Islamabad - US Ambassador David Hale yesterday said education was crucial to lifting people out of poverty.

Speaking at an event sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development’s Gender Equity Program to recognize the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, Ambassador Hale addressed this year’s campaign theme – From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All.

The event brought together students, development workers, academics, and distinguished government officials from all over Pakistan to promote gender equality through stories, speeches, and theatre. 

“Education is crucial to lifting people out of poverty, improving living standards and quality of life, and reducing health and safety risks. But for many girls and women around the world, including Pakistan, it is difficult to access education and do so safely.

That’s why I’m so pleased that the Government of Pakistan has made girls’ education a critical component of its national development strategy,” Hale said.

Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Officer at Gender Equity Program implementing partner the Aurat Foundation, talked about the program’s work to assist survivors of gender-based violence, including the legal services and emergency shelter the program makes available. 

One of the highlights of the event was a team of artists from Lahore who performed a theatrical piece tied to the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Beneficiaries of GEP’s support also shared their experiences, including Zonia Kanwal from Agricultural University Faisalabad, who said, “My area of research is socioeconomic barriers and its effect on women’s empowerment. I am delighted the scholarship I received from GEP will help me complete my research and receive an education.”

The Gender Equity Program educates women about their rights at home, at work, and in society.

The program is working to expand women’s access to justice and human rights, while combating gender-based violence.