Islamabad:As the world observes International Human Rights Day at the end of the global campaign on “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)”, Khawateen Mahaz-e-Amal (Women’s Action Forum, WAF) has reiterated its demand of basic human right to life and freedom from violence for women of Pakistan.
The WAF noted with sadness and sorrow, the just-released UN global report on Femicide terming the data alarming for all. Reflecting on where Pakistani women stand today, the WAF statement appreciated several articles on gender equality, affirmative action, democracy, justice, rule of law and fundamental human rights in the 1973 Constitution, unanimously endorsed 52 years ago.
“We are now approaching the 30th anniversary of Pakistan’s ratification of the UN Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, 1996). The statement demanded inclusion of suggested measures for women’s empowerment, political participation and representation; and foremost priority to population stabilisation in political party manifestos and repeal of all discriminatory, unjust, illegal “laws”, dating back to Hudood Ordinances 1979.
The Forum asked the government for urgent attention to eradication of poverty, particularly feminization of poverty; women’s formal sector under/unemployment; unpaid, unregistered women in non-formal sectors.
