairperson, Provincial Commission on the Status of Women, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Naeem Mirza from Aurat Foundation and Sajid Mansoor Qaisrani from Sungi Development Foundation.

The speakers at the conference demanded gender reforms, implementation of pro-women laws and enactment of legislation on domestic violence. The conference started with the welcome note by Mr Sajid Mansoor Qaisrani. In his remarks he said that justice can never be established in society unless women who constitute half the population are freed from violence. Ms Anbreen Ajaib gave a brief history of 16 days of activism campaign and its relevance with current socio-political situation of women in Pakistan.

Mr Naeem Mirza said now that the women’s ministry has been devolved, NCSW must be represented in the cabinet and the National Commission of Human Rights should be established without any further delay. He regretted that ministry of human rights has been downgraded to a wing in the ministry of Law and Justice. He pointed out that the gender crime cell was an ineffective body as only two out of twenty two vacancies have been filled. The representation of women in the parliament and local governments had been reduced which is worrisome. Though the local government in Balochistan has retained 33% women seats yet women were not allowed to vote in some areas. Why there is no follow up of GRAP recommendations, the National Plan of Action 1997 and National Policy of 2002, he asked. He demanded that all discriminatory legislation against women and religious minorities must be repealed.

Barrister Zafar Ullah while agreeing that they were still many areas which need improvement expressed the view that on many levels things had improved. There were more women lawyers and judges and women were more active in public life in general. He stressed that unless we have justice for all there will be no justice in society. He said the role of law is limited as compared to customs, values and norms. His ministry was working to push forward the bills related to laws of marriages and divorce for Christians and Hindu citizens. He was also keen that domestic violence bill should be adopted by the parliament as soon as possible.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi said that peace and social harmony is not possible in a country where religion becomes a tool to achieve personal and political gains. The state is also silent about those elements who have occupied mosques and using religion as business. He also criticized the government for appeasing banned organizations. There are laws present to discourage hate speech and promote religious tolerance in Pakistan but are not implemented. Things will not improve untill the citizens stand up and reclaim the space that has been appropriated by ignorant and retrogressive forces who use religion for political purposes. He said that it was difficult for him to stand up against Salman Taseer’s assassination, marriages of Hindu girls and DNA issue in CII, but he opposed these actions and such courage needs to be shown by all of us. Pakistan Ulema Council is trying to reclaim the true spirit of Islam which stands for peace, tolerance and equality of men and women.

He said that Islam dictates that there should be no violence against women, children, the elderly and non-combatants, yet women and children are murdered in Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi in the name of Jihad.

Justice Nasira threw light on the history of Qisas and Diyat laws. She said that in 1990 FSC gave a ruling that ‘Currently offences against body’ in PPC are against the Islamic injunctions. Consequently, Qisas and Dyat law was introduced. As a result, murder became a private matter and relatives of victim have been given the authority to decide whether to punish or waive an offense of murder. In the whole world, punishment is authority of the state but in case of Pakistan the law has been distorted and the authority is given to individuals. Samiya Sarwar case of early 90s is the glaring example of the atrocities of Qisas and Diyat laws. In 2004, law on honour killing was introduced but this law has some lacunae which need to be addressed. Qisas and Diyat law has also been reviewed by NCSW which also suggested its repeal.

Neelam Toru said women face a lot of socio-political barriers in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. The literacy rate among girls is very low. They are afraid to go to schools following the militant attacks on schools in KP. Provincial Commission on the status of women is seeking to have nikah nama registered and raising awareness on the importance of the right of the women to divorce.

Ms Khawar Mumtaz said that inspite of present difficulties especially from terrorism the struggle for women rights will continue. Laws were important but awareness at the local and national levels was also necessary. She commended the AAWAZ consortium for raising awareness on these issues in 7000 villages and urban settlements. She said that there is an inter-provincial ministers coordinating committee which needs to be strengthened and must play a more active role. Concluding her remarks she said the women will continue to struggle without fear and face all challenges that lie in the way.

A stage play on Pakistan’s political history was also presented in the end by the Interactive Resource Centre.

Aurat Foundation demands ‘Justice for Perween Rahman’

A demonstration demanded the Supreme Court of Pakistan a speedy justice for Perween Rahman, human rights activist assassinated on March 13, 3013, in Karachi, by anti-human rights forces. The demonstration, organized by Aurat Foundation on November 25, 2013, in front of National Press Club, Islamabad, was part of continuing series of actions which civil society has announced to pursue the case in the Supreme Court and get justice for the deceased and her family.

Emphasizing on the importance of public pressure, the civil society organizations agreed to plan a series of peaceful demonstration to build public pressure as a gesture of support to expedite the proceedings of case and for verdict to be given. The demonstrators reverberated that there was a dire need for a sustained campaign. It was mutually decided by the group that this demonstration and other in the future should not be aimed at confrontation rather it should be a gesture of support to a quick verdict.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has accepted the petition for hearing the Perween Rehman murder case. This was shared by Mr Younas Khalid, Chief Strategy & Policy Officer, Aurat Foundation, and Ms Rehana Hashmi, Executive Director, Sisters Trust. They also shared that 7,800 petitions have been signed by the human rights activists and filed to the Supreme Court; 50 % of the petitions have been received from outside the country. “We have full confidence in our superior judiciary, and expect speedy trial / hearing of the case to bring culprits to the justice”, said Mr Khalid Younas. Ms Rehana Hashmi shared that a demand has been made for the formation of a judicial commission comprising senior police official and a judge.

The participants also signed a supporting banner and petitions which would be sent to the Supreme Court to become party in the case. The participants also made commitment that they would bring human right activists and member of civil society organizations for the court hearing to be part of speedy justice.

Vigil held to commemorate the 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence

Aurat Foundation’s Lahore office organized a candle light vigil to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. These 16 days campaign marks annually on international level, to emphasize that gender-based violence is a human rights violation.

The 16 Days of Activism starts on November 25 and concludes on International Human Rights Day December 10 each year under a theme. This year’s is ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!’, and highlights the intersections of gender-based violence and militarism, as well as the related issues of economicand social rights experienced by women and their communities.

A large number of civil society representatives and activists both male and female joined this vigil. They chanted slogans on equal economic rights, educational rights, reproductive rights and political rights of women and their access to employment. They also demandedto end violence against women and girls. Participantslifted placards and banners inscribed with different slogans in the favor of women.

Women & Peace

Sixteen days of activism is a global campaign which takes place in the period 25 Nov and 10 Dec to raise awareness around gender based violence. The Peshawar team of AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme organized a provincial conference on ‘ Women & Peace’ on 25 November, 2013 at Pearl Continental Hotel Peshawar. The conference was a collective initiative of AAWAZ consortium partners i.e. Aurat Foundation, South Asia Partnership Pakistan, Strengthening Participatory Organisation, Sungi Development Foundation and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute. The speaker guests included Ms Bushra Gohar, Senior Vice President of Awami National Party, Ms Sadia Khan, senior journalist & member Provincial Commission on the Status of Women KP, Dr Anush Khan, gender specialist and Arshad Haroon, SPO

Key points discussed on the forum were:

· Raising awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels;

· Strengthening local work around violence against women;

· Establishing a clear link between local and international work to end violence against women;

· Providing a forum in which organizers can develop and share new and effective strategies;

· Demonstrating the solidarity of women around the world organizing against violence against women; and

· Creating tools to pressure governments to implement promises made to eliminate violence against women.

AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme’s AAWAZ National Forum

Aurat Foundation organized and hosted the inaugural meeting of AAWAZ National Forum (ANF) on November 7, 2013, at its head office in Islamabad. The Forum, a representative body of AAWAZ – Voice and Accountability Programme, envisioned as a national forum, will serve as a strategic platform to strategize on key reform areas and provide technical input for promoting women’s political participation, ending violence against women and gender-based legislation, as well as peaceful resolution of conflicts and citizens’ engagement for effective service delivery under main AAWAZ themes in consultation with similar provincial forums and different stakeholders. The forum would comprise representatives of political parties, members of civil society organizations including six AWAZ programme’s partner organizations, representatives from media, academia, lawyers, from relevant institutions like NADRA and ECP, two members from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces where the AAWAZ programme is being implemented.

Mr Harris Khalique, Team Leader AAWAZ programme, gave a brief note on objectives of the programme. He said that AAWAZ programme would focus on enhanced political participation of women in larger public life without fear of gender-based violence, conflict resolution to address tribal, familial, sectarian, ethnic, faith-based or other kinds of conflicts, and citizens’ engagement to achieve better public service delivery particularly in the areas of health and education. Another overarching component of AAWAZ is policy, analysis, research and results (PARR) facility to synthesise information build robust evidence base around community voice and empowerment, social change, relevant policy influence and government reform

Mr Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer, Aurat Foundation said that AAWAZ programme is flagship project in the broad area of gender, governance, democracy and civil society, and it was cconceived after taking stock of Pakistan’s political economy, sociology and issues around development and much larger corresponding support to public sector. He further said that it is designed to nourish and nurture democratic processes from below by capitalising on existing citizens’ action.

Ms Feroza Zahra, briefed the ANF members about its Terms of Reference (TORs) and role. She said that the ANF will develop a strategic plan in consultation with concerned partners and stakeholders. Important TORs include: Regular periodic consultations for thematic areas particularly increased women’s participation in politics, advocacy and lobbying for AAWAZ thematic areas, facilitate legislation, policy making and procedural changes/ amendments for AAWAZ thematic inputs, follow ups on different initiatives, and provide capacity support by technical experts to understand and promote issues of women’s participation and safety in the political and public spaces. The ANF’s structure include all five partners and management organization will be core body; all partners nominates one person from each organization including MO but three technical leads will be also part of this forum to facilitate in respective output thematic areas as and when required. Aurat Foundation will provide secretarial support to AAWAZ National Forum as thematic lead.

Ms Riffat But, legal expert, spoke on the current issues of citizen’s rights and gender based legislation. She said that Pakistan has recently made progressive achievement on gender-based legislation, and that has brought another challenge of the effective implementation of these women-friendly laws / legislation. However, there remain some other daunting issues which still require a lot of work and lobbying e.g. domestic violence, trafficking, early marriages, economic empowerment of rural women etc. Provincial assemblies must be provided technical support for introducing legislation on the issues of minority women. She suggested that the forum shall focus on the compliance of all the UN conventions reference to women’s rights which Pakistan has signed including CEDAW.

While discussing the major objectives of the forum, the members suggested that after evaluating the type and rate of violence against women, the forum shall raise the issue at relevant forums so that to effectively eradicate the violence against women and intolerance from the society. Ms Farhana Qamar, MNA- PML (N) and Ms. Asiya Nasir, MNA (JUI-F) suggested that the forum shall involve the parliamentarians from the districts where the AAWAZ programme is being implemented.

Instead of nominating the parliamentarian the consortium partners need to contact the mainstream parties and ask for nominating their representatives. Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson NCSW, said that suggested the representation from all provinces in the ANF.

Role of provinces is very important and we need to add representatives from the provincial level also. On the issue of sustainability of the forum, the AAWAZ partners responded that looking at their history and experiences of networking and advocacy they are sure to ensure the sustainability of the forum. It was envisaged to also engage law ant d human rights commission representative in this forum.

