Speaking in Rawalpindi on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Progressive Welfare Organization president Mohammad Aamir Siddiqui urged immediate collective action to stop violence against women and to strengthen protections for their rights. He said no society can be called civilised while denying women basic rights and gender justice and stressed that the modern era still witnesses heartbreaking abuses such as abduction, sexual violence, suicides, stove explosions and acid attacks.
Siddiqui reminded audiences that Islam championed human rights and honoured women more than fourteen hundred years ago by recognising them as mothers, sisters, wives and daughters and by granting rights to education and property. He argued that these values must guide contemporary efforts to eliminate violence against women and to ensure women live free from physical and psychological harm.
Emphasising the need for an equitable justice system, Siddiqui called for firm laws, meaningful reforms and effective implementation so that perpetrators face consequences and survivors receive protection. He warned that without an impartial, rights-based system, progress remains impossible and abuses will persist.
He urged women to recognise and activate their inner strengths, to raise their voices against human rights violations, and to stand together in solidarity. Siddiqui said that a lack of self-confidence and social marginalisation only encourages abusers, while dignity and mutual respect are key to ending the negative behaviours that fuel violence.
Siddiqui criticised the global silence over the killing of women and children in Gaza and Palestine, calling the refusal of many peace advocates to speak out deeply regrettable. He also called on society to abandon outdated stereotypes, to celebrate men who respect and value women, and to play a positive role in assisting survivors and bringing offenders to justice.
Concluding his remarks, Siddiqui reiterated that ending violence against women requires both community commitment and institutional change, urging everyone to work together to empower women and uphold the rights that faith and justice demand.
