Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: American Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale has said that the United States is spending Rs 6.7 billion in Pakistan for raising awareness against gender based violence.

He expressed these views in his remarks here on Monday at a panel discussion with students and experts on ending violence against women. The dialogue was part of the commemoration of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The event was organised by the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with Islamabad Club.

Ambassador David Hale said that gender violence is a major hurdle in the developing of any country or society. He said that history reveals that those countries that took care of and gave respect to women developed more than those where women’s rights and human rights were not ensured. “We have to stand up to violence against girls and women and steps should be taken for the education and awareness of women and girls” he said.

Ambassador Hale said that 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women campaign offers an opportunity for action from everyone, men and women, boys and girls, government officials, and community leaders to end violence against women and girls around the world. Addressing the gathering Nadeem Khan, Islamabad Club Member and Chairperson IESCO said that violence of any form against girls and women was unacceptable.

Earlier, participants discussed the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in building resilient, democratic societies, supporting open and accountable governance, ending extreme poverty, furthering international peace and security.

The Islamabad Club hosts one of the U.S. Embassy’s eighteen Lincoln Corners. A Lincoln Corner is a resource centre and event space hosted in partnership with Pakistani institutions – in public libraries, universities, and cultural centers – that provide a platform for open dialogue between Pakistanis and Americans, promotes mutual understanding, and strengthens people-to-people ties through various programs. The Lincoln Corners’ programs
and resources attract students, academics, journalists, researchers and Pakistani youth.