This is the part two of previous blog entitled as ‘Empowering women – Part I’ There is lack of effective coordination and implementation mechanisms/committees at the federal, provincial and district levels to ensure that laws are enforced and citizens have access to justice. There is grave concern that officials, such as police, and lower judiciary are not updated regarding pro-women laws that exist to ensure justice in women related cases. Even when aware of their rights, other social, financial and institutional barriers have left women unable to access the formal system. And poor investigations and biased medico-legal reports also compound the situation. Moreover, politicisation of police departments leads to protection of influential culprits of violence rather than the survivors. Women’s socio-economic progress is intrinsically tied to their representation and clout in politics but women political campaigners often don’t have the same access to campaign funds and support as male counterparts in their areas, so women are not able to run in their strongholds which needs to be addressed as well. Women have potential power as voters and candidates, but these women will not come out and vote/ contest in great volumes unless they believe voting/ contesting will improve their lives. So political culture needs to be changed in this regard. Encourage women to come out of the culture of silence and make their voices heard. The role and contribution of the women should be accepted at every level. Contribution of majority of women who work in different arenas especially in agriculture sector is seldom accepted and they often work as unpaid laborers which need to be fixed. We could mainstream the minority women with our collective efforts as Pakistani that are left behind for several socio-cultural and economic reasons. Manifestos have positive measures for women like increasing their representation in local government, higher judiciary and public sector institutions, but actions against pledges must also be assessed and clear commitments must be made. There must be transparent internal political party procedures for nominating women on reserved seats. An effective and efficient response mechanism needs to be integrated not only with legal, social and medical relief but it should also facilitate the women in the communities to access the services without fear of being labeled or discriminated. Strengthen the public sector institutions for improved Gender Based Violence response. Responding to the cases of violence has an imperative impact not only on the prevention of the issue but also on general trend and awareness in the society. Women empowerment and protection through effective and strategic interventions cannot be possible without strong collaboration between civil society and government. Emphasize the public regarding importance of sensitive approach and ethical handling of violence against women cases along with the provision of other effective response services. Focus should not be limited only violence prevention strategies and response services against the violence against women related incidents to prevent happening it again but also on measures for long term sustainable post-violence care especially reintegration/ restoration at family and community level. There must be a national coordination and response system for survivors of violence and a justice system and a mass awareness campaign on laws that already exist. Besides this, sensitization of law enforcing agencies, medico-legal and investigation officers and the lower judiciary about all the pro-women laws must be a State’s top priority. Government should invest in the training of female politicians and candidates so they can be quality leaders in their communities. The age of marriage must not be below 18 and child marriages (under 18) should be banned. More than one fifth (21 per cent) of girls in Pakistan are married before 18; three per cent before they are 15 years old whereas Pakistan has the 6th highest absolute numbers of child marriages (1.9 million) according to NCSW (National Commission on the Status on Women). Revise the curriculum and make it gender friendly. Effective involvement of mass media to launch campaigns on women empowerment by government. Media has to be properly sensitized while highlighting these issues. Gender equality/ empowerment’s guideline needs to include in the PEMRA regulations, etc. Government should review the existing patriarchal role of public institutions. Design policies to engage more men for protection and promotion of women empowerment. Enactment of new laws that will protect women. I believe political will and budget allocation to address this rampant of violence against women and girls is a first imperative step that must be taken by the government and I demand that the government needs to follow international commitments that require the revoke of all discriminatory laws, such as the provisions of forgiveness and compromise in “honour” crimes, etc be amended. Struggle for women empowerment and protection in Pakistan is a long journey that needs a multifactorial and holistic approach entailing the essential element of institutional strengthening, attitudinal change, and awareness raising and challenging the stereotypical norms. A collaborative effort can pave the way in this regard by implementing reforms targeting women’s access to justice, education, health and reproductive facilities, psycho-social and rehabilitative facilities as well as economic and political empowerment which will ultimately lead to a balanced and civilized society based on equality. Also read: Empowering women – Part I