Pakistan:Women’s protection and empowerment

EDITORIAL:Daily Times

The government has shown, once again, its unwavering support for the elevation of women’s stature in society. The PPP has a good record of inclusion of women even on high-level posts. President Asif Ali Zardari the other day signed on the One Million Signatures campaign undertaken to create awareness about violence against women. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zardari, expressing his acceptance and endorsement, stated that his party and government would take all necessary steps to put an end to discrimination against women. Already, legislation for the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2010, adoption of the Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act 2011, Acid Control and Acid Crime Act and Criminal Law (Third Amendment) Act 2011 and the Prevention of Anti-women Practices Act have been passed, to the credit of the government. Albeit the bill against domestic violence is still hanging fire, its presentation marks the need to provide security to millions of women who become victims of everyday abuse in their homes. The stereotype of the woman as the victim and the man as the aggressor has not changed considerably for a vast majority of females, who owing to their family background, educational status, financial dependence and lack of options remain chained in a cul-de-sac for life. In large segments of society, in a pre-modern state, where patriarchy is alive and kicking, it is of utmost importance that women have the education, wherewithal and means to break free of an offensive and discriminatory system, with the full knowledge that the law is on their side and effective to provide justice to them. Despite the difficulties and challenges the government faces to pass all bills in favour of women’s rights and empowerment, the ongoing efforts must be appreciated. The need to have women as members of the superior courts is also being considered. The absence of female judges in the superior judiciary reflects the unspoken discrimination against women in a male-controlled domain. Commemorating the legacy of the former prime minister and co-chairperson of the PPP, the late Ms Benazir Bhutto, whose government was a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the promulgation of the Women in Distress and Detention Fund Act 2011 and establishment of 26 Benazir Bhutto Centres for Women are positive signs of the PPP’s stance to provide opportunities for women in terms of security and employment. While all these initiatives are of great significance, it is the duty of the lawmakers to ensure implementation of these laws favouring womenfolk. Without implementation in practice, these protections would remain mere words, and ultimately redundant.