PESHAWAR: A noted human rights activist, Rukhshanda Naz, on Wednesday stressed the need for greater participation of women in institutions such as the police, prosecution, and judiciary to help prevent gender-based and domestic violence.
“The role of women police officials is critical in preventing gender-based and domestic violence. Strengthening their capacity is the need of the hour,” said the activist who is Chairperson of Noor Education Trust while speaking at a one-day training session aimed at promoting gender-responsive policing.
Welcoming the training, she hoped that trained women police personnel would play a key role in responding sensitively to cases of violence and in improving reporting and investigation processes.
As many as 19 female police officers received capacity-building support to effectively handle cases of violence against women and girls.The session focused on ensuring a professional and sensitive police response to cases involving gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and workplace harassment.
Participants were engaged through lectures and interactive activities designed to enhance their skills in case handling and victim support.Speaking on the occasion, Director General Human Rights, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ghulam Ali, appreciated the initiative.
He said that although legislation exists in the province on issues such as gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and workplace harassment, several challenges remain in ensuring its effective implementation.
The DG noted that the Human Rights Department, with the support of partners including UN Women, the German Embassy, and Shirkat Gah, is making progress in addressing these challenges.
At the conclusion of the session, Shirkat Gah’s provincial coordinator, Fauzia Ali, thanked the Human Rights Department, police, and other stakeholders for their support. She reiterated that the prevention of gender-based and domestic violence requires institutional collaboration and continuous capacity-building of relevant personnel.
