Creative advocacy: Theater performance and discourse to help combat GBV

PESHAWAR: The Institute of Management Sciences (IMS) hosted a theater performance and interactive discussions on Monday as part of the global 16-day campaign against gender-based violence.

The campaign harnesses the transformative power of theater under #KoiJawaazNahi (#NoExcuse) to spark dialogue and mobilize collective action against gender-based violence (GBV), a communication said.

The event encouraged participants to reflect on their role in promoting a safer and more equitable society. Attendees shared personal stories, reinforcing the campaign’s message of solidarity and hope.

Zainab Qaiser Khan, head of UN Women Pakistan’s Peshawar office, reiterated the campaign’s vision for change. She said: “Through innovative platforms like Rolling Resistance, we aim to promote compassion, challenge harmful norms, and inspire action. Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue. It’s a human rights issue. is a crisis that affects every aspect of society. Globally, one in three women experiences violence in her lifetime. GBV must end, and actions like this bring us closer to such a society Where dignity and security are fundamental rights for all.

Professor Attaur Rehman of the Institute of Management Sciences spoke about the importance of creating awareness about GBV among the youth, which resonated with the youth. Rolling Resistance is not just a campaign. It is a movement that empowers individuals to fight violence and promote equality.”

National Commission for Human Development representative Rizwanullah emphasized on strong institutional accountability. “This campaign reminds us that #KoiJawaazNahi – tolerating violence in any form – is no excuse. It is our collective duty as leaders, educators and citizens to create a world where every woman and girl is free from fear. And be free from harm.

Hasina Khan, Assistant Commissioner in Peshawar highlighted the power of creative advocacy. She said: “Justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators must be at the forefront of our efforts to combat GBV. Rolling Resistance is an important initiative that takes the conversation to the community level. , which inspires us all to demand systemic change.

Rolling Resistance is a nationwide campaign that started in Karachi and will end in Islamabad, stopping in key cities to amplify its message.

Aligned with Beijing+30 advocacy priorities, the campaign focuses on three key areas: strengthening accountability through justice for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable; securing sustainable funding to empower women’s rights organizations; and advancing national strategies and action plans to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.