AAWAZ – Voice and Accountability Programme, a five-year (2012 to 2017), is striving to strengthen stable, inclusive and tolerant democracy in Pakistan. The Programme views democracy through a gender lens, and intends to contribute to women’s political empowerment, resolution of conflicts across the communities that it works with, and better public service delivery in the areas of health and education through informed and active engagement of citizens. Between 2012 and 2017, AAWAZ will work in at least 7000 villages and urban settlements across 45 districts, 26 district of Punjab and 19 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The programme is managed by Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) and implemented by Pakistan’s prime civil society organizations: Aurat Foundation (AF), South-Asia Partnership-Pakistan (SAP-PK), Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO), SUNGI Development Foundation (SDF) and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). districts in Pakistan’s two provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme’s AAWAZ National Forum

Aurat Foundation demanded inclusion of a women parliamentarian in Balochistan cabinet

Aurat Foundation’s Quetta office organized a press conference on October 10, 2013, and demanded the Government of Balochistan to include women in the Balochistan cabinet.

The Government of Balochistan, after a long wait (almost three and half months)announced provincial cabinet consisting 19 ministers, but not a single women was included. This was sort of shock for all women’s rights organizations and activists that no woman parliamentarian form Balochistan assembly was made minister. Aurat Foundation, with the support of Pakistan Gender Coalition (DANESH, SEHER, BSDP, HDS, BEEDS, TWO ), former members of National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) including Ms Rukhsana Ahmad Ali, expressed their disappointment and demanded the government that at least, a woman parliamentarian must be appointed as minister and given the charge of Ministry of Women’s Development.

Passing Out Ceremony Car Van Project – household workers become women drivers

Aurat Foundation organized a passing out ceremony of one of its ‘Women Car-Van Leaders Project’, on October 8, 2013, at Islamabad Hotel. Under this initiative of women’s economic empowerment, ten household women workers were given one year training on professional driving, basic education and Mixed Martial Arts Aurat Foundation. Aurat Foundation has also planned to link these professional women drivers to the formal market of skill workers.

The Car Van Women Leaders group include Ms PerveenAkhtar, Ms AliyaBibi, Ms TasneemBibi, Ms Eid-un-Nisa, Ms FareedaBibi, Ms IbratShaheem, Ms KhalidaBibi, Ms Musarat Batool, Ms Nuzhat Sultana, and Ms Zahida Perveen.

Ms Nuzhat Sadiq, Senator PML-N, and Ms Tehseen Fawad, MPA, PML-N participated as chief guests. Mr Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer, Aurat Foundation, shared the main objectives behind the project. He said that the project has succeeded in breaking the slave-like status of these women and made them productive members of society by brining them out of domestic labor. He also said that as per its vision, Aurat Foundation believes that no nation and country can progress unless women become economically empowered. Ms Shabina Ayaaz, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation’s Peshawar Officer, delivered welcome address. Dr Rubina Ali, Country Head ICCO/KIA gave a detailed project overview. A documentary was also played for the participants which showed the previous profession of these ten women as household workers, and then getting basic education, driving and Martial Mixed Art classes under the project.

The Chief Guests distributed certificates of F.s Ninja Academy, Driving institute, and functional literacy among the ten women car-van leaders. Ms Nuzhat Sadiq appreciated the women car-van drivers and said that she would share their success stories with the parliamentarians.

The Women’s Car-Van project is aimed at highlighting women’s strength, with a vision to break stereotypes in the conventional labor market and bring women in the mainstream markets as professional drivers. The project was initiated by Aurat Foundation’s Peshawar office and implemented at its Islamabad office, with the financial support of ICCO. The program selected 10 domestic workers from Pakistan’s remote villages after surveys of around 200 or more domestic servants. These ten women leaders were given three training – functional literacy, self-defense, and driving.

Post Election Multi- Stakeholder Consultation: monitoring women’s participation in elections as voters and leaders

Gender Concerns International conducted the General Election Monitoring Mission (GEM) in partnership with Aurat Foundation, by sending women observers for monitoring the election on the Election Day, 120 women observers. The observers observed 555 polling stations across the country. Mission issued its final report and this morning organized a multi- stakeholders’ consultation to discuss the findings and recommendations.

On October 3, 2013, both the organization launched the final detailed report during a multi-stakeholders dialogue on the current scenario of women as voters as leaders, and how to enhance it further.

Distinguished speakers at the occasion were Ms. Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Raja Iftikhar, ADG (PR), Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Mr Ijaz ul Haq (PML-J), Ms Taqdees Gilani, Chairperson Kashmir Cultural Academy AJK, and Prof Farkhanda Aurangzaib from Aurat Foundation.

Ms Nyghat Siddique, Head of Gender Concerns Operations in Pakistan, welcomed the participants and the speakers. She highlighted the responsibility that the Pakistan Chapter has of taking this inclusive governance forward.

Ms Sabra Bano, Head of GEM Mission, Gender Election Monitoring (GEM) Mission Pakistan 2013, gave a detailed presentation on the election monitoring, the process, outcome and recommendations with the participants. In her concluding remarks, she addressed the issues of women of Kashmir by saying, “Why women of Kashmir valley are not given the right to representation in assembly through reserve seats; they must share the right to vote and contest the elections as like their neighbouring women of Pakistan”.

Ms Khawar Mumtaz appreciated the recommendations by the mission and shared the work of NCSW during elections. While appreciating the work done by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), she demanded that next time the ECP shall provide the gender disaggregated data of each constituency which would strengthen the value of women’s vote. She also demanded that ECP shall declare the election null and void where women’s voters’ turnout was less than 10%. She said that NCSW would suggest the Election Commission of Pakistan that in the next election, it shall also give a gender disaggregated data of rejected votes which would help to identify that which section (men or women) need training on polling vote correctly. She also demanded reserved seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof. Farkhanda Aurangzaib, Director Gender and Resource Mobilization, Aurat Foundation, in her remarks said that Aurat Foundation is working on women’s political empowerment through multi-pronged strategies including encouraging women to participate in election as voters as well as leaders i.e. enabling them to contest the elections as parliamentarians. She said that party manifestoes and ticket distribution shall be made more gender balances. She shared that Aurat Foundation has recommended the political parties to allot women at least 15% tickets for general election, apart from reserved seats.

Raja Iftikhar Additional DG (PR) from Election Commission of Pakistan speaking at the occasion ensured the participants of ECP’s commitment to the cause of Inclusive Electoral Processes. He mentioned that ECP has ensured Women polling staff for women polling stations. A dedicated Voter Education focused on giving awareness to women of Pakistan on importance of casting their vote.

Ms Myra Imran, one of the election observer, during an informal talk with the journalists, said that confidentiality and secrecy were missing due to lack of confidence as women would step in polling booths with friends. “I also witness some women tearing their vote before they even casted it. Lack of voters’ education was evident”, she further said. She suggested that ECP must consider developing an electronic system for better data management.

Mr Fawad Chaudary, former PPPP parliamentarian, and Mr Shehzad Wasim, Head of the Royal News, also attended the consultation. Local implementing partners also shared impressions, views and thoughts about women’s participation in the elections. The session was followed by stakeholder’s consultation including parliamentarians, senators, media representative and officials from Election Commission to seek their views with reference to inclusive governance and women’s leadership in future electoral process in the country.

Protest rally against the rape of a minor girl in Mughalpura, Lahore

Continuing their protest to express condemnation against the rape of a minor girl in Mughalpura, Lahore, and government’s failure to immediately arrest the culprits so far, the civil society representatives and human rights activists gathered at the F-6 Markaz in large number again on Thursday.

The rally organized by Aurat Foundation’s partner networks, including Pakistan Gender Coalition and Women’s Leader’s Groups, and led by rights activists like Mukhtaran Mai, Anis Haroon, Naeem Mirza, Tahira Aftab, Uzma Noorani and Shagufta Alizai.

Protesters were holding the placards and chanted slogans against the failure of the government to control incidents that are blatant violation of human rights and expressed concern that the law enforcing agencies are trying to cover the incident. They pledged to continue the protest and raise their voices against this inhumanity, as well as to protest the blatant corruption, callousness, indifference and utter failure of the law enforcing agencies in identifying and arresting the perpetrators.

They demanded transparency in releasing the missing video clips of Ganga Ram hospital security cameras. The rally was led by rights activists demanding immediate arrest of culprits.

They said that rape and paedophilia are extremely heinous crimes, not just against an individual, but against society and the state, thus the survivor’s family must not be pressurized to accept any out-of-court settlement or compensation through the police or perpetrators’ influence.

They called for urgent enactment of long-pending Children’s Protection laws, including maximum punishments of life-long imprisonment until death, without possibility of parole, remission or pardon for paedophilia, rape and gang-rape convicts at federal and provincial level.

They suggested that paedophilia perpetrators must compulsorily undergo psychiatric treatment in prison and that government must provide free, highest quality surgical, medical and post-trauma psychiatric treatment for the survivors’ rehabilitation and support for their immediate families too.

They urged the media, government, and politicians to respect the survivor and her family’s privacy and dignity, by not exploiting them in media-rating wars, or political point-scoring photo opportunities and said that print and electronic media must adhere to the gender-sensitive code of ethics they was voluntarily adopted in 2004 which stresses for no identification, naming or depiction of GBV survivors.

Asma Khader, Jordan’s human rights activist, met NCSW and Law Committee members

Aurat Foundation organized a meeting between Ms Asma Khader, human rights activist and Secretary General National Commission on Women (NCW), Jordan, and Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Pakistan, on September 18, 2013, at NCSW office, Islamabad. Both discussed the situation of women in their countries and sharing of information and collective efforts on women’s rights.

Ms Khawar Mumtaz also invited Ms Asma Khader to join the Law Committee meeting which discussed various laws on women’s issues in both the countries. The members of Law Committee included Ms Nasreen Azhar, member Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Justice (r) Majida Rizvi, Justice (r) Mehta Kailash Nath Kohli, member NCSW, Ms Tanveer Jahan member NCSW, Ms Kishwar Naheed, member NCSW, Ms Saira Afzal Tarar, member NCSW, and Minister of State National Health Services, Ms Uzma Noorani, member NCSW, and Ms Zubeda Khatoon, Chairperson, Provincial Commission on the Status of Women, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

International Training of Trainers

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with the Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP), organized a week long 2nd national Training of Trainers (ToT), from September 11-16, 2013, at Karachi. The participants were selected from diverse fronts, both regionally and locally, including two participants from Afghanistan. Most of the participants, having already attended the 1st training, were acquainted with the two training manuals i.e. ‘Leading to Choices’ and ‘Leading to Action’.

The post-ToT sessions started with the welcome note by Dr Masuma Hasan, President, Board of Governors, Aurat Foundation. She focused on the partnership between WLP and Aurat Foundation. RabeeaHadi , national manager Aurat Foundation and Focal Person of WLP in Pakistan, introduced the Pakistan chapter of training of training (ToT), its methodology and objectives. Ms Mahnaz Rahman, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, Karachi office, delivered a welcome message to the participants.

Participants were enlightened by the presence of Ms Asma Khader , a Jordan based lawyer and human rights activist, President of ‘Sisterhood Is Global Institute Jordan – SIGI/J’ and Secretary General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women. She has been Minister of Culture & Government , spokesperson for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and President of the Jordanian Women’s Union; she is member of the Arab Lawyer’s Union, the Arab Organization for Human Rights, the Executive Committee of the International Commission of Jurists, and the Advisory Committee of the Women’s Division of Human Rights Watch. Asma has written and spoken widely on the topics of women, children’s rights, and human rights. She recently served on the UN International Commission of Inquiry, investigating human rights violations in Libya.

There was an active representation of all four provinces as well as a multitude of various ethnic and language backgrounds. All participants are trainers in their field, some working at a grass-root level while others are working at a higher, institutional level.

