KARACHI, Nov 25: violence against women should be condemned and efforts at all levels are required to sensitize the men on the issue.

The observation was made by speakers at a seminar on "How far will the recent efforts go in curbing violence against women", held by the Pakistan Press Foundation on Thursday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as declared by the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Sindh MPA Shazia Marri, Aurat Foundation activist Nuzhat Shireen, Aqsa Zainab of the Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid and Samia Shoaib, speaking on the occasion stressed absolute coordination, with specific reference to the issue, among all women legislators representing different political parties in the Parliament.

Ms Marri stressed that all women legislators were equally concerned about the issues like Karo Kari, besides other discriminatory practices against local women, but observed that they, however, had to toe the decisions taken by their respective parties.

According to her, it would be through a gradual process that the women, who after much delay have been provided certain representation at the decision-making level, could be in a position to make the difference. She was of the opinion that local women must not expect unnecessary patronage, and that they must work for their rights on basis of merit and their true potential. - APP