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 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.

 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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). 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.  

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

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. 

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.   

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. 

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.

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.                                 

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.

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:

1. Legislation against domestic violence;
2. Establishment of Provincial Commission on Status of Women;
3. Nomination of Ombudsperson;
4. Legislation for Home-based and domestic workers;
5. Women’s protection policy;
6. Establishment of commission for rights of minorities;
7. 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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

 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.

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.