Asma Khader, Jordan’s human rights activist, met Dy Speaker, Sindh Assembly

On September 12, 2013, Aurat Foundation Karachi office, facilitated a meeting of Ms Asma Khader, Jordan-based human rights activist and lawyer, Ms Shehla Raza, Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly, and women parliamentarians including Dr Seema Zaidi, MPA Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (PTI), Ms Irum Azeem, MPA Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Ms Ghazala Siyal and Ms Nusrat, MPA Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP). Ms Anis Haroon, renowned women and human rights activist, former Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and former Caretaker Minister for Women Development Department also joined the meeting. Ms Asma Khader is here in Pakistan, invited by Aurat Foundation, as one of the trainers for the 2^nd National Training of Trainers (ToT). The meeting was held at the Committee Room of Sindh Assembly.

Pakistan Civil Society Forum formed

ISLAMABAD: A representative forum of civil society organisations from across Pakistan met today in Islamabad to discuss ways for effective engagement with federal and, provincial governments and state institutions, civil society and concerned citizens for strengthening a representative democracy, citizenship, and social and economic justice through coordinated and focused lobbying and actions.

The national consultation held at the Aurat Foundation’s office was convened by South-Asia Partnership- Pakistan and participated by leading civil society organizations endorsed the following resolution :

We RECOGNIZE the significance and importance of this assembly in the back drop of present scenario where the country is faced with serious problems of bad governance including terrorism, lawlessness, rising poverty, energy crisis and other economic challenges. We also note with pleasure the smooth transition of power from one elected government to the other. However, we consider it important to stress on the newly elected government to take the democratic traditions forward and address to the urgent and important issues of public ensuring people centered governance.

We BELIEVE that neither the country’s development nor its policy making adequately involves public participation. As a result of the top down development, the implementation gaps notwithstanding, issues of ownership, ecology, access to resources stand majorly compromised. We emphasise that planning and development must be a bottom-up approach and the state must make an effort to make people’s involvement in their own development and future possible.

We NOTE with concern a gradual indiscernible reversal of devolution through the Constitutional Reforms (18th Amendment) that will deprive the people of Pakistan of a landmark gain through a democratic process. Ambiguities in the responsibilities and authorities of the federal and provincial institutions demand clarity and reconstitution of roles. We believe the constitution and 18th Amendment must be considered as guiding principles to determine the role of the federal government and provincial governments. Federal government’s obsession with trespassing into provinces’ domain will have far reaching ramifications. This approach has intensified a deep rooted distrust among federating units and must be refrained forthwith. There is a need to take devolution process from provinces to district level with substantive institutional reforms and genuine representation of the public.

We are also TROUBLED with issues of gender discrimination, growing intolerance against non-Muslims and the rising trends of ethnic and sectarian violence all over the country.

We are HUMBLED with the contribution and gains of civil society organizations in upholding citizens’ rights, relentless struggle for fundamental freedoms, free judiciary and democratic development. This assembly concludes with this resolve to continue its struggle for further deepening democratic processes and traditions through coordinated and focused actions among diverse civil society groups and institutions.

We RESOLVE forming the Pakistan Civil Society Forum as a joint platform of action, coordination and engagement with government, national and international institutions. We believe this platform will be instrumental in promoting joint actions for citizens’ rights and bridge the gap between government and people, advocate issues of fundamental importance to people and reemphasize important issues in the national agenda.

THE Forum REAFFIRMS its commitment for continuing its struggle for citizens’ rights and democratic, human and social development in the country.

We REASSURE our constituents to become a viable and effective platform for coordination, collective actions, lobbying and engagement with diverse actors including political parties, federal and provincial governments, media, national and international institutions.

A national level core committee has been formed comprising representatives of all federating units and rights-based organizations. The committee will engage other CSOs, public representatives, state institutions and concerned citizens for further diversifying its support base.

Senior representatives of the following civil society organizations participated in the meeting and endorsed the resolution:

Aurat Foundation, South Asia Partenership Pakistan (SAP-PK), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Strengthening Participatory Organisations (SPO), SUNGI Development Foundation, Sindh Agriculture, Water and Forestory Cooperative (SAWFCO), Institute of Development Pratices and Services (IDSP), Seemorgh, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Khwendo Kor, Pakistan Institute for Labour, Education and Research (PILER), Management & Development Centre (MDC), Women Rights Association (WRA), Bargad, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), Interactive Resource Centre (IRC), Rozan, Bedari (Sialkot), Development Action for Mobilization & Emancipation (DAMEN), Awaz CDS, Cholistan Development Council (CDC), Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA), Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), Insan Foundation, PAIMAN, Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR), Social Awareness & Development Organization (SADO), Jobs Creating Development Society (JCDS), SEHER, Christian Study Centre (CSC).

Data on violence against women during year 2012 released

During year 2012, 7515 number of cases of violence against women was reported, of which 4766 were reported from Punjab which makes the highest figure i.e. 63%. Sindh had the second highest instance of reported cases of violence against women i.e. 1628 cases which form 22% of the total cases reported. Among other regions, 674 cases were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 167 cases were reported from Balochistan, whereas 281 cases of violence against women were reported from Islamabad, which is a very high number considering the region is much smaller and houses a very small ratio of population as compared to the other regions, reads the annual report on violence against women by Aurat Foundation.

Aurat Foundation launched Annual Report on violence against women for year 2012 on August 29, 2013, at Islamabad. The report contained a data on violence against women during year 2012, collected and composed under ‘Gender Based Violence Policy Research & Capacity Building (GB-PRCB)’ programme of Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with Violence against Women Watch Group. The data was written and analyzed by Dr Rakhshinda Perveen, Consultant and Founder Creative Anger by Rakhshi. The technical review was done by Mr Naeem Mirza, COO Aurat Foundation, Ms Maliha Zia, Manager Law and Gender, and Ms Rabeea Hadi, In-charge GBV-PRCB programme. As part of its continuous efforts to highlight the issue of violence against women and its different manifestations in Pakistani society, the Aurat Foundation, with the support of Trocaire, has been monitoring the cases of violence against women in Pakistan for the last five years, since 2008, and has so far launched four reports on violence against women. This is the fifth report which shares the data of cases of violence against women during 2012. Ms Rabeea Hadi, in-charge of the programme, moderated the session and took up the question-answer session.

Dr Rakhshinda Perveen, writer and analyst of the report, shared the findings of the report with the audience. She said that violence against women also includes violence against girls and girl children. She also said that in most cases of violence, women / girls loose their lives. She also pointed out that if less number of cases are reported from a region, it does not necessarily means that there is less violence against women and , similarly, high number of reported cases does not mean the region has much violent towards women compared to other regions. She also pointed that lack of terms for ‘marital rape’ and cases of ‘incest’ in national and local languages indicates that our society is insensitive towards these violence / crime.

Dr Ambreen Ahmad, Child Psychiatrist/Advisor, Rozan, talked about the ‘psychological effects of violence on women’. While counting the important social factors behind the violence, she mentioned the condition and status of both women and men in the household, the place where VAW takes place, the nature of relationship between victim and abuser and the prevalent myths and perceptions regarding VAW in the minds of the victim, the perpetrator and society in general. Among various forms of violence, she said that t ‘social abuse’ needs special focus as this kind of abuse is usually not considered as violence or deemed traditional or cultural. She said, among the effects of violence, depression and anxiety leave long lasting affects on women which surely extends to children and other dependents. She also said that women facing domestic violence live in constant fear. “the memory of his humiliation ……….. Shared a diagram depicting a cycle of violence starting from weak social position to feeling shame and finally the feeling that ‘

Ms Mahreen Maqsood, Deputy Director, Gender Crime Cell, while giving the history of establishment of Gender Crime Cell (GCC), she mentioned the process including the formation of syllabus for the employees and training manual and its functions. One of the function include assisting the top policy-makers to develop holistic and effective countermeasures to control this menace. A steering Committee on Human Rights has been established. The reason for Gender Reforms in Police was realization that police is less sensitive towards women. “representation of women in police on better postions, developing capacities and competence of women police, enhancing role, and visibility of women police, assimilating gender learning into police training are few of the outcomes of Gender Reform in Police Project (GRPP), Phase-I”, she said.

Ms Arifa Khalid, MNA, PML-N, said that when peoples asked her, ‘whether I am elected as MNA on general seats or reserved seat’, I feel violence and discrimination and humiliation. While elaborating strategy to end violence, she suggested three steps: know the problem, face it and resolve it. She said that media and film industry in Pakistan is also promoting the conventional role of women in household, society, show-business.

Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson, National Commission on Status of Women, while giving her remarks as Chief Guest, said that the fact that the data on violence against women was collected from newspaper was a weak point as it does not give the complete picture of rate of violence against women. “In times of war and conflict, violence against women is used as a weapon”, she said. Commenting on the role of media in the context of violence against women, she pointed out that most of the time, media highlights only some forms and cases of violence but ignores most dangerous forms of violence. While commenting on the NCSW’s strategy to combat violence against women, she said that NCSW is developing standardized indicators that could be used for future surveys and research and be comparable. Such indicators are being developed with reference the nationally owned indicators such as SAARC Gender Information Base (SGIB), international conventions e.g. CEDAW Concluding Observations and UN’s Statistics Division indicators.

Mr Naeem Mirza, COO, Aurat Foundation, while commenting on the further strategies to end violence against women, suggested that this is the time that National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) shall take task of addressing and ending violence against women.

Provincial conference on good governance through local government

Aawaz and Accountability program of Aurat Foundation organized a provincial conference on the role of local government in ensuring good governance on August 6, 2013, at Hospitality Inn, Lahore. The conference highlighted the demands of civil society for democratic good governance through local government in Punjab. Theseen Ahmad, Salman Abid and Mumtaz Mughal discussed the act and gave their recommendation and demands. Punjab Assembly members elected on minorities and women seats including Ms Faiza Malik also discussed the act and gave their point of view. A large number of local and Aawaz districts level activists participated in the conference with play cards and holdings with demands and slogans for local government. Participants criticized the reduction of women, minorities, peasants and workers seats and repeated their demands of 33 percent of women seats at all level of local government. Speakers demanded to delegate administrative, financial and political power to local government according to constitution Article 140-A

Press Conference by Civil Society Network for Local Governance (CSNFLG)

Members of Civil Society Network for Local Governance held a press conference on 30 July, 2013, at press club Lahore. They discussed the demands of civil society for local governance. Speakers demanded to delegate administrative, financial and political power to local government according to Article 140-A of the Constitution of Pakistan. Main speakers of press conference included Salman Abid (SPO), Mumtaz Mughal (Aurat Foundation), Irfan Mufti (SAP_PK) and Fauzia Vaqar (Shirkat Gah).

Follow up meeting to the CEDAW Committee’s 54th Session

Aurat Foundation’s Karachi office organized a follow-up meeting to the CEDAW Committee’s 54^th session so that to discuss the concerns raised by the CEDAW Committee during its 54th session with the parliamentarians, member of civil society and other stakeholders and formulise recommendations on how to address these concerns.

Due to a prolonged session of Sindh Assembly, only a few members of Sindh Assembly, namely Sharmila Farooqui, Shamim Mumtaz and Nusrat Sehar Abbasi, were able to join us. Other participans included Ms Sarah Zaman, from Indus Resource Centre and War Against Rape, Ms Tabinda from Shirkat Gah, representatives from National Commission from the Status of Women (NCSW), the Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights and Pakistan Mission in Geneva.

The dialogue between the Pakistan State delegation and the CEDAW Committee members was conducted article-by-article.

