New York: Senator Bushra Anjum Butt has called for comprehensive global measures to combat violence against women and girls, describing it as a critical human rights issue that requires urgent attention. At a high-level meeting at the United Nations, she advocated for stronger laws, institutions, and societal changes to eradicate abuse, including in digital environments.

According to Radio Pakistan, Senator Butt highlighted that violence continues to suppress women’s voices and restrict their opportunities in various spaces, such as homes, workplaces, online platforms, and conflict zones. She emphasized that although the issue is systemic, it is preventable with political will and coordinated action.

She pointed to Pakistan’s legislative reforms, including the criminalization of honor killings, strengthened anti-rape laws, and bans on forced marriage and inheritance deprivation, as part of the country’s efforts to tackle the issue. Additionally, she mentioned initiatives aimed at addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Senator Butt detailed Pakistan’s efforts to enhance institutional responses, which include commissions on the status of women, specialized courts, crisis centers, and expanded protection services such as women police desks and national helplines. She concluded by stressing the importance of robust justice systems, social awareness, economic protection for women, and increased institutional capacity in the fight against gender-based violence.