President Zardari resolves to eliminate all types of discriminatory practices‚ abuses against women

RADIO PAKISTAN

The President said guided by the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto‚ a number of legislative measures have already been taken to protect women President Asif Ali Zardari

has reaffirmed the resolve to eliminate all types of discriminatory practices and abuses against women. He was addressing a ceremony in Islamabad on Friday marking the end of 'One Million Signatures' campaign launched last year to stop violence against women. The President pointed out that discrimination against women is deeply routed in the social‚ political‚ economic and legal spheres of the society. Women issues are not limited to Pakistan but other countries in the region are also facing similar issues. Enumerating the present government's initiatives for women empowerment‚ he said highest priority has been accorded to addressing the issue of discriminatory laws against women. He said guided by the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto‚ a number of legislative measures have already been taken to protect women. These include Adoption of the Protection against harassment of women at workplace Act 2010‚ Criminal Law (Amendment) Act‚ Acid Control and Acid Crime Act and Prevention of Anti Women Practices Act. The National Commission for Human Rights Act 2012 has also been enacted to monitor the overall human rights situation. He said that Women in Distress and Detention Fund Act 2011 has been promulgated to provide financial and legal assistance to the deserving women. Besides‚ 26 Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Centers for women have been established in various districts to provide immediate relief to female victims of violence. President Zardari said that one million women are receiving direct assistance under the government flagship Benazir Income Support Program. He said that the National Commission on the Status of Women has been strengthened to monitor the violation of women's rights. He said a proposal is also under consideration to give more representation to the women in the judiciary. Speaking on the occasion‚ Country Director of UN Women Pakistan Alice H. Shackelford lauded the legislative measures taken by the Pakistani government for the protection of rights of women. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to bring a positive change in the society. On the occasion‚ the President also signed the 'One Million Signatures' campaign‚ becoming the one millionth signatory to the campaign.