NCWS unveils charter of demands to curb gender-based violence

ISLAMABAD: In response to recent incidents of domestic violence, sexual harassment in academic institutions, and concerns about the protection of women in workplaces, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar has communicated a letter to Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar emphasising the need for action as outlined in a charter of demands aimed at addressing these pressing issues.

The charter of demands, designed to counter gender-based violence (GBV), has been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for consideration and implementation. The NCSW has also dispatched similar letters to the interior minister, the interior secretary, chief secretaries, governors, provincial chief ministers, home ministers, Islamabad police inspector general and provincial police inspector generals.

These communications have urged the enforcement of the charter to combat incidents of GBV targeting women, girls, and transgender individuals.

In pursuit of these objectives, a round table meeting was convened by the NCSW chairperson, which was attended by prominent figures including former senator Seher Kamran; Shaukat Mukaddam; Farzana Bari; Valerie Khan; Babar Bashir; Shrafat Ali; Saba Gul Khattak; Saman Ahsan; Nageen Hayat; Nayab Ali; Naeem Mirza; Arifa Mazhar;. Jahangir Jadoon and. Mardiya Sultana.

The primary objective of the gathering was to collaboratively draft a comprehensive charter to combat incidents of GBV.

This call to action follows alarming trends including instances of sexual harassment within academic institutions, sexual violence, and the exploitation of child domestic labor. The NCSW vehemently denounced these violations of fundamental human rights.

It said that addressing these cases robustly is crucial to holding wrongdoers accountable and setting a precedent against such reprehensible behavior. In response, the NCSW has proposed a charter of demands to address these grave violations of human rights.

Outlined below are the key elements of the charter of demands:

The NCSW urges the state to consolidate and intensify its efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups. Swift and resolute measures are needed to be taken to eradicate violence and discrimination against women, girls, and transgender individuals, in alignment with constitutional guarantees and international commitments.

Furthermore, the NCSW appeals to relevant institutions and duty-bearers at federal and provincial levels to ensure comprehensive protection for women, girls, and transgender individuals. This involves enforcing existing legislation and adopting and implementing gender-sensitive policies that prioritize the needs of these groups.

The NCSW lends its full support to the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and Pakistani civil society, including experts on gender and child protection, jointly advocating for the prohibition of domestic work for children under 16 years of age and the categorization of child domestic labour as a non-bailable and non-compoundable criminal offense in the Pakistan Penal Code.

The NCSW recommends that all educational institutions adhere to the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act. Measures include establishing inquiry committees, raising awareness, displaying the Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Act prominently, and empowering female students to report incidents.

The revival of Student Unions within universities and academic institutions is suggested to protect student interests and ensure accountability of academic institutions. Additionally, these unions should have representation in Anti-Sexual Harassment Inquiry Committees.

The NCSW calls for the criminal justice system to end the culture of impunity regarding gender-based violence cases, advocating for prompt and efficient prosecution to deter GBV.

The NCSW emphasizes the fundamental right of equality and dignity for transgender persons. Discrimination by NADRA upon transgender persons is denounced, and prompt issuance of ID cards is demanded for their full participation in society.

The media is urged to responsibly highlight critical issues surrounding GBV to reshape societal norms and raise awareness.

The NCSW’s charter of demands presents a proactive strategy to address the escalating issue of sexual and gender-based violence. It underscores the urgency of collective action across various sectors to create a society that champions equality, respects human rights, and dismantles patterns of discrimination and violence ingrained within society.