Aurat Foundation held consultation to discuss the concerns and recommendations raised by CEDAW Committee on 4th Periodic report.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2013, Aurat Foundation organized a consultation to share and discuss the concluding observations of United Nations Committee on the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The meeting was attended by civil society representatives, women parliamentarians and human rights activists. CEDAW is an international human rights treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979. It is the only treaty which specifically focuses on women’s rights and issues. Countries ratified the Convention are bound to submit national reports within 1 year of ratification and thereafter every 4 years on measures taken to comply with treaty obligations.

Pakistan’s fourth periodic report was reviewed by the 23-member CEDAW committee in February 2013 and issues a set of concluding observations which the state party is bound to implement. Pakistan will submit its fifth periodic report in 2017. As an exception, the committee has asked the government of Pakistan to submit written information till 2015 on the steps under taken to implement in paragraph 22 and 28 of concluding observations which relate to improving the literacy rateof women and girls, reduce and prevent dropouts among girls and implementation of legislation against women.

Rabeea Hadi from Aurat Foundation shared the concluding observations of CEDAW committee at the consultation where as Chief of Party Aurat Foundation NaeemMirza talked about his experience of representing civil society in the CEDAW Committee meeting. Eminent Human Rights activist Tahira Abdullah highlighted the challenges and constraints in the way of implementation of CEDAW and Naheed Aziz moderated discussion on Action Plan and the role of civil society in the application of CEDAW.

In her presentation, Rabeea Hadi pointed out that the committee has raised concern about the governance challenges embodied in the devolution of powers and different level of authorities and competence with in state party may result differential application of the law.

The committee has appreciated the assistance and work of the government of Pakistan in paragraph 4 regarding the revision and enactment of numerous laws and legal provisions for the elimination and discrimination against women and ratification of international conventions such as International Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities, Convention against Torture and International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In its other recommendation regarding education, the committee has asked the government to prevent the occurrence of attacksand threats against educational institutions which undermine women and girls’ fundamental rights.

The committee-members have urged Pakistani government to prevent, investigate, and punish gender-based violence by non-state actors in conflict affected areas and have suggested the government to conduct an assessment of the impact of the conflict situation on women and girlsand strictly enact legislationregulating the trade, sale and possession of small arms.

It has asked the government to ensure the safety and protection of women human rights defendersand mobilize adequate resources to address the specific risks and security needs of women’s rights defenders.

The committee also asked the Pakistani government to adopt pending bills, such as the Domestic Violence Bill and the Prevention and Control of Women Trafficking Bill and ensure effective enforcement of existing legislation.

It has also demanded the government to institutionalize an inter-provincial coordination mechanismwith adequate human and technical resources and also ensure adequate financial resources to the Women Development Departments.

Regarding rural women, the observation highlight the need to review and amend the relevant legislation and policies to recognize women as farmers and abolish traditional practices and customs which prevent rural women from participating in development projects.

Consultation to discuss the concerns and recommendations raised by CEDAW Committee on 4th Periodic report and follow up

Aurat Foundation’s Quetta office organized a consultative meeting to discuss the concerns and recommendations raised by CEDAW Committee on 4th Periodic Report and provide an update to the participants about how the state party review was conducted during the meeting of CEDAW committees 54th session. They were informed about NGO participation in the session. Discussion was made on the concluding observations of CEDAW committee with the perspective of analyzing that how CEDAW is relevant in the national perspective and how CSOs and other players can intervene in their capacity and lobby for its implementation.

The participants include six women members of present assembly of Balochistan and one former women woman MPA, lawyers, provincial assembly staff, academicians, government officials, NGO representatives, political and social activists and media persons.

The event ended with a number of commitments from the participants. Women parliamentarians assured their full support in the process of pro-women legislation. They were of the view that before moving forward, more emphasis should be on the pending legislations of previous assembly related to women. Lawyers offered their support in drafting pro-women legislation, while NGO representatives suggested formation of a CEDAW watch committee at provincial level to ensure close liaison with government. Media offered desired space to all for awareness raising and information dissemination about CEDAW.

Evidence in Rape Cases and the Role of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII)

Aurat Foundation’s Karachi office organized a round table discussion on June 7, 2013, at Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. The topic was “Evidence in Rape Cases and the Role of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII)". Ms shireen Khan welcomed the civil society, WAF members and speakers and briefed on the agenda. She explained that the topic of discussion is in reference to the statement issued in a meeting of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) held on 29th May, 2013, declaring that DNA tests are not admissible as the main evidence in rape cases. The religious scholars observed that while the tool could aid investigation into rape complaints, it could not be taken as evidence. It could, at best, serve as supplementary evidence but could not supersede the Islamic laws laid out for determining rape complaints.

Ms Uzma Noorani, member Women Action Forum (WAF) said that the purpose of this meeting was to debate on setting the criteria for issuing such statements and gather reaction/ response of the civil society. She further stated that already the conviction rate of rape cases is low, issuing such statements sends out a negative message and impact in society. Therefore, such statements have long-term repercussions and it further discourages the victims to speak out.

Mr Zain Sheikh, legal expert, in his opening remarks mentioned that this meeting was called to understand the provisions in CII and then debate its functions in the light and ambit of the 1971 Constitution of Pakistan. He referred to articles 227-231 given in Chapter 9 of the Constitution.

Mr Mohsin Naqvi, former member of CII, explained the origin of the Council of Islamic Ideology in detail. He informed the participants that CII constituted in 1962 has the role in sending recommendations to the parliament which must be taken under consideration within 6 months to 1 year. The recent Council is based more on the Ulema which have quite a different viewpoint than the former under Dr Khalid Massood who reviewed all laws to determine whether they came under Islamic ideology or not. The different ideological perspective is actually the source of problem and discontent.

Dr Rohina Hassan, Jinnah Hospital, defined the term DNA as deoxyribonucleic acid. She explained that it is located in the nuclei of cells, which make up the body. Consequently, DNA can be considered as one of the building blocks of the body. It is present in each cell of the body and has a hereditary protein component. They are formed by clusters of chromosomes packed together in a zig-zag manner.

Ms Anis Haroon, former Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and the caretaker Minister for Women’s Development, Sindh, 2013, pointed out that the purpose and importance of CII and its constitutional position, the DNA testing and opinions of participants was discussed in detail. She further stated that WAF is a progressive platform and such bodies who go against women’s rights needs no existence. Some decisions in the past had been supportive (referring to the case of Hudood Ordinance). However, the composition of such bodies, change according to the political environment. She also mentioned that parties like JUI, operates under the CII office and political workers (like Mr Shirani of JUI) were given the position of Senator. They are the same people who had hindered the Sexual Harassment Bill. Ms Haroon reiterated that such bodies and political people need not be consulted as they would always oppose steps of women’s rights. She informed the participants that NCSW in the past took the Domestic Violence Bill head-on. This Bill was also delayed in the Senate and in the Masalihat Committee which comprises of members of same political parties (JUI/JI). Therefore such controversial decisions and steps are heavily influenced by religious political parties.

Auart Foundation, in collaboration with of Women Development Department, Government of Punjab, organized a reception

Auart Foundation, in collaboration with of Women Development Department, Government of Punjab, organized a reception and an orientation session for recently elected women members of Punjab Assembly, on June 1, 2013, at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore.

Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, former Advisor to CM and MPA, Ms Saleema Hashmi, Caretaker Minister for Women Development, Dr Mira Phailbus, Ombudswoman Punjab, Ms Irum Bukhari, Secretary Women Development Punjab, and Mr Moeen Akhtar, Director Women Development Punjab, participated on special invitation. Ms Nasreen Zehra, Resident Director Aurat Foundation, welcomed the guests, and Ms Mumtaz Mughal, Provincial Manager Aawaz programme of Aurat Foundation, moderated the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Salima Hashmi, Caretaker Minister for Women’s Development, Punjab, and Dr. Mira Phialbus, Ombudswoman, Punjab, congratulated the women assembly members on becoming legislator and expressed their good wishes for overcoming the challenges and put forth various suggestions for resolving the women problems. They said that the women assembly members will have to work hard to meet the expectations of the people. They also lauded the role of NGOs in highlighting women’s rights.

Ms Irum Bukhari, Secretary Women’s Development, Punjab, gave a detailed about the legal steps taken for the protection of women and Women Package 2012. Ms Nasreen Zehra, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, congratulated to elected women members provincial assembly and said that they should work for the rights of women at every level and utilize all resources for their socio-economic and educational development. Mumtaz Mughal highlighted the women issues including eliminating discriminatory laws against women and domestic violence, and political empowerment. She said that the budget in education and health sectors for women should be increased.

Later, shields were given to the women provincial assembly members on behalf of Women Development Department Punjab and Aurat Foundation. The participants included 40 women members of Punjab assembly, representatives of civil society and media persons.

AF Lahore visitsd Begum ZakiaShahnawaz, former Advisor to CM Punjab

A delegation of Aurat Foundation Lahore staff visited Begum Zakia Shahnawaz at her home to congratulate her and her party for winning the general election 2013. The delegation was led by Ms Nasreen Zehra, Resident Director, Lahore Office. Other members of the delegation included Ms Mumtaz Mughal, MsNabeela Shahin, Mr Abid Ali, Mr ZubairYousaf and Ms Arfa.

She expressed her commitment to continue working with AF for empowerment and upliftof community women, especially implementation of women empowerment package.

Islamabad Expo by IWCCI – focusing women’ economic empoermnt

Aurat Foundation displayed a stall in the Islamabad Expo, organized by the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry- (IWCCI), 13 – 14 April, 2013, at the Jinnah Convention Centre. Aurat Foundation displayed its publications, particularly on related to women’s participation in the General Elections 2013. The Women Chamber is working for the economic and social development of women since more than decades. For the past two consecutive years Islamabad Women Chamber is organizing Islamabad Expo at Jinnah Convention Center Islamabad. Aurat Foundation also set up a stall last year as well.

Conference on Election Observation to Promote International Standards in Election Observation

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with Free and Fair Elections Network (FAFEN),Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) organized a conference titled ‘Conference on Election Observation to Promote International Standards in Election Observation’, on April 4, 2013, at Marriot, Islamabad. The organizations, which going to observe General Elections 2013, have pledged to observe elections according to the recognized methodology defined in Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations.

In a conference held in Islamabad on Thursday, the Pakistani organizations were joined by international associations of citizen observation groups from Asia, Middle East and Southern Africa and by Democracy Reporting International (DRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, opened the conference and commended Pakistani organizations for taking the step towards ensuring credible election observation: “Accountability and transparency in elections is a two-way street – we ask for it from the election commission and seek equally from the observers to be transparent and share the standards being used”.

Vladimir Pran from DRI said:“The standards used by international and domestic observer groups to assess elections are an extension of the obligations and commitments Pakistan made under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These treaties include the obligation to facilitate election observation.”

National Coordinator for HRCP Core Groups Hussain Naqi said that HRCP is planning to monitor the elections in those 56 constituencies which are sensitive in the context of human rights violations. Calling upon the voters to exercise their right to franchise on election day, he said, “Your destiny is in your hands! Prove it".

Sharing observation plans for the upcoming elections, Naeem Mirza from Aurat Foundation explained that the focus of AF will be on participation of women “We will be reporting on how the authorities are guaranteeing women’s rights. Our special focus will be arrangements made by the ECP.” Mirza commended the ECP for planning to provide data on women’s turnout on polling day for the first time in Pakistan. He also said that while the national and international organizations and networks would be observing and monitoring general elections, Aurat Foundation would also be observing and monitoring the Election Commission of Pakistan to see whether it has made necessary arrangements for maximizing women’s participation in the elections and if see there were no violation of women’s right to vote and representation.

