UN Women Pakistan inaugurated its #KoiJawaazNahi
(#NoExcuse) advocacy campaign at Karachi University, marking the commencement of the "16
Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence." This years campaign aligns with the theme:
Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence
Against Women and Girls. As the world nears the 30th anniversary of this pivotal declaration,
the 2024 16 Days Campaign emphasizes revitalizing commitments, holding stakeholders
accountable, and encouraging collective action to eliminate violence against women and girls.
The launch featured the Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels initiative, a specially branded
mobile theatre truck aimed at fostering dialogue and raising awareness through live
performances
The launch event, held at Karachi University, brought together leaders from academia,
government, and civil society. Louise Nylin, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan,
opened the proceedings by emphasizing the campaigns transformative potential:
"Through creative platforms like Rolling Resistance, we aim to spark dialogue, foster empathy,
and empower communities to reject violence in all its forms. Gender-based violence is not just a
womens issue; it is a human rights crisis affecting every facet of society. Globally, one in three
women experiences violence in her lifetime.
Professor Dr. Shaista Tabassum, Dean of Social Sciences, Karachi University, appreciated UN
Women by launching the campaign in the university to spread awareness about the cause
amongst young minds. "As an institution dedicated to shaping minds, Karachi University is
proud to host this campaign. The fight against gender-based violence requires not just policies
but also a cultural shift that initiatives like these can inspire," Dr Shaista stated.
Shaheena Sher Ali, Minister for Women Development Department, Government of Sindh, urged
collective responsibility in combating gender-based violence. "This campaign reminds us that
there is #KoiJawaazNahi no excuse for violence against women. It is time for us all, as
policymakers, educators, and citizens, to stand united and ensure that every woman and girl in Sindh and Pakistan lives free from fear.
Rolling Resistance is set to travel to Lahore, and Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, culminating in
Islamabad using mobile performances to amplify its message. The campaign highlights the
power of street theatre to challenge societal norms and foster a united stand against gender-
based violence. Aligned with the Beijing+30 advocacy priorities, the campaign focuses on three
critical areas: strengthening accountability through justice for survivors and holding
perpetrators responsible; securing sustainable funding to empower womens rights
organizations; and advancing national strategies and action plans to prevent and respond to
violence against women and girls.
The global 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed annually from 25 November (International
Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), calls
for urgent action to end gender-based violence. Through the #KoiJawaazNahi campaign, UN
Women Pakistan aims to foster a society where everyone can thrive in safety and dignity.