PESHAWAR, Nov 29: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has stressed the need for making collective efforts to help and assist the needy people, specially the distressed women.

He said a multi-pronged strategy had to be adopted not only to protect the weak segment of society but also to educate those who oppressed and exploited womenfolk.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the first-ever women crisis centre in the premises of former office of the social welfare department at Charsadda Road here on Friday morning.

The governor said: “In fact, the oppressors and exploiters must also be educated so as to make them useful members of society.” This, he added, was the only way to curb the oppressive and exploitative tendencies.

The centre, to be known as Mera Ghar, would have a hostel as well as a separate building for offices and training purposes.

Mera Ghar has been established by the provincial social welfare department with the help of GTZ and Aurat Foundation.

The womenfolk, the governor said, were open to distress due to different cultural and social taboos which needed equal attention.