The preamble of the ‘Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations’ says:

“ Non-partisan election observation and monitoring by citizens organizations has emerged as one of the most tangible and significant dimensions of democratic development around the glob …………… Non-partisan election observation and monitoring by citizens organizations is part of participating in public affairs, which ‘relates to legislative, executive and administrative powers’ and ‘covers all aspects of public administration, and formulation of implementation of policy …………. Non-partisan election observers and monitors can be considered as specialized human rights defenders focused on civil and political rights, which are central to achieving genuine elections. Genuine elections require respect for the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including association, peaceful assembly, expression, media freedom, movement, security of person, equal protection of the law prospective voters and those seeking to be elected……..”

Hannah Roberts, Deputy Chief Observer, European Union Observation Mission, gave a presentation on the International Standards in Observation of the 2013 Elections Access of voters with disabilities will be under scrutiny of STEP, said Ms Abia akram, Director Programme, STEP (an organization promoting rights of persons with disabilities). Sarwar Bari from FAFEN called for formalization of these rights, “The ECP should give accreditation to local observation networks as organisations instead of giving it to individual observers,” he said. Telibert Laoc, from National Democratic Institute, introduced the Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations which has been endorsed by180 independent election monitoring organizations in over 75 countries around the globe. The Declaration incorporates global standards into citizen observation in order to strengthen the role of domestic observers in the electoral process.

National civil society organizations planning election observation present at the conference acknowledged the importance of adhering to internationally recognized standards for the responsible conduct of their duties as observers. Discussing the importance of the relationship between elections commissions and observers, Zurab Tchiaberashvili, former Chairman of Georgian elections commission, said: “Elections can never be credible and in line with international standards without proper and long-term observation. Simple fact is that election authorities need election observers to support the electoral process.

AF team visited traumatized residents of Josef Colony

In order to console the traumatized residents of Josef Colony, Lahore, AF Lahore team visited them on March 12, 2013. They also issued a press statement and condemned the attack on the Christian community of the Colony. (On March 9, 2013, a mob rampaged through the Joseph Colony- a Christian locality, while the local police precincts in a nearby go down. The infuriated masses looted and torched every house in the area, sparing none.

International Women’s Day

ISLAMABD: Today we, as women of Pakistan, declare our solidarity with the women of the world on the 102nd anniversary of International Women’s Day – a day that has been commemorated since 1911 to voice women’s concerns and highlight their perspective on social, economic and political issues. Through the years women have demanded the right to vote and hold public office, the right to work and an end to discrimination at work. They have protested against war and violence and struggled for the attainment of peace.

The issue of women’s rights eventually won official acknowledgment from the UN and 1975 was declared the International Women’s Year. The First World Conference on Women was held that same year in Mexico, and the Government of Pakistan sent a strong women’s delegation, which was led by Begum Nusrat Bhutto. March 8 was designated as International Women’s Day by the nations of the world at this historic conference.

The women of Pakistan have a rich history. They participated in the struggle for independence under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and have continued to play an active role in the country’s development. Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, our hearts go out to all those who have lost their relatives and friends in the cold-blooded violence unleashed in our country in the name of religion. Today, while hundreds of thousands have been senselessly killed, many more have been maimed and are spending their days in pain and misery. We believe that violence whether against women, or people of another sect, religion, ethnicity or country, is a product of a patriarchal mindset – a mindset that seeks to exploit and subjugate others and appropriate resources and power for itself.

We, as women of Pakistan, reiterate our commitment to peace and social justice, and demand that those who have committed heinous crimes against the nation’s citizens must not be allowed impunity. We call upon the nation to pledge on this day to stand up for a peaceful and just Pakistan – a tolerant and just Pakistan that was dreamed of by the Quaid and those women and men who sacrificed much to make Pakistan a reality – where all citizens can have equal opportunities and live in peace and harmony.

The rally is organized by different civil society organizations and networks including Insani Huqooq Ittehad (IHI) Network, End Violence against Women and Girls (EVAW/ G) alliance, Women Action Forum (WAF), Fight against Dowry Advocacy Network (FADAN) & dosti YAN (Youth Advocacy Network).

Women’s Day Art Exhibition

The exhibition displayed the works of senior artists Mansoor Rahi, Hajra Mansoor, Raja Changez Sultan, Nsir Malik, Aliya Mirza, Raja Najam-ul-Hassan, Mir Wais, Zainab Nawaz, and works of students of Foundation University. The event was inaugurated by Her Excellency Cecilie Landsverk, Ambassador of Norway, and Ms Tahira Abdullah, renown human and women’s rights activist.

The works of Mir Waiz, Aliya Mirza and Nsir Malik drew special attention of art lovers. Waiz depicted the misery and suffering of children and women of Afghanistan. Aliya’s ten feminist paintings including ‘missing women’, buried alive’, ‘resistance’ and ‘how many walls’ depicted multiple discrimination and violence faced by women. Nsir Malik’s calligraphy and portraits were much appreciated.

Ms Cecilie Landsverk was most impressed by the diversity of art work by both students and senior artists put on display. She reiterated her continuing commitment to support cultural activities in Pakistan and wished everyone a Happy International Women’s Day. She thanked the Rawalpindi Arts Council and the student of Foundation University for inviting her to celebrate International Women’s Day with them.

Ms Tahira Abdullah appreciated the commitment to art of both the Rawalpindi Arts Council and the student of Foundation University. She encouraged the young art students to learn how to depict the situation of women in Pakistan, particularly reflecting ‘violence against women’ from the works of Alya Mirza and Mir Waiz and Nsir Malik. She requested the students never to forget those 50,000 Pakistanis killed by the terrorists. The art work of 12 students by Foundation University had a theme of ‘Death and Soul’. The students depicted the situation women, the poor, the persecuted and the unfortunate members of society. The Malala Yousafzai’s corner portrayed Malala’s courage through paintings and art collage.

Ms Samina Jamshed, Art Therapist, said that the exhibition was a good opportunity for the young artists to display their work, and also learn from the works of senior artists. She said that the exhibition would be on till Monday evening (March 11, 2013).

The art exhibition was endorsed by Mi Corazon, a Canadian NGO, and was supported by Aurat Foundation.

Commemorating International Women’s Day

Ministry of Women Development, UN-Women, Aurat Foundation and other civil society organizations organized an event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2013, at Serena Hotel, Quetta. Ms Surayya Aladin, renowned women activist, was the Chief Guest and Mr Sultan Bayazeed (Provincial Election Commissioner) was the Guest of Honor.

The speakers highlighted the importance of women’s day and appreciated the role of women in the society. Mr Ishfaq Mengal (Programme Officer) from Aurat Foundation shared his views on ending violence against women in Balochistan. Students from schools and colleges presented tablo and poetry. GEP documentary ‘Main Safar Main Hoon’ was also played.

Observing ‘One Billion Rising’ to end violence against women.

Aurat Foundation organized a concluding event of ‘One Billion Rising’ campaign to end violence against women on February 14, 2013, at Arts Council, Karachi. The event included a seminar and a dance performance by Sheema Kirmani on the theme of ending violence against women. The campaign was launched in December, 2012.

Ms Mahnaz Rahman, Resident Director gave a detailed background of the “One Billion Rising” campaign and current situation of violence against women in Pakistan. Major Speakers of the event included Justice(R) Majida Razvi, Ms Noor-Ul Huda Shah, writer and activist, Ms Farhat Parveen, Now Communities, Ms Naghma from Network for Women Rights, and Ms Attiya Dawood, writer and an activist.

A number of guests from civil societies, education and development sectors, government and non-government organisations, media and students attended the event and pledged to work against violence against women. All the staff members of Aurat Foundation were also present at the occasion.

Training on CEDAW with focus on women’s participation in election

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with Democracy Reporting International (DRI) organized a training workshop on CEDAW for Aurat Foundation’s core staff that would be monitoring the upcoming general elections. The said training, delivered by DRI’s international consultant Ms Hannah Roberts and Madiha Farhan, focused on women’s participation in elections as voters and candidates. The training participants included AF staff from Islamabad office (eleven), two each from Karachi and Quetta, Lahore and Peshawar offices, one each from Quetta and Skardu office, and

The content of the training included principals and structures of international human rights law, CEDAW obligations and commitments (article 7 and general recommendations 23), making written instruments, consideration of how Pakistan measures up in implementation of CEDAW commitments in regards to elections, awareness on how to assess compliance with CEDAW commitments, familiarity with the Declaration of Global Principles, electoral observation activities, identification of steps for reporting and familiarity with ICCPR and UDHR. The participants agreed that De-Jure principles on women’s political participation, as put in the UN declarations, are not enough, and the government shall take’s De-Facto measure to ensure women’s political empowerment. The government and the Election Commission of Pakistan shall take measure to empower and enable district elections commission office to become pro-active in ensuring women’s active participation in elections.

It was agreed that Democracy Reporting International and Aurat Foundation would prepare a brief paper on the outcome of the training workshop.

National Consultation on Women’s Empowerment in Political Parties’ Election Manifestos

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), organized a National Consultation on Women’s Empowerment in Political Parties’ Election Manifestos, on Wednesday, 30 January in Islamabad. The main objective of the consultation was to dialogue with Political Party representatives to incorporate the Handbook recommendations into their Manifestos.

Aurat Foundation launched the Handbook titled ‘Suggestions on Women’s Empowerment for Election Manifestos of Political Parties’ co-authored by Naheed Aziz and Tahira Abdullah, development practitioners and rights activists. Riaz Fatyana, Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights, chaired the event; Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer Aurat Foundation, was the Co-Chair.

Ch. Shafique from the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) coordinated the event. Mr Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer Aurat Foundation, welcomed the members of political parties in the national consultation. He said that usually gender is a social construction, but we women and human rights activists at Aurat Foundation have learned that gender is a ‘political construction’.

Naheed Aziz, in her presentation, pointed out the rationale for mainstreaming girls’ and women’s concerns in the Election Manifestos in all interventions focusing on major policies, plans and macro-economic structures and social sectors; the need to increase budgets for women-focused in initiatives, especially in health and education sector; the terminology used should be explicit, and should clearly indicate sex/age and sub-group differentiation; and that there should be no gap in understanding between those who prepare manifestos for their political parties, and those who implement those manifestos. She also emphasized the need for consistency across each Manifesto, ensuring that statements in one part should not negate or dilute the others. There should be very clear inter- and intra-sectoral linkages. She specified the indicators demonstrating a Party’s commitment to democratic development, particularly in the gender perspective.

Tahira Abdullah demanded an end to paternalistic benevolence, patriarchal, feudal and religio-political structures impeding women’s empowerment, particularly political participation; and an end to perceiving reserved seats, quotas and affirmative action for women as charitable handouts; this is necessary to level the uneven playing field. She advocated that political parties should allocate tickets for women to contest elections directly on general seats, as democracy should not be about ‘electability’ and ‘winnability’, but it is all about inclusion and fairplay; and women’s participation is the result of their long struggle for political, legal and socio-economic rights. She emphasized the need for a fresh census, and demanded that the census should not be termed ‘mardum shumari’ but ‘insaan-shumaari” or ‘fard-shumaari” as the census is not only the counting of men and boys, but also women and girls. She emphasized the need to focus on the ‘feminization of poverty’, unemployment, health, girls’ education, and the rising tide of Talibanization, jihadism, extremism and terrorism.

Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo (National Party), in his remarks agreed that the manifestos of political parties do need a lot of addition and improvement. Dr Ishaque Baloch, from National Party, Balochistan, in his remarks said that his party and leaders believe that women’s active political participation is must for a strong democratic system. Ms Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli, from Qaumi Watan Party, Balochistan, appreciated the timing of the consultation as most of the political parties are in process of writing / re-writing their manifestos. She said that her party is against any type of discrimination against women and believes in enhancing women’s participation in politics and governance. Ms Mehnaz Rafi, from Pakistan Tahrik-e-Insaf, in her remarks said that most of the political parties ignore the issues of women’s rights at the most crucial times. For example, all the political parties gave cold response to the popular demand of repealing of Hudood Ordinances.

Ms Farah Aqil, Senator from ANP, while talking about the women’s presence in political parties, agreed that although the situation is not very good in her own party, but leaders of her party believe in bringing more women in the parties and in the parliaments. Ms Khushbakht Shujaat, MNA from MQM, in her remarks said that her party fully agrees with most of the suggestions as proposed by Aurat Foundation in the booklet. She also said that one of the major reason behind discrimination against women is the ‘neem-mulaet’ (so-called religious-ism) as whenever there is a talk of women’s rights, religious leaders bring in the religion. Ms Nuzhat Sadiq, Senator from PML-N, in her remarks said that there is a need to collect more data on situations of women in health, education, economic, employment and all other sectors. She said that her party has recently worked a lot on women’s right to inheritance.

Mir Khursheed Jamal Deeni, from Balochistan National Party (BNP) in his remarks said that violence and terrorism, continued since the times of General Musharaff, has drastically affected women’s rights in Balochistan. Mr Anwar Soomro, General Secretary of Awami Tahrik, Sindh, said that his party, under the leadership of Rasool Bux Palijo, was the first party to establish a political party for Sindhi women, called Sindhianni Tahreek. He also demanded that instead of 17% or 33% quota for women in the parliaments, there shall be 50% quota for women on reserved seats. Mr Enwar Baig, Senator from PML-N, in his remarks emphasized that political parties and governments in Pakistan shall collectively increase the budget in education and health sector and also increase women’s education and opportunities in employment.

Chair of the consultation Mr Riaz Fatyana, Chairperson, Standing Committee on Human Rights, in his concluding remarks, while appreciating the participation of all the representatives from various political parties, said there is a need to change the common mindset of feeling shame in bringing women out in politics, education and employment. While emphasizing on women’s economic empowerment, he said that the political parties shall ensure increase in women’s quota in employment more than 10%.

Press conference on Qadri ‘s long march.

In order to express civil society’s concern on the Tahir-ul-Qadri’s Long March, Aurat Foundation organized a press conference on January 15, 2013, at the Karachi Press Club. Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Women Action Forum President Ms Anis Haroon said that the rights groups pledged allegiance to legitimate, democratic political processes and to parliament, which is its repository. “We reject Tahirul Qadri’s demands and all attempts at forming non-elected technocratic civil-military set-ups,” said Ms Haroon.

“As civil society, we reject all campaigns against the electoral system and condemn all attempts at its subversion by extra-constitutional forces,” said the senior activist Mehnaz Rehman, Farida Hannan, Attiya Daud, Iqbal Butt, Malka Khan, and Farhat Parveen of NOW Communities. The speaker said advocating dismissal of the elected government was an insult to the citizens and their democratic power of the vote. The rights activists said that the citizens of Pakistan were aware of different forms of extra-constitutional interventions and expected political parties to present a united front to respect and protect the people’s mandate. “Tahirul Qadri is leader of a group that is not even registered as a political party and cannot legitimately challenge provisions that are a result of the democratic process,” said the activist

Meeting with Pakistan People’s Party on manifesto suggestions for women’s empowerment.

Aurat Foundation organized an advocacy meeting on Suggestions on Women’s Empowerment for Election Manifestos of Political Parties with Mr Jahngeer Badar, Member Manifesto Committee of Pakistan People’s Party on 12Jan 2013 at his office, Lahore.

Mr Jahangeer Badar appreciated the AF’s contribution for the preparation the suggestions for women empowerment. During the discussion, he said that now priorities of political parties have been changed due to political expediency. This is time to change the mind set of extremist and it can be change through media. He said that he will ensure to include the suggestions about violence against women, women and media, discriminative laws against women. On the point of training of political party workers, he shared that PPP Leader Benzir Bhutto (Late) had enforced the mandatory training for all party members, the training regarding political ethics and political skills etc. He admitted that all over the world women are taken for granted as house made and sex proposition and it so cruel and injustice dealing. He endorsed AF suggestions and also offered to arrange a meeting with manifesto committee members of PPP and with women caucus.

3rd meeting with Pakistan Tehreek Insaf manifesto suggestions.

Aurat Foundation organized an advocacy meeting on Suggestions on Women’s Empowerment for Election Manifestos of Political Parties with Mr S.M. Zafar, Chairperson of manifesto committee of Pakistan Muslim League (Q) on 12Jan 2013 at his office, Lahore.

Mr S. M. Zafar appreciated the AF’s contribution for the preparation the suggestions of political party’s manifestos for women empowerment. During the discussion, he agreed and gave the commitment to AF team that following suggestions will be incorporated into PML Q’s manifesto:

Education budget will be increased 5% of GDP, health budget will be increased 5% of GDP, representation of women on reserved seats will be increased 17% to 33% at senate, national and provincial level, representation of women on all decision making level of party will be increased 33%. PML Q will be enacted of laws which had been passed at national level, legislation on Domestic Violence, Home based workers will be on the priority of PML Q. Social protection measures to address the women’s poverty will be introduced. PML Q will take up the initiative of gender disaggregated data and also improved the sex disaggregated data in all walks of life with focus; Labour and ECP. PML Q has primary focus on restoration of Local Government system in all provinces and it will be.PML Q will establish PCSWs to formally monitor and deal with cases of violations of existing GBV laws and also be introduced a comprehensive women protection policy. PML Q will be focused on implementation of laws.

On the point of award at least 15% tickets to women on winnable general seats in elections for Provincial and National Assemblies, he said that I myself agreed on it but it is not possible for me. He said that he will table the suggestion on manifesto committee members.

Meeting with Pakistan Tehreek Insaf on manifesto suggestions for women’s empowerment.

Aurat Foundation organized an advocacy meeting on Suggestions on Women’s Empowerment for Election Manifestos of Political Parties with central leadership of Pakistan Tehreek Insaf on 10 Jan 2013 at PTI, Punjab Office.

In the meeting, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Vice Chairman PTI confessed that women are marginalized in our society and for the development of women it requires to sensitize the men and get them realize that women are equal to them. He said that gender blindness needs to be addressed intentionally and PTI has believed on equality of rights to all citizens without discrimination. He appreciated the AF’s contribution for the preparation of political party’s manifestos.

On AF suggestions for PTI election manifesto, PTI is distinguished among all political parties who acknowledged and prioritized the youth as well as women and people with disabilities the determining sector of social department. He stated that PTI will be ensured more than 33% representation at decision making level of party. Women would be given special focus in each and every policy of PTI. For ending violence against women and gender based violence. PTI has plan to change the mind set by creating awareness among men and taking special initiatives like men engendering policy and through promoting girls education. On the point of local government, he said that local government is on our priority. Local government is a basic tear of democracy and important part of functional government. PTI focus is village. PTI will introduce a unique system to maintain village solidarity and unity through alternate dispute resolution methods covered by law. On the point of Land Reforms, he added that PTI is working on the land reform policy and it will be positive for women. He shared that PTI also developing the gender policy.

Mr Jahangir Tareen, Head Policy Wing of PTI, appreciated the AF contribution and ensured that PTI would be focused to provide women enabling environment and equal opportunities for development. Sharing about on education policy, he said that if PTI get the governance opportunity, PTI will get double number of girls school in all over the Pakistan and ensure the establishment of minimum one girl’s high school at union council level and will take special initiatives for the assurance of girl’s education. PTI will declare an ‘Education’ emergency. PTI will increase education budget from 1.8% of GDP to 5%. PTI will increase the health budget. PTI will ensure potable drinking water for all. Introduce an effective socio economic measurement structure at UC level.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi emphasized on appropriate and regular coordination between the civil society and political parties. He said that “civil society is ensuring community awareness bridged the services and implementation we provide them”. He fully endorsed AF’s suggestions and ensured that PTI would be added AF suggestions in the PTI’s manifesto.In the end of meeting, it was decided that follow up meeting will be held in coming week. Ms Malika, Director of Policy Wing PTI, ensured that PTI have already focused on all the areas which are suggested by AF.

Solidarity Day for slain aid workers and polio vaccinators

Members of civil society organizations staged a rally to show solidarity with slain aid workers and polio vaccinators. Under the umbrella Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network representatives of Aurat Foundation, Shirkatgah, SPO, Amn Tehreek, Hawa Lur, Fata NGO Consortiums, KK and women and human rights organizations participated in the rally.

Members and volunteers assembled at Aman Park outside Cantt Railway Station, Peshawar from where they proceeded in a procession. After marching along various roads, the protesters dispersed peacefully while chanting slogans against terrorism and for the return of peace. Speaking on the occasion, speakers condemned the act of terrorism and asked government to compensate the families of deceased and provide security to the workers. They said that people should show unity in condemning such acts of terror and pressurize the government to take preventive actions against terrorism.

Meeting with Awami Workers Party.

Aurat Foundation organized an advocacy meeting on ‘Manifesto Suggestions on Women’s Empowerment’ with central leadership of Awami Workers Party (AWP) on January 8, 2013, at AWP office, Lahore. AF delegation, comprising of Mumtaz Mughal, Nabeela Shaheen and Abid Ali, met with AWP’s General Secretary Mr Farooq Tariq, and Mr Niaz Khan and other office bearers.

In the meeting, Mr Farooq Tariq, General Secretary, AWP highly appreciated the AF contributions for preparing the suggestions for election manifestos of political parties. He fully endorsed the suggestions towards state and governance. He said that AWP already ensured the 40 % representation of women in central executive committee of AWP and are ensuring at all levels of decision making. He shared that AWP has already decided to give the ticket to women at wining able seat in general election. He shared that officially Ms Nazli Javed, Labour leader will be the candidate of MNA and party will provide fully support to her for contesting the election. Awarding the tickets on provincial seats, AWP will also decide in meeting of executive committee. He ensured that he will try to mobilize the decision making body for awarding the tickets on PA seats. In reference of today’s meeting, he said that he will include the point on agenda regarding “discussion on AWP election manifesto and suggestions received from AF” on upcoming executive committee meeting which has been scheduled on 26 Jan 2013 in Hyderabad. He shared that AWP has not finalized its manifesto and election manifesto, AWP has a draft party manifesto. AF suggestions are very much important and this handbook is a guideline for us to make progressive demands for AWP. He shared that in AWP manifesto, AWP has not clear-cut guidelines or policy for media. AF suggestions will also helpful in formulization of media policy. He requested the soft version of hand book which will be provided by AF. It is decided that AF team will meet with AWP in the end of Jan for follow up. He also shared that under the chair of Abid Hassan Minto, Farooq Tariq, Akhter Hassain, Farzana Bari, JamilUmer and Asim Sajjad working on manifestos suggestions.

Reference & vigil for the slain aid workers.

