M. M. ALAM
KARACHI: Terming Violence Against Women a stain, Grace Shelton, US Consul General here, has stated (via Consulate’s Facebook on Saturday 25th November), wiping that out from our societies required each of us to speak up and take action.
“Whether it occurs at home or at work, downtown in the city or on the farm, gender-based violence should have no place in any society”, she held.
Consul General was speaking on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women kicking off 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Grasping on the occasion, organized by the US diplomatic post here, Grace Shelton reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to defend the rights of women and girls to live free from violence.
By means of the Facebook Grace Shelton further introduced the Consulate’s social media campaign: “Karachi Champions Combating Gender-Based Violence.”
Every day from November 25 until December 10, the Consulate’s Facebook page is spotlighting a short interview with local heroes making a difference in Karachi’s hospitals, schools, government, and civil society organizations.
As in years past, the United Nations selected the color orange as a unifying theme, and the Consul General’s FJR Residence and Sindh Assembly building are both lit up in orange to mark the event.
_______________________________________________________________________
Orange The World, Let’s Go Together, No More Violence:
Today Consul General Shelton delivered remarks as the Chief Guest at an event organized by the Aurat Foundation, called Orange the World, Let’s Go Together, No More Violence.
She joined representatives from the Sindh provincial government, civil society organizations, and the arts – all committed to eradicating gender-based violence.
Consul General Shelton held: “The United States is proud of its close partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations in Sindh to support survivors of gender-based violence.”
The United States has invested over forty million dollars to help survivors get better access to health, security, and legal services in Sindh.
CG Shelton also pointed out that US recently signed an agreement with UN Women for a three-year, $3.5 million project to help law enforcement prevent and respond to violence against women in Sindh and Baluchistan.
It has also supported shelters and half-way houses with training and materials. These safe places empower women to report crimes and get the assistance and skills they need to reenter society.
