To mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence this year, the European Union Delegation to Pakistan is launching an online interactive campaign with Dawn.com.

The campaign #PakistaniSHEro encourages audience to send in pictures and text of women or men they believe are their heroes, who in a positive way have been able to claim space for women in Pakistan.

Every year the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence are marked from November 25 to December 10 to highlight debate and reflect on gender-based violence, culminating with the Human Rights Day on December 10.

This year’s theme “Fund, respond, prevent and collect” responds to the current Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen an increase in domestic violence against women.

The European Union is committed to protecting women and children from gender-based violence globally and we continue to work with the Government of Pakistan in its efforts in this area.

The campaign includes 10 stories from the European Union focusing on ordinary, yet remarkable Pakistani women and men who have fought back against violence or social taboos, and in doing so, have become an important voice for women’s rights.

A ‘SHEro’ is someone who has done something remarkable and fought back against violence or social taboos. Readers will send in their submissions in both Urdu and English, out of which three winners will receive prizes.

The Ambassador of the European Union in Pakistan, Androulla Kaminara said, “Men and women have to work together to address the problem of gender based violence. That is why we are celebrating the stories of courageous individuals – the ‘SHEroes’ – who have broken taboos and worked towards eliminating gender-based violence and empowering women. These 16 days are an opportunity to amplify these voices and raise awareness about a problem that has increased alarmingly during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Do you also know a #PakistaniSHEro? Share the story and a photo of an inspiring #PakistaniSHEro you know on your personal Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account with the hashtag #PakistaniSHEro before December 10, 2020. Your post must be shared on a ‘public’ setting to be eligible.

Shortlisted entries will be highlighted on Dawn.com's social media accounts, and three entries will be randomly picked as winners, who will receive special prizes, including an iPad and fitness bands.

Follow the hashtag #PakistaniSHEro on social media for more details on the campaign.