UN Agreements/Policy

A woman’s right to live free from violence is upheld by international agreements such as the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the 1993 UN
Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women.

How can we eradicate gender based

violence from Pakistani society?
Create Awareness
In order to make the existing laws functional, it is necessary for the masses to be well informed
about the laws. Such awareness campaigns should be launched through different platforms that
educate the masses about “violence” and laws to counter acts of violence.

Justice Isa in a while speaking at a national conference on ‘Judicial Response to Cases and
Gender Based Violence’ said, “I feel vexed or sorry when the religion of Islam is presented in a
way, which is also against the commands of the Holy Quran, giving the impression as if women
have an inferior role in the religion.”

Deal rural and urban centers differently

Causes of GBV are different in rural and urban centers. While awareness campaigns and
educational programmes have huge benefits in urban centers.
In rural areas, the influence of feudal lords is high. In such areas, feudal lords must be
encouraged to look out for GBV in their villages, and be made part of a strategy to eradicate
GBV. Such practice will deter those in their villages from GBV.

At Work Place
In order to get effective response to GBV at work places, the establishment of GBV monitoring
teams should be mandated in all workplaces. Moreover, complaints of harassment in work
places should be dealt seriously and effectively. In any such offence, Police and local authorities
muct be involved so that an effective solution is reached.

Laws to Deter Gender Based Violence

Conviction rates remain low at just 2.5% of all cases that make it to court.
In case of Emergencies
District administration should be sensitized about gender based violence. Governing bodies
must be especially focused on gender based violence during emergency or crises. During
COVID-19, GBV increased. Such situations should be monitored closely and effective measures
be increased during the crisis.

Strengthen Law Enforcement in case of GBVs

Establish a separate system to register complaints of sexual harassment against women. Such
a system should be run by people who are fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue. Moreover, a
separate system will allow fast delivery of justice. In addition, this system should be integrated
across the country to improve by adopting best practices and by learning from each other.
Officials at law enforcement agencies have been observed harassing, intimidating and silencing
women.
NGOs should indicate areas where GBV laws are not being implemented.

Across the board, almost all human rights activists and lawyers agree that the surge in domestic
violence is owing to a lack of implementation and enforcement.

Listening to the Women

Creation of Women’s Empowerment Groups, that can help to break the silence on violence
against women and mobilize action for the safety and equality of all women and girls. Such
groups should encourage women to speak up to them if experiencing harassment in the
community. E.g., Jugnu clubs in India started by UN, under which several unsafe places for
women have been made safe (through installation of street lights, ferry service to work places
etc.) apart from reporting of individual cases of violence to law enforcement

50% of women who experience domestic violence do not respond in any way and suffer silently.
The women who bravely tell their stories of violence are stigmatised and treated with scepticism.
Focusing on the victim’s inhibitions, honour and embarrassment is another form of harassment.

Social Security Nets for Victims

Individuals in a family are connected interdependent on each other. Breaking away from such
interdependence may mean greater disadvantage for the victim, especially in case the victim is
not economically independent. Such circumstances may discourage the victim to speak up and
report. Social security nets for the victims should be created. Such centers should also be
established where the victims are supported and are reskilled for better jobs and economic
independence.

Only 0.4% of women take their cases to court

Deal with Honor Killings
The offenders must be punished and such punishments be made public so that others are
deterred from such practices.
Moreover cultural bases that drive such acts should be investigated, and appropriate corrective
actions be taken.

Media Response
Drama serials and movies that discourage violence

Creation of songs that highlight the value and role of women in society and motivate her to
exercise her potential to the full. One such example is “Insaan Hoon Mein” released by UNFPA
on International Women’s Day 2022.