Faisalabad, Pakistan: December 7, 2009. (PCP) On 29th November 2009, Arooj-e-Mariam Catholic Church organized a seminar titled “Effects of violence against women on the Society” held at Centre for Peace and Harmony in Faisalabad. The speakers of seminar included Fr. Nisar Barkat (Director-NCJP), Suneel Malik (Secretary-NCJP), Shazia George (Coordinator-AWAM), Kehkshan Newton (AWARD), Shafiq Sharif (NCJP), Aqsa Kanwal and Naila Arooj. More than 110 women from Faisalabad and its adjoining areas participated in the seminar. Fr. Nisar Barkat said, “Violence is a social tool used against the women which begins from some extreme concepts regarding cultural traditions, customs, sex and religion, and reduce the value of women against men in all aspects of life”. Suneel Malik said, “Violence against women is the root cause of violence in the society, so it is imperative to eliminate different forms of violence to establish a peaceful and prosperous society”. Shazia George said, “Traditional violence against women is considered as a social right of men in our culture”. “All forms of violence against women are hindrance in the way of sustainable development of the society, so they should be eradicated to protect the rights of women”, she added. Kehkshan Newton said, “Violence against women hurts women physically and mentally, and badly affects their dignity, self respect and self confidence”. “The culture of violence can never be removed from the society without ending violence against women”, she added. Shafiq Sharif said, “The practical cooperation of men is needed in the movement for ending violence against women, so people should reject violence at all because it is necessary to build peace in the society”. Aqsa kanwal said, “Women have been victims of violence for centuries in the cover of typical cultural tradition; therefore there is a need to provide them equal opportunities and representation in all spheres of life”. The speakers of the seminar called upon the government to: • Ensure proper implementation upon the existing laws for the protection of women; • Repeal discriminatory laws and customary practices against women; • Ban jirga system and make better the system of police stations; • Establish educational and technical institutions for the empowerment of women and establish effective women shelters for victims of violence. (Report was compiled by Shafique Sharif, Faisalabad)