ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: Women from across the country enthusiastically participated in the colourful activities of 'Women Solidarity Mela' held here in connection with the 16 days of activism to end violence against women.

The 16-day activism campaign was started last week by national and international organisations for the early passage of domestic violence bill.

Addressing at the mela arranged by Aurat Foundation and Oxfam-GB, the Pakistan Baitul Mal managing director, Zamurud Khan said that Benazir Bhutto always discouraged any kind of discrimination within the party and gave equal status and privileges to women.

The PPP-led government has appointed women as Speaker National Assembly and Governor Gilgit-Baltistan and will continue to ensure women rights.

The PBM is supporting the deserving girls through providing them dowry and financial help and helping the women with severe diseases.

Pakistan Baitul Mal has recently helped the one of the cameraperson who was facing brain tumor and now she is well.

Any woman facing cancer, hepatitis or heart ailment can contact PBM and she will be given financial help. It will compensate the women prisoners who are fined up to Rs50,000, Zamurud Khan said.

The PBM has also formed a committee in compliance with the implementation of the Harassment Act 2010, he said.

Women leader from District Bhakkar, Southern Punjab, Riffat Khan sharing her experience on the occasion said that 50 Women Leaders Group (WLG), a project of Oxfam, had encouraged women at grassroots level to raise their voices against injustices and discriminatory practices.

They are working collectively for the protection of their rights and carrying out activities for the betterment of womenfolk.

She said they had voluntarily contributed in the flood relief activities.

Another community leader, Nigar Baloch from Nowshera said non-governmental organisations are working for the welfare of women across the country.

WLG comprising councillors, doctors, lawyers, political party workers had played their dynamic role in flood relief and rehabilitation activities.

Women leader Razia Sultana said they had carried out numerous activities including poster competition to raise awareness of violence against women among school girls and boys at secondary level.—APP