UN Women Pakistan, with the support of the Government of Japan, commemorated the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” through its #KoiJawaazNahi advocacy campaign at the historic Mohenjo Daro site in Sindh.
This initiative leverages Mohenjo Daro’s cultural significance to spotlight the persistent challenge of gender-based violence, fostering collective action for prevention and elimination.
Dr. Shakir Shah, Director of Mohenjo Daro, expressed delight in welcoming the campaign to the rich cultural heritage of Mohenjo Daro, an ancient city of the Indus Valley Civilization. He emphasized the site’s role as a symbol of resilience and potential inspiration for advancing women’s empowerment, reflecting a culturally sensitive approach to addressing gender-based violence.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international annual campaign initiated by civil society. Running from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, it underscores that violence against women is a pervasive violation of human rights globally.
Nasir Aftab Pathan, DIG Larkana, expressed honor in supporting UN Women’s 16 Days Campaign at Mohenjo Daro. As DIG Larkana, he emphasized the power of collective action to address gender-based violence and create a safer community for all.
Abdul Waheed Shaikh, Commissioner Larkana, stood in solidarity with UN Women’s initiative at Mohenjo Daro. He highlighted the importance of embracing heritage to amplify the call to end gender-based violence, fostering a society where every individual thrives free from fear.
The #KoiJawazNahi campaign, launched at Mohenjo Daro, is set to traverse Quetta and Peshawar before culminating in Islamabad. The initiative involves illuminating historical structures in these cities with the color orange, symbolizing a brighter future free of violence.
The campaign featured a street theatre performance centered on the economic stability of women, emphasizing its significance. An exhibition highlighted the contributions of home-based workers who transformed their lives with the support of UN Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative.
Sharmeela Rassool, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, emphasized that investing in preventing violence against women is a call for tangible action. By choosing Mohenjo Daro as the launch site, the campaign underscores the resilience of women throughout history and the imperative to protect their rights in the present day.
The campaign actively promotes this year’s theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls,” aiming to reach a wide audience and advocate for positive change. The use of historical sites and cultural symbolism amplifies the message, connecting the past with contemporary efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
