Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme – Ms. Shazia Marri, said domestic violence is a reality in Pakistan that needs to be taken seriously. She said this while addressing the launching ceremony of Policy Brief on Domestic Violence as key-note speaker. The event was organized by National Commission for Human Rights, Pakistan. Women in our society are told to zip their mouths on gender based violence, she added. Ms. Marri applauded the Policy Brief on Domestic Violence by National Commission on Human Rights. Going through its content, she congratulated Ms. Rabiya Javeri Agha –chairperson NHCR- on preparing such a thorough document. The Minister recalled her work as Member Provincial Assembly in 2005, wherein she faced society’s wrath when she tried to table a bill on Domestic Violence. As a survivor of domestic violence myself, she said, this topic remained a living reality for me. However, it strengthened my resolve to fight this menace, she stressed. Highlighting the role of society to address this grave social problem, she urged the people in power to play a vibrant role in order to protect women from domestic violence. She desired for the creation of a conducive environment in which women can fearlessly contribute constructively towards betterment of the society. She quoted a study from International Labour Organization that by closing the gender gap by 25 per cent, Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can shoot up by 9 per cent which is essential for socio-economic mobility of the country. She expressed her dismay and displeasure over the fact that religion and culture were being used to protect the abusers. The matters are further aggravated by the very fact that women are advised not to speak about domestic violence by their own mothers, she added. The Minister informed the audience that Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is playing a key role in providing financial cushion to the vulnerable and marginalized segment of our society i.e. women. Today, BISP is providing cash disbursement to 9 million women head of families, she told the audience. Apart from this, BISP is also giving awareness sessions during pregnancy and antenatal health checkups to ensure mother’s health. While talking to media on the sideline, she stressed the need for enhanced women space in the society. Society needs to understand the spirit of Aurat March, she responded to a question. Had it not been for the injustices that are inflicted upon women’s soul, they would have never came out for their rights, she added. It is their constitutional right to demand equal right for themselves, which can not be denied, she added. She reiterated that there is no place for domestic abuse in Islam; therefore, the perpetrators of violence against women must be punished according to the law of the land.
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