Aurat Foundation’s Peshawar office organized a provincial consultation, on March 9, 2015, at Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar, to discuss how to strengthen the laws and policies related to Gender Based Violence (GBV).  Ms Shabina Ayaz, Resident Director, shared the situation of violence against women (VAW) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She said that in 2014, 736 women faced different forms of violence (the data is from Aurat Foundation’s annual report on VAW. Among various categories of violence against women, murder top the list followed by suicide and ‘honour’ killing, she further said. She also said that laws are there but lack implementation.

Mr Asad Qaisar, Speaker Provincial Assembly, while speaking on the occasion, gave commitment that he will support all initiatives regarding women and disables. He also shared that a women university will soon be open in Swabi besides girls’ degree college.  Regarding legislation on domestic violence he said that the government will discuss the issues in tabling the bill and develop a strategy to resolve these issues.

Ms Zarin Zai, MPA, said that she always supported women’s cause, and hence will arrange meetings with speaker and MPAs to discuss the issues domestic violence bill.  Ms Shirin Javed, Regional Coordinator, Aurat Foundation, conducted a session on Laws of the Land.  Mr Ejaz, Deputy Director Child Commission, also joined the consultation.