KARACHI: Over 200 women councillors from across Sindh participating in a convention passed a unanimous resolution pledging to form networks with other partners to combat gender-based violence at all levels.

It was the first women councillors’ convention organised at a local hotel by the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW). Women councillors from all six divisions and 29 districts were in attendance.

Chairperson of SCSW Nuzhat Shirin informed the audience of the commission’s mandate, powers, functions and activities.

She also shared the commission’s future plans and told the audience that soon training would be conducted for nikah khuwan, pandits and SHOs in every district.

“The objective of the training and the convention is to combat violence against women. I believe we are in dire need to strengthen our bonds to make communication possible through networking,” she said.

Seconding her remarks, Minister for Women Development Shehla Raza said that a meeting would be held with the IG to sensitise police force on how to deal with cases of violence against women.

The reason councillors were trusted was that the people in a neighbourhood trusted them owing to their past activities, she said.

Rahima Panhwar of Strengthening Part­icipatory Organisation said that networking was one of the most efficient ways to combat gender-based violence collectively.

Fareiha Aziz of Bolo Bhi appreciated the establishment of the network and said it should be able to respond to emergency situations.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2019