Politics around Domestic Violence Bill

‘Domestic Violence bill has very closely been followed by National Commission on Status of Women( NCSW) and other civil society organizations but the parliamentary procedures and tiresome processes, political elements in the parliament as well as the other priorities at government level have been hampering the passage for Domestic Violence Bill.

This was expressed at seminar held by Sustainable Development Institute (SDPI) and ActionAid Pakistan here on Friday). The seminar was organized to commemorate the international Day of Human Rights in context of raising awareness about various facets of violence, how community ownership and realization of problem at grass roots can set a solution and what measures can be taken for DVB approval as well as to reinforce and reemphasize women inclusion and prioritization in the development strategies.

The speakers at the seminar included Anis Haroon, Ms. Mome Saleem, Ms Arifa Mazhar and testimonies were presented by the community groups and women from the grass roots.

Mome Saleem spoke about the unconventional role of men in combating violence and community ownership of violence. She said that SDPI is conducting a research study aimed at highlighting the affirmative actions taken by the community at grass roots to combat violence against women. While citing an example of Community ownership technique she said that during the 1960s, the women's liberation movement began drawing attention to violence committed against women, and the Battered Women's Movement (BWW) began to form.

According to Ms Mome, the roots of community mobilization strategies to address domestic violence date back to the Battered Women's Movement. The Movement organized women at the grassroots level to address domestic violence in their communities. It raised awareness about patriarchal social structures that promote domestic violence and highlighted the need for social change. Contemporary literature on the possible ways to address Violence against women has been stressing on the need to look into community initiatives as a source of the possible solutions and there does exist a paradigm oriented towards community ownership to combat VAW. However, such work has not yet come underway in Pakistan even though we have the requisite social capital in place.

Through the course of her research Mome Saleem said that she came across many case studies which embodied the principles of community ownership of Violence against women. Through a true interpretation of the religion and traditional values Pakistani society is conducive to the development of the community ownership; unfortunately this has not been explored. This research aims at giving policy input to ensure the implementation of the laws.

Arifa Mazhar highlighted as to how SUNGI has been able to mobilize community to bring a level of social transformation in the community. She said that more than 6000 community organizations have been formed in Hazara Region with representation of women at the grass roots. Later two testimonies were presented which were reflective of the community groups and their working.

Anis Haroon while giving a way out suggested that the provincial assemblies should be proactive in taking women friendly legislations forward and should push for legislation on domestic violence and if the resolution in two provincial assemblies is passed we can table the bill in joint session of National Assembly and Senate. She asked from all the civil society organizations to join hands and take this task forward which is much needed.

Tasleem Mazhar from ActionAid Pakistan highlighted various political factors which have been posing great hindrance in the parliament especially while progressive laws have to face when presented in the parliament. They also highlighted the year long struggle the organization has undertaken at all levels to push the legislation and its implementation.

Uzma Tahir, Policy expert on peace and conflict said, “Women are the most vulnerable segments and softest target in case of conflict and natural disaster. While highlighting the issue she said that every week girls’ schools are burnt and the incidents are not even reported.

Shad Begum, a social activist from KPK said that women should be included in the peace building processes as well as in all rehabilitation strategies. She highlighted that women are not prioritized in the strategy, only trauma centers which are a provision in the strategy are not enough for rehabilitation which is focused on women, but some practical steps to empower women should be taken.