Aurat Foundation and the Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network (PCSN) arranged a meeting to pay homage to the slain workers aid workers including six women in swabi. The participants were from of Aurat Foundation, Khwendo Kore, South Asia Partnership, Strengthening Participatory Organisation, Bacha Khan Education Trust, Fata NGO Ittehad, End Violence Against Women Alliance and Shirkat Gah.

The speakers Shabina Ayaz , Professor Khadim Hussain,Aimal Khattak , Arshad Haroon and Qamar Naseem, said terrorists were targeting the civil society organisations for working for human rights, education and health care as they didn`t want the people`s empowerment and development. They said the civil society should end the `culture of silence` over such attacks to contribute to counterterrorism efforts. The speakers also called for better public awareness of how to counter terrorism for development.They urged the government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting the public life and property. The speakers said under the constitution, the people, especially workingwomen, had the right to earn a respectful livelihood for themselves and their families in a peaceful atmosphere. They said the security of the people was the responsibility of the government but it had failed to fulfill it.
The speakers demanded that like government staff, families of slain women aid workers be provided with Rs3 million each as compensation and that their children be provided with free education. Participants offered Fateh for the deceased aid workers.

The participants later demonstrated and held a candlelight vigil outside the press club.

Celebrating the passage of pro-women legislations in Punjab Assembly 2012

In order to express their gratitude for passage of pro-women legislation by the Punjab Assembly, Aurat Foundation organized a meeting of more than thirty representatives on January 3, 2013 in Committee Room A of Punjab Assembly. Ms Mumtaz Mughal Provincial Program ManagerAawaz, Aurat Foundation led the delegation of senior management of different NGOs.

The participants said that Punjab Assembly has taken a historic step in ensuring approval of eight pro-women laws from the Punjab Assembly to protect the rights of women. They also appreciated the efforts of Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, advisor to the CM Punjab, and follow up efforts of Women Development Department for implementation on Women Empowerment package, 2012.

The following eight bills were passed in the last week of December 2012:

1. The Punjab Protection against the Harassment of Women at the Workplace
(Amendment Bill) 2012;
2.      The Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2012 (Urban);
3.      The Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2012 (Rural);
4.      Legal Protection to Gender Mainstream Committees Bill 2012;
5.      Women University Multan (Amendment) Bill 2012;
6.      Government College Women University Faisalabad Bill 2012;
7.      Government College Women University Sialkot Bill 2012;
8.      Government College Women University Bahawalpur Bill 2012;

Mr Irfan Mufti, Deputy Director SAP-PK, Mr Salman Abid, Regional Director SPO, Ms Naureen Tawakal, Shirkat Gah, Ms Ume Laila, Executive Director Home Net Pakistan, Mr Peter Jacob, Executive Director National Commission on Justice and Peace, Ms Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director WISE,Ms Ghulam Fatima, Executive Director BLLF, Mr Nadeem Fazil, Executive Director WAR against Rape, and Advocate Hina Hafeez expressed their views and appreciated the passage of pro-women legislation.

Following proposals were also submitted by all NGOs for urgent consideration by the Government of Punjab:

Legislation against domestic violence;
Establishment of Provincial Commission on Status of Women;
Nomination of Ombudsperson;
Legislation for Home-based and domestic workers;
Women’s protection policy;
Establishment of commission for rights of minorities;
Legislation against early age marriages.

Rana Mashhood, Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly appreciated the role of NGOs and civil society in supporting the legislation for women. He said that NGOs were playing a vital role of torch-bearer in providing valuable services for the guidance and welfare of society.

Meeting with leaders of Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party and Awami Tehreek for manifesto suggestions.

A delegation of Aurat Foundation headed by Mahnaz Rahman visited the party offices of Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party and Awami Tehreek on 24 Dec 2012 at Hyderabad and meet wih the party leaders Dr. Qader Magsi, leader of Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party and Ayaz Latif Palijo, President Awami Tahreek to share the booklet of Aurat Foundations “Suggestion on Women’s Empowerment for Election Manifesto of Political Paries’,

Mahnaz Rahman Resident Director of AF-Kara gave a detailed brief about the Suggestions for Election Manifesto and requested to include these suggestions in its party’s manifesto.

Meetings with these parties were the most successful and these parties made commitments that the AF draft suggestions would be put in their manifestos and they would report to AF which of the suggestions they chose. During the meeting with Awami Tehreek, the second largest nationalist party of Sindh, AF’s advocacy caused two female members to be nominated for the general seat in the elections. The party even promised to pay the expenses of the election and registration form fees as well. Awami Tehreek requested the AF team to support the female candidates during the election campaign.

Launching of ‘Pakistan NGOs Alternative Report on CEDAW-2012’

Aurat Foundataion’s Lahore office organized the launching of Pakistan NGOs Alternative Report on CEDAW-2012 on December 20, 2012, at Ambassador Hotel, Lahore. The event was chaired by Ms Maliha Zia, one of the authors of the report. The participants included Ms Irum Bukhari, Secretary Women Development Department, Ms Neelum Hussain, Executive Director Simorgh; Ms Maliha Zia, one of author of the report, Mr Peter Jacob, Director, National Commission for Justice & Peace, included Ms Mumtaz Mughal, Provincial Manager Aawaz and Ms Nasreen Zehra, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation. Representatives of civil society organizations, government institutions, legislation departments women parliamentarians from different political parties also attended the event.

Maliha Zia said that in some places women were not allowed to cast their votes in the 2008 elections and the government despite knowing that did not act against tribal or political leaders who were responsible for this denial of very basic right. She said many laws, including the Citizenship Act 1951 (which allows foreigner wife to get husband’s Pakistani nationality, but does not allow a foreigner husband to get wife’s Pakistani nationality), Qanoon-i-Shahadat, certain portions of honour killing laws, Child Marriage Restraint Act etc were discriminatory to women and very little was being done to review them.

Mr Peter Jacob said that civil society has shown its willingness to work for betterment of this society. They are courageous and dedicated. Ms Neelam Hussain said that society is ruined due to corruption which is destroying each and every system I the country, and we need to raise our voices against this corruption. Ms Mehnaz Rafi from Pakistan Tehreek Insaf said that Civil society is doing good work by raising women’s voices to the political parties. Dr Ghazala Rana, member Provincial Assembly, Punjab, said that all rights of married women are in the marriage certificate (nikahnama) but they are not read and considered by the nikah–khawan.

Launching of ‘Pakistan NGO Alternative Report of on CEDAW – 2012’

Aurat Foundation launched ‘Pakistan NGO Alternative Report on CEDAW-2012’ on December 18, 2012, at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi.

The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is an international human rights treaty meant to remove discrimination against women resulting in gender inequalities. Pakistan ratified the CEDAW Convention in 1996 and presented combined initial, second and Third Periodic Report, before the CEDAW Committee. Each time, the women’s rights NGOs in Pakistan also prepared a shadow / alternative CEDAW report soon after the government’s report. The process for the fourth NGOs’ Alternative CEDAW Report was initiated in 2008 and concluded in December 2012.

Ms.MahnazRahman, Resident Director of Aurat Foundation, Karachi, welcomed the guests and gave an overview of the CEDAW process. She informed the participants on the drafting of the convention and the way it was adopted to ensure effective procedures for its implementation. Adv. Rubina Brohi, Regional Coordinator, LWP-WE, Aurat Foundation, talked about CEDAW process in the context of Pakistan. She explained how Aurat Foundation took the lead in compiling and drafting the alternative report. She also elaborated on the formation of four provincial CEDAW committees as well as a national CEDAW committee, which provided feedback and endorsements to the report.

Adv. Maliha Zia, Manager Law and Gender, Aurat Foundation, presented the salient features of the Report as per Articles 1-16 and General Recommendation 19 in a detailed presentation. Her presentation also covered a critique of the Government’s Fourth Periodic Report to the CEDAW Committee. Mr. Taj Haider Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh, spoke on the situation of women in Pakistan, highlighting the need of the Government and civil society to work together on issues relating to women. Dr. Masooma Hasan, Chairperson Board of Governors, Aurat Foundation, gave the concluding remarks. The participants included representatives of UN Women-Pakistan, distinguished politicians, government officials, legal experts, youth, CSOs representatives and the media.

Provincial consultation for outlining the ways for formation of Provincial Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) in Punjab

Aurat Foundation’s Aawaz – Voice and Accountability Program, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab and Action-Aid Pakistan, organized a provincial consultation, titled ‘Outlining the Ways for formation of Provincial Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) in Punjab’ on December 17, 2012, at Hospitality Inn Hotel, Lahore.

Ms Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson NCSW, chaired the consultation, and Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, Advisor to CM Punjab, was the Guest of Honor. The panelist included Justic (R) Nasira Javaid Iqbal, Mr Sajjad Hyder, Director Department of Women Development, Ms Ambreen Fatima, Action Aid, and Ms Nasreen Zehra, Resident Director AF. Ms Mumtaz Mughal from Awaz programme moderated the consultation.

Addressing the meeting, Begum Zakia Shahnawaz Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minster said that Punjab government is seriously working to protect the women’s rights, and taking different steps to curb the violence against women. Ms Khawar Mumtaz, newly appointed Chairperson of NCSW, while addressing the meeting said that the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women must be set up at the earliest so that women’s rights are heard in provinces.

Launching NGO Alternative Report on CEDAW – 2012, and National Women’s Assembly.

Aurat Foundation organized the launching ceremony of Pakistan NGO Alternative Report on CEDAW – 2012, on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Islamabad Hotel. Ms Lena Lindberg, Country Director, UN Women -Pakistan participated as the Guest of Honour. Ms Anis Haroon, Member, Board of Governors, Aurat Foundation, presided over the ceremony. Ms Maliha Zia and Ms Riffat Butt, authors of the report presented main findings of the report. Ms Tahira Abdullah, one of the four contributors, who wrote separate chapters, was the Guest Speaker.

The various attempts made by the Government to improve the legal, socio-economic and political status of women are commendable, but they are few in number and have proven not to be very effective. The agenda for eliminating all forms of discrimination against women failed once again to make its place in the priority list of the Government. As a result, there remain numerous issues for women, resulting in de facto and de jurediscrimination against them, which are either ignored by the Government, or are not sufficiently dealt with.
Mr Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer of Aurat Foundation, while elaborating the process of producing the NGOs alternative CEDAW report, said that Aurat Foundation has been preparing the shadow report on CEDAW for a couple of years. The report, technically called ‘NGO Alternative Report on CEDAW’, attempts to examine the response of the Government of Pakistan to concerns expressed in the observations of the CEDAW Committee on the earlier Country Report in 2007. An examination of these responses reveals that the major impediments to gender equality and the elimination of discrimination are an ambivalent political will on the part of the State, and resultantly its institutions; the absence of a firm commitment to the inherent principles; and a reluctance to own the State’s obligations under the CEDAW Convention.

He also criticized the government and the Ministry of Human Rights that didn’t consult the civil society and other concerned quarters while it was preparing the government’s CEDAW report for the UN. He expressed strong disapproval that the M/o HR even didn’t bother to make its report public, and demanded that the government shall urgently make it public and seek response and opinion from concerned quarters and women’s rights organization.

Ms Riffat But, one of the author, said that 4th report covers the period from 2005-2009, Ministry of Women Development prepared but it was submitted by the M/o HR in 2011. This report mentions the challenges of earthquake, poverty, political instability, issue of IDPs while having impact on the efforts of government to fulfill its obligation of the DEDAW Convention.

