LAHORE: (Thursday, December 13, 2012): Punjab University Department of Gender Studies celebrated 16 Days of Activism on Violence against Women on Thursday at its Munawar Mirza Hall. The speakers and guests included Mr. Jeffery Bakken, Office Director, Lahore (USAID), Ms. Robecca, Democracy and Governance Office (USAID), Ms. Fozia Waqar,Director of Planning and Advocacy Shirkat Gah, Mr. Dawood Saqlain, Regional Director Action Aid, Ms. Hasna, GEP, Prof. Dr. Samar Fatima, Chairperson DGS and Dr. Raana Malik Coordinator Academic DGS. The participants highlighted the issue of violence against women and stressed the need to eradicate it. Addressing the seminar, Mr. Jeffery said that the cost of gender-based violence was much broader than the suffering of each victim. He appreciated the passion and enthusiasm of students and faculty members. Ms. Fozia said that women needed to leave the traditional role and come forward to take lead in development of the country.

She said that freedom of choice should be for everyone and women had constitutional right to remain safe and secure without any discrimination. Mr. Dawood said making laws and legislation was paramount to end violence against women. He said that men could play major role in eradicating violence as they were the one who enjoyed and exercised power. Prof. Dr. Samar Fatima said that there was a need to ensure the peaceful co-existence of man and woman in the society. Dr. Raana Malik said that department always looked forward to mark events to highlight women issues and establish networking with like-minded departments and organizations. On the occasion, debate competition, poster competitions, skit etc were organized in which many enthusiastic students participated. Later, prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners of the competitions.