LAHORE: Theater performance on ending violence against women and girls titled as “AB NAHI” held at the Lahore University which was a joint venture of Oxfam in Pakistan and Rafi Peer Theater.
The Oxfam and Rafi Peer Theater showcased “AB NAHI”- A theater performance that highlighted violence as a societal ailment that contributes to the regression of the social fabric; propelling injustice, illiteracy and inequity, while also strengthening negative cultural norms and practices. It also portrayed that a woman equipped with information, literacy and active agency will not only disable injustice; she can aid other women and girls in seeking support to break the cycle of violence and abuse.
While discussing the role of public institutions in women and child protection, the Minister of Social Welfare (Punjab Women Protection Authority) Ms. Kaneez Fatima said, “To break gender stereotypes we need to start with our own households. It is only with the support of men that the women of our society can be empowered and seek their rights”.
Violence in all its forms deeply harms women, families, communities and economies. Countries in South and East Asia have some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. It takes a village to end violence. Oxfam works with local organizations, people of all genders, political leaders, law enforcement and institutions to make violence unacceptable. While many countries have established policies and programs to end violence, deeply entrenched values, attitudes and practices slow progress towards violence-free communities.
In his note of thanks, Oxfam in Pakistan’s Country Director Mohammed Qazilbash said, “Gender inequality is both the cause and the consequence of violence against women and girls. Gender stereotypes still contribute to violence against women and girls. Through the Creating Spaces project, we prevent violence by changing local norms and laws, respond to violence by providing women and girl survivors with support, and improve understanding of violence by strengthening collective efforts and learning. Change starts in the household. Women and girls need to be respected by the men and the boys in the house, or nothing will change in our society.”
Leading an interactive discussion on social injustice and the role of women in society, veteran artist Mr. Usman Peerzada, CEO Rafi Peer Theatre said, “theater is a good medium to engage the audience while also sharing lessons on ending violence against women. We all can play a part to end its grip on our society”
The event was organized as part of Oxfam Canada’s flagship project “Creating Spaces to Take Action on Violence Against Women and Girls”. Creating Spaces is being rolled out in 12 districts of Punjab and Sindh, around engagement with the communities to support and promote positive gender norms, supporting women and girls who have experienced violence, and building knowledge and capacity of institutions to influence change.
Oxfam aims to challenge and replace the long-held misconception that men are superior to women and girls. To achieve this, Oxfam will support individuals and communities to understand the drivers of violence and build their capacity to say “Enough” to harmful attitudes and behaviors. Oxfam will also work to ensure women’s rights organizations and movements are supported, and to increase and implement laws and policies aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
TNT Report
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