Australia to support Pakistan to end gender based violence

ISLAMABAD, March 16: Australia on Wednesday announced support for Pakistan to end gender based violence and also conduct the study for improving medico-legal services and systems to counter gender based violence (GBV). Australian High Commissioner Margaret Adamson launched a national level study on countering gender-based violence in Pakistan undertaken by Research and Development Solutions CEO Dr Ayesha Hameed Khan.
Supported by the Australian Government, the study explores how to improve medico-legal services and systems to counter gender based violence (GBV). The study is part of the Australian Government’s AUD 7.5 million Elimination of Violence Against Women in Pakistan (EVAW) programme, which provides support for women and children in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces affected by domestic violence. The programme also engages men, community and religious leaders in support of eliminating violence against women. On the occasion, Ms Adamson said without research, we are not informed and cannot expect to develop evidence-based policy, strengthen systems or achieve reform. For a just, equitable and peaceful society, we must reinforce our commitment to reducing violence against women through not only developing responsive legislative mechanisms, but also ensuring implementation. The launch of the study is a continuation of activities to mark International Women’s Day.The EVAW programme aims to strengthen the capacity of Pakistan’s police, medical institutions and the judiciary to respond to violence against women and to build the capacity of parliamentarians to enable them to strengthen legislation to eliminate violence against women.-Online