KARACHI:Most women are unaware of the rights that the law of the land grants them, according to speakers during a launch ceremony of a project on “Policy Advocacy and Research to strengthen Implementation of Pro-Women legislation and Gender Based Violence Response Services in Sindh” organized by the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) at a local hotel in Karachi. Parliamentarians, human rights activists, members of the civil society, and journalists participated in the event. Sindh AssemblySpeakerAgha Siraj Durani, while addressing the ceremony said that legislation for women and human rights has received overwhelming support by members of the assembly and within society as well -irrespective of party allegiances. Three important laws have also been passed by the assembly on Domestic Violence (prevention and protection) Act 2012, Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 and Sindh Commission on the Status of Women Act 2015, which were hailed good achievements. Human rights activist and politician Mehtab Akbar Rashdi slammed the dark rule of military dictator ZiaulHaq, calling it the worst era for women as it introduced anti-women ordinances such as Qanoon-e-Shahdat and Hadood laws. She stressed that there are still some out-dated laws and ordinances which must be amended. Sikander Shoro said that pro women legislation has been the top priority and they have also suggested the positive role of women in election reforms. MPAs Saira Shehlani and Erum Khalid applauded these efforts and said that two more bills are also in the pipeline regarding the “Security of Women and Acid Victim Survival”, which will be produced before the Sindh Assembly soon. SPO board member Sadiqa Salahudin believed that the media can play a positive role in raising awareness in society. At the end of the ceremony, Speaker Aga Siraj Durani distributed awards of appreciation and encouragement among parliamentarians and nominees of the Social Welfare Department, Women Development Department and others for their efforts in empowering women in Pakistan.