Valentine’s Day: Activists seek end to crimes again women

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): As the world in southeastern Paktia province on Saturday gathered to voice their concerns about the unabated violence against the gender.

Feb 14 is celebrated in many countries to spread love, but the day in Paktia was observed to champion women’s rights and call for an end to violence against them.

Female civil society activists and members of the Women Network held a gathering at the provincial Women’s Affairs Department and shared problems women faced in Paktia with government officials.

The activists said Paktia was among provinces where incidents of violence against women had increased and that such gatherings could help stem the violence.

One of the event organizers, civil society activist Mahra Ahmadzai, said Valentine’s Day was celebrated in the world to spread love and they used the day to try to change violence against women into love and respect.

“In 2013, rights activists gathered in America and launched One Billion Rising Revolution to stand up for abused women every Valentine’s Day.”

She said the one billion rising was the name of a movement in more than 200 countries seeking to end violence against women and implement programmes in this regard. “And we have the same intention.”

Ahmadzai said today’s gathering was attended by female government officials, civil society members and a number of common women from remote parts.

Maleeha, who attended the gathering, told Pajhwok Afghan News that such gatherings had been beneficial for women in receiving a lot of information about their rights.

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