MITHI
Speakers at a community gathering here stressed the urgent need to launch an awareness campaign regarding girls’ education in order to counter the menace of ignorance, early marriages, and gender-based violence in society.
The meeting, focusing on female empowerment and children’s rights, was organised by the Social Cooperation Initiative (SCI), a non-governmental organization working in the Tharparkar region.
The speakers said that unless the mindset of the society was changed, the female population would continue to be exploited and discriminated against. They underscored that educating girls is a critical necessity of the time and the ultimate path to eradicating social evils.
They said that the protection of human rights should start at home, being the primary place of development for a child. Therefore, every girl must be given her fundamental right to education, protection, and a life of dignity.
The speakers pointed out that forcing young girls into early or coerced marriages, subjecting them to violence, and depriving them of schooling are not only grave violations of basic rights but also punishable offenses under the law.
They suggested that a collaborative approach be adopted, noting that it is the collective responsibility of parents, religious leaders, educators, and civil society organizations to play an active role in safeguarding the rights of girls.
They added that a secure, developed, and prosperous society can only be built on the foundation of female education and empowerment.
They also urged the local communities to ensure the required encouragement for young girls to pursue their academic goals without societal hurdles.
The gathering concluded on a positive note, with the participating villagers assuring the organizers of their complete cooperation and promising that they would leave no stone unturned in ensuring their daughters receive an education.
Those who spoke at the meeting included senior journalist Nandlal Lohano, advocate Ghulam Farid Sial, and Madam Naheed, alongside a large number of community elders, women, and youth.
