‘Rights and Safety First’: Dr. Luay Shabaneh urges action against Gender Violence

2026-03-07 - 18:34

ISLAMABAD – Dr. Luay Shabaneh of United Nations Population Fund highlighted urgent need to address gender-based violence and strengthen protections for women and girls. He emphasized that rights, justice, and action are essential to ensuring safety and equality, calling on governments and communities to move beyond words and implement meaningful change. The message comes as advocates warn that gender violence remains a widespread crisis requiring immediate attention and survivor-focused solutions. As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, a powerful message is emerging from Pakistan: the fight for women’s rights, safety, and justice must move from promises to real action. According to Dr. Luay Shabaneh, the Pakistan representative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), empowering women and girls is not only a matter of equality but also essential for the progress of families, communities, and nations. This year’s global theme, “Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls,” arrives at a time when millions of women continue to face serious threats to their safety and wellbeing. Across Pakistan and in conflict-affected regions such as Afghanistan, Iran, Palestine, and parts of the Arab world, women and girls are enduring the harsh realities of violence, displacement, and insecurity. Even beyond war zones, many women still struggle to obtain basic rights, including access to healthcare, education, and legal protection. Experts warn that interruptions in maternal healthcare services or shortages in medical supplies can have devastating consequences. When maternity facilities close or supply chains collapse, women’s reproductive health is placed in danger—something advocates describe as a severe violation of fundamental rights. Gender-based violence remains one of the most alarming challenges. In Pakistan alone, one in three women experiences gender-based violence, yet many cases never reach authorities. Social stigma, fear, and systemic barriers often silence survivors, preventing them from seeking justice. Advocates say that legal frameworks alone are not enough; institutions must be designed to protect survivors and respond effectively to modern forms of abuse, including technology-facilitated violence. Despite these challenges, women across Pakistan continue to play a transformative role in society. From healthcare workers and teachers to entrepreneurs and community leaders, women are shaping the country’s development and pushing for greater equality. Their leadership and determination remain a driving force behind social progress. UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government, civil society organizations, and communities to ensure women and girls can exercise their rights, receive essential services, and live free from violence. The organization envisions a future where every pregnancy is planned, every childbirth is safe, and every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.