The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent challenges faced by women and girls worldwide. From November 25th to December 10th, the #Koi Jawaz Nahi campaign, spearheaded by UN Women and supported by the government of Japan, has cast a spotlight on gender-based violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sharmeela Rassool, the Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, emphasizes the campaign as a resounding call to action, urging strategic investment to eradicate violence, fostering enabling environments, and championing fearless leadership. This initiative transcends mere symbolism, symbolizing a brighter future by illuminating historical structures, like the Peshawar Museum building, in orange, echoing the collective aspiration for a violence-free society.
According news reports published on these pages, the campaign #Koi Jawaz Nahi combines awareness with tangible efforts to highlight issues perpetuating violence against women. Commencing at Mohenjo-Daro in Sindh province and traversing through Balochistan’s Quetta, reaching Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital city Peshawar and culminating in the federal capital Islamabad, #Koi Jawaz Nahi campaign provides the impetus for elimination of violence against women and illuminating the path ahead. A street theatre performance not only emphasizes economic stability for women but also underscores the importance of empowering women to make decisions that shape their lives. Simultaneously, an exhibition in Quetta showcased the transformative impact of UN Women’s economic empowerment initiative on home-based workers.
Along with this campaign, an exhibition organized in Quetta also showcased the contributions of women and home-based workers, who have not only turned around their own lives but also strived to ameliorate the conditions for their communities through UN Women’s economic empowerment initiative, embodying their resilience to work wonders. At the federal and provincial levels, Pakistan must ensure that women, in all their diversity, can live free of violence and coercion. The enduring health impacts of violence necessitate a comprehensive approach encompassing physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Public education campaigns challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence are crucial, along with the establishment of robust support systems such as shelters and counseling services to aid survivors in rebuilding their lives.
International collaboration and drawing from global best practices are imperative in the quest to end violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence. The #Koi Jawaz Nahi campaign stands as a beacon of hope, rallying communities to unite, raise awareness and take concrete actions toward a future where every woman and girl can live without fear or coercion. It’s not just a campaign; it’s a collective commitment to building a world where violence against women is a thing of the past. The time to act is now.
