LAHORE: Empowerment of girls could be a move in the right direction to end violence against girls, said a representative group of girls during celebration of International Day of the Girl Child under theme “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress” arranged by the Child Rights Movement (CRM) Punjab, Search For Justice and Pakistan Girl Guides Association. The CRM and CAN Pakistan’s Coordinator Rashida Qureshi shared that on December 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face, promote girls’ empowerment and fulfil their human rights. Rashida Qureshi shared that adolescent girls had the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years but also as they mature into women. “An investment in realising the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflicts, economic growth, disease prevention and global sustainability.” A panel discussion bringing selected empowered girls as motivation for other young girls was also arranged during this celebration in which empowered girls shared their success stories. Khadija Siddique, a survivor of brutal violence a few months back, shared that she stood against the cruelty and despite all social and cultural barriers she was committed to getting justice, which she got ultimately. She suggested young girls not to tolerate violence, abuse or any other cruelty but stand up against it, which she said would surely lead to create a protective environment for girls. Amel Ghani, a young journalist shared that she joined this profession with a view to prove that a girl or woman could be a good journalist and cover every thematic area as male journalists. She said that girls should utilise their potential to be economically empowered so they could break the cycle of violence in a well-structured manner. Tayyaba Tariq, a heavy biker, shared her story that despite being a girl biker she travelled to very far-flung area of country, and never felt that being a girl it was even difficult for her to do that. She acknowledged the support of her family, as a result of which she was able to fulfil her dream. A group of adolescent girls presented a demand to the provincial minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Department to take up the matter of increase in the minimum age of marriage for girls from 16 to 18 years. Search For Justice Project Assistant Nazeefa Fatima shared that the UN Committee on the Rights of Child in 2016 reiterated its previous recommendation that the state party ensure the full harmonisation of its legislation as regards the definition of a child so as to define a child as every human being below the age of 18 years. Chief guest of celebration Khalild Tahir Sindhu assured that he would personally discuss the demand of Child Rights Movement, Punjab, to the relevant quarters to seek positive response in view of larger interest of girls. He shared that empowerment of girls was a key strategic priority of the government of Punjab and to implement that priority into action the government under the vision of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif was focusing on girls’ education, which was a key for girls’ empowerment. He shared that girls’ progress would surely be the progress of sustainable development goals, which would be the progress of the country. He assured that the government of Punjab was serious to include women protection laws and other protection mechanisms into the curricula of schools, colleges and universities with a view to sensitise girls to their rights. Separately, Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Chairperson Fauzia Viqar said that abolishment of discriminatory approach towards girls was a key of success to uplift their life socially and economically. “It is the collective duty of society to bring the girls in progress and prosperity of Pakistan by giving them opportunities to excel.” She said that every girl must be well aware of her rights and laws to spend a secure life and resist any sort of injustice in society. “All stakeholders must address the issues and challenges faced by girls” on a priority basis, she said. Published in Daily Times, October 12th 2017.