ASIA/PAKISTAN - Punjab moves to protect women victims of violence

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - The Punjab cabinet has introduced a bill for the protection of women victims of violence. The draft law also provides for the establishment of vigilance Committees to monitor the implementation of the steps proposed under the National Action Plan.
As reported to Fides, the measure entitled "Document for the protection of women victims of violence", establishes "special centers" for the reception and care of victims that provide complete assistance, starting from home, to the psychological accompaniment, to legal assistance. The first center will be opened in Multan and all the staff of these centers, including investigators, sociologists, psychologists, will be committed to "saving women from harassment and abuse by men"
The measure met the approval of groups and associations of civil society, such as the "Association for the awareness and motivation of Women" (Awam), which has always fought for a code of conduct for "gender justice", to safeguard women from injustice and abuse. The association considers creating a safe social environment for women in Pakistan essential, free from harassment, abuse and intimidation, both in families and in workplaces. Pakistani women present at the provincial assembly expressed satisfaction. According to Najma Afzal, elected in the provincial assembly of Punjab, "the government has made significant steps to improving the condition of women", while for Kaneez Ashaq, in the same provincial assembly, "there is still a widespread mentality which considers women inferior: women should focus on improving their skills, fighting for their rights. "All agreed on the urgency for "the government to protect women against violence, implementing the national and international instruments for their protection". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/05/2015)