Ms Maliha Zia, the second author of the report, said that although a number of pro-women laws were passed from the year 2009 to 2012 including Protection against Harassment at the Workplace Act 2010 and three amendments in Criminal Law during 2010 and 2011 which focus on harassment against women; customary practices including deprivation of inheritance, forced marriages, exchange of women in settlement of cases, marriage of women to the Quran; and acid crimes. This has been an appreciated move by the Government. However, the State continued to avoid the passage of laws or amendments that are considered more controversial due to the fact that they might affect the traditional set up of the family and society and above all their political alliances. These include laws pertaining to domestic violence, social protection and child rights and amendments pertaining, among other topics, to citizenship rights of women and their spouses. It is pertinent to note that the majority of pro-women initiatives have been taken by Private Member Bills as opposed to Government Bills.

Ms Tahira Abdullah, who contributed a chapter on ‘Implementing CEDAW in Pakistan’ in the report, elaborated on the lack of political will and commitment to ensure the participation of CSOs and women’s rights activists in the preparation of the government’s CEDAW report, and to ensure the harmonization of domestic laws with the State’s binding legal obligation to adhere to CEDAW and other ratified instruments. She presented 38 action recommendations for the implementation of CEDAW, which, 16 years after Pakistan became a State Party to CEDAW, are now long overdue.

The shadow report is primarily a commentary on the Fourth Periodic Report of the Government, identifying gaps and presenting an objective analysis of the situation of women in Pakistan. This analysis is conducted from a perspective held by the unambiguous position of mainstream women’s rights and human rights activists and organisations on core issues of women’s rights. The Report is authored by Maliha Zia and Riffat Butt and; has been reviewed by Neelam Hussain, Naeem Mirza, Nasreen Azhar and Younas Khalid.

The Shadow Report also attempts to give the reader a brief overview of the situation of women in Pakistan beyond the reporting time period, till the present day. This overview is essential in light of several major developments that have taken place after the reporting period. Realising the significance of a few landmark developments related to democracy, governance and the deteriorating situation of minority women, four addendum chapters have been included in the report. These are contributed by Tahira Abdullah, Ayehsa Khan, Rubina Saigol, Peter Jacob and Jennifer Jag Jewan.

Aurat Foundation took the lead in compiling and drafting an alternative Report to the Government Report on behalf of the civil society of Pakistan in 2008. The process concluded in 2012, consisted of a number of steps, was based on the principle of inclusion and ownership of the Report by civil society organisations. The Report has been prepared with the earnest intent to strengthen Pakistan’s national institutions and entities working for women’s rights. It is hoped that mainstreaming gender into national policies and laws and bringing them in conformity with the articles of CEDAW will result in de facto equality for women.
At the end of the launching ceremony, the participants, human rights activists and organizations, hailed the selection of Ms Khawar Mumtaz as Chairperson of National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW). They expressed satisfaction and hope that her selection would further strengthen the NCSW. Ms Anis Haroon, former Chairperson of the NCSW, expressed happiness and satisfaction on the selection of Ms Mumtaz as the new Chairperson of the NCSW. She said that Khawar has the courage and potential and long enough experience to benefit and further extend the recently achieved autonomy of the NCSW.

Earlier in the day, Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with Insan Foundation Trust, also organized National Women’s Assembly at Islamabad Hotel. Both the organizations are working to advance women’s cause at different levels. Partnering with UN Women, AF is working in 6 districts and Insan Foundation in 25 districts of Pakistan including FATA, AJK and GB under the said initiatives. The event provided community women from various ethnic backgrounds and cultures, CSOs, activists, parliamentarians, students and academia an opportunity to share their experiences, role and contributions in promoting peace and security in all the regions of Pakistan.

The first panel on ‘Situation and impact of conflict on women’ was chaired by eminent human and women rights activist Ms Tahira Abdullah. Speakers representing five provinces of Pakistan and AJK, representing various ethnic backgrounds, urged the policy makers to incorporate women’s perspective in the efforts of social cohesion and their active participation in peace-building in bringing meaningful results. They stressed the need to root out violence from the society and create environment religo-ethnic and cultural harmony They stressed that women can and do play a vital role in combating extremism, prevention of the crisis, and broadening the perspective of the relevant stakeholders for developing gender sensitive mechanisms for the protection of women from sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in crisis situations. The women also shared their stories as survivors of conflict which brought sadness and tears in the eyes of most of the participants.

A women participants from Balochistan, of Hazara ethnic group, gave an emotional / heart breaking account of the ethnic cleansing of Hazara community. Kashmala from AJK said that while travelling from her home to Islamabad, the Capital Territory, she had a strong sense of deprivation, that people, and women, from far flung areas do not have opportunities. She also read a poem ‘mujh ko dekho izat sey, aurat nahien insaan hoon mien. Shakeela Asghar from interior Sindh demanded the government to clear the society from weapons so that to bring peace. The weaponization in the society has also marred way for free and fair elections and democracy in Pakistan. Fatima from Swat said that she would speak not for herself but for the whole Swat, for the girls and women of Swat who have been facing violence since long.

Ms Tahira Abdullah, while concluding the session, demanded the government to reduce the military expenditure and instead increase the budget for education, health and other development sectors.

The second panel of respondents on the ‘Role of State and Democratic Institutions in Prevention of Conflict’ was chaired by Ms Anis Haroon. Representatives from National Assembly and provincial assemblies spoke at the occasion including Ms Ghazala Gola, Minister for Women’s Development, Government of Balochistan, Ms Ms Shagufta Sadiq, MNA MQM, Sindh, Ms Naseem Nasir Khawaja MPA PML-N, Ms Shirin Fatima, MNA, PPP, Gilgit Baltistan, and senator Ms Syriya Amir-ud-Din, PPP.

Ms Shirin Fatima said that since last 65 years, Pakistan ignored the people of Gilgit-Baltistsan and combined the issues of Gilgit-Baltistan with the issue of Kashmir, and gave it anonymous title of ‘Northern Areas’ which was like depriving various ethnic group of GB of their identities. While highlighting various positive steps of the Government of Gilgit-Batistan, she said that the government has ensured 10% women’s quota in all government departments due to which a lot of women joined the police department. She said that although GB government has introduced many positive legislation but we still need strong commitment and line of action for implementation. She said that soon they will introduced the bill to combat sexual harassment of women at workplace, which would be made as per the cultural and social needs of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Ms Shagufta Sadiq said that women parliamentarians are struggling hard to get the domestic violence bill sail-through the Sindh assembly. Ms Suriya Amir-ud-Din, senator from Balochistan, while analyzing the situation of Balochistan, said that at first only the people from Punjab, living in Balochistan, were targeted but now each and every community is being targeted; political activist are being kidnapped, and turning them into ‘internally displaced persons’. She said the all political parties and the civil society shall together work for bringing peace in the country. Ms Ghazala Gola,

Ms Ghazala Gola while highlighting the positive steps of Balochistan government said that her party (PPP) introduced a lot of pro-women legislation including bill to curt sexual harassment of women and legislation for empowering home-based women workers. She said the all women legislators in the Balochistan assembly are struggling hard to pass the law against domestic violence.

Ms Anis Haroon, while concluding the session, said that criticizing the politicians is not the good strategy but need to find out a solid political strategy to bring peace in the country. She also emphasized the need that all the political parties shall work together for bringing out a solution how to end terrorism and violence in the society. She also demanded for enhancing of reserved seats for women from 17% to 33% in all legislatures.
Ms Kishwar Sultana, Executive Director, Insan Foundation, coordinated the question-answer session. Ms Arifa Mazhar of Aurat Foundation, read the declaration of the women assembly which the participants approved collectively.

Launching ‘One Billion Rising’ campaign to end violence against women.

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with ROZAN, WLP, AMAL, WORD, We Can and RSPN organized the launching ceremony of ‘One Billion Rising – OBR’ campaign in Pakistan on the international Human Rights Day on December 10, 2012. The ceremony was organized at the auditorium of Department of Earth Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University. The participants included university students, members of civil society organizations, NGOs, academia and media.

‘One Billion Rising (OBR)’ is the collective voice of one billion women, men, children and trans-genders across the globe for ZERO tolerance to violence against women. According to international statistics, 1 out of 3 women in the world will be rapped or beaten in her life time which comes to more than 1 billion women. In Pakistan approximately 70-90% Pakistani women are subjected to domestic violence each year.

It is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls started by Eve Ensler, a prominent activist who addresses issues of violence against women and girls. In 1998, her experience performing The Vagina Monologues inspired her to create V-Day, a global activist movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day raises funds and awareness through annual benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues.

Speakers urged youth to speak up against any kind of violence around them. Nighat Rizvi from AMAL briefly introduced participants with the history of OBR and V-Day. Dr Farzana Bari, Chairperson Department of Gender Studies, QAU, gave a detailed presentation on ‘situational analysis of Violence Against Women (VAW) in Pakistan (and why OBR in Pakistan?). she said that creating awareness and personal commitment to refrain from inflicting violence on other especially on women is imperative but we should not forget that gender based violence is a structural issue and power imbalance between men and women is central to all forms of VAW.

Dr Ambreen Ahmed, from Rozan, gave an overview of OBR campaign activities. She told the audience that today peoples, both women and men in 177 countries of the world are raising their voice to end violence against women. While elaborating about the OBR activities, she informed that the activities include signature campaign, arranging music programmes, theatres, poster competition etc. She said that so far 3666 signatures have been signed to end violence against women.

Renown poet Kishwar Naheed recited two of her famous poems – one ‘wo jo bacheon sey bhi dar gaey…, written for Malala Yousufzai’ and the second ‘tum swami ram baney mery, tum majnoon qais baney merey, kabhi chhorr dia, kabhi …iss khel saraey sey niklo, tum merey jaisey insaan ho, merey dost bano’.

Babar Bashir, Managing Director, ROZAN, highlighted the importance of involving men in ending violence against women and in the ‘One Billion Rising campaign’. He said that un-fortunately, most of the perpetrator of violence against women are men which highlights the importance of focusing men in this campaign. He also said that violence against women is not only damaging for women but it also damages men’s personality and ultimately it affects the whole country and the whole world.

Aqsa Khan, Executive Director WORD, spoke on the sexual harassment laws in Pakistan. She gave a full background of the sexual harassment at workplace law 2010 and the institutional procedures to deal cases of sexual harassment at workplace. She also stressed the need to raise awareness about the law in all government and non-government institutions and organizations.

Farkhanda Aurangzeb, Manager Legislative Watch Programme of Aurat Foundation, in her concluding remarks said that the event was just a beginning and the campaign has a long way to go and see much success. She urged the audience the when back at home, office or class, each one should further spread the message of ‘stand against violence against women’. She also said that violence, in each form, and from anyone, whether men or even from women (which is hardly a case) must be condemned.

The OBR message of ‘rise against all kind of violence’ was loud and clear that ‘No More Violence against Women’. The event included interactive sessions where participants, mostly students, were introduced with aims and objectives of the campaign. Awards were also distributed among the university students who won the poster competition. The poster competition was organized among students from NUST University, Fatima Jinah University, Bahria University and Arid Agriculture University.

The event also included musical performance by renown young singer Arieb Azhar, and emerging young artists Yaruq and his band.

Celebrating 16-days of activism to end gender based violence and human rights day

Aurat Foundation, in collaboration with UNHCR, Human Rights Department, and other civil society organizations organized an event to observe ‘16-Days of Activism to end violence against women’ and International Human Rights Day. Members of different NGOs/CBOs participated in the event. Mr Justice Qazi Faiz Essa, Chief Justice Balochistan High Court, was the chief guest of the event. He shared his views on 16-days of activism and International Human Rights Day and visited the stalls setup by Aurat Foundation and other organizations.