ISLAMABAD, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday reaffirmed his country's commitment to protect the rights of women, provide them with a safe and enabling environment, and reduce gender-based violence.
"We need to empower women by providing them with education, focusing on their skill-building and ensuring their financial independence. It is also essential to raise awareness about women's rights and eliminate violence against them," the president said in his message on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
He said that Pakistan stood committed to the cause, aligning its national efforts with this global call to action, adding the government of Pakistan has been making meaningful efforts to end violence against women.
"We have enacted laws to protect women against sexual violence and harassment at workplaces. Pakistan has also established family protection centers and women's crisis shelters and increased access to counseling, helplines, and legal aid," he said.
Highlighting that the country still has a long way to go, Zardari noted that violence continues to limit women's access to education, employment, and equal opportunities, particularly for those in vulnerable communities.
There is a need to increase investments in prevention strategies, survivor support, and systemic reforms to address grave violations of human rights, the president said. ■
