LAHORE - The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women will launch a 16-day activism campaign today to end violence against women and girls all over Punjab.

The campaign is being launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Every year from November 25 to December 10, the United Nations, international agencies, governments across the globe and non-government and community-based organisations working for women’s rights partake in an international campaign to end violence against women and girls.

PCSW Chairperson Fauzia Viqar and the Lahore Division commissioner stated at a joint press conference, “As a nation we must fight to end discrimination against women and ensure that women are protected adequately.”

Answering a question, the PCSW chairperson said government departments were not cooperating with the commission and sharing authentic data on violence against women. She said that PCSW was committed to compiling the third Punjab Gender Parity Report.

According to the data shared, 7,313 cases of violence against women were reported in 2016 as compared to 6,505 cases in 2015. This shows violence against women increased in Punjab this year, she said.

Fauzia said that PCSW was working through board members and divisional coordinators in all divisions of Punjab to give oppressed women a platform to bring up their grievances.

Lahore Division Commissioner Abdullah Khan Sumbal said it was need of the hour to adopt a progressive approach for human development.

The PCSW organised a series of events in all divisions of Punjab to raise awareness and rally support for elimination of gender-based violence. During these 16 days, awareness sessions on women's rights and laws for protection of women would be held at colleges for boys and girls.

The PCSW will support White Ribbon's nationwide "Million Men March" to engage men and boys.