This year’s theme is “Towards 30 Years of the
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”
Staff Reporter
Karachi: UN Women Pakistan kicked off its #KoiJawaazNahi (#NoExcuse) campaign at Karachi University as part of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” initiative. This year’s theme, “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” underscores the urgency of eliminating violence against women and girls as the world approaches the declaration’s 30th anniversary.
Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels
The campaign’s launch introduced Rolling Resistance, a mobile theatre truck designed to spark conversations through live performances. The initiative aims to use creative storytelling to foster empathy and challenge societal norms around gender-based violence.
Leaders Champion the Cause
The event gathered leaders from academia, government, and civil society:
- Louise Nylin, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, highlighted the campaign’s transformative potential:“Through creative platforms like Rolling Resistance, we aim to empower communities to reject violence in all its forms. Gender-based violence is a human rights crisis affecting every facet of society.”
- Professor Dr. Shaista Tabassum, Dean of Social Sciences, Karachi University, commended the initiative’s focus on youth:“Karachi University is proud to host this campaign. The fight against gender-based violence requires policies and cultural shifts inspired by such initiatives.”
- Shaheena Sher Ali, Sindh’s Minister for Women Development, emphasized collective responsibility:“This campaign reminds us there is #KoiJawaazNahi – no excuse – for violence against women. We must unite to ensure every woman and girl lives free from fear.”
Campaign Focus and Goals
Rolling Resistance will tour Lahore, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, and Islamabad, using street theatre to amplify its message. Key campaign priorities include:
- Strengthening accountability by ensuring justice for survivors and holding perpetrators responsible.
- Securing sustainable funding for women’s rights organizations.
- Advancing national strategies to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.
Global Impact
The 16 Days of Activism, observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), calls for urgent action to combat gender-based violence. Through #KoiJawaazNahi, UN Women Pakistan aims to foster a society built on safety, dignity, and equality for all.
