KARACHI: Despite legislation to protect women from violence, women are still suffering either at the hands of their own families or by the community at large, with perpetrators largely remaining unpunished and unidentified.

This was stated by former senator Javed Jabbar at an event organised by the Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) on Wednesday where the findings of their recent report titled State of gender-based violence response services in Sindh were shared.

Mr Jabbar elaborated that such practices can be seen in India as well. The point is to implement the law in such a way that perpetrators, that of ten go unpunished, are brought before courts of law.

Women representatives from the provincial welfare departments pointed out how the role of the concerned department remains limited due to a lack of understanding and clarity regardingtheirduties.

National manager SPO, Shazia Shaheen, shared that the research conducted by the organisation in four districts of Sindh found that there is lack of clarity regarding the role of the women welfare department and the social welfare department.

She said the findings make it clear that law enforcement authorities understand violence against women to be limited to rape, abduction and domestic violence. Stakeholders, including the departments that are given authority to work for the welfare of women, are not aware about the recently passed legislation and its role in ensuring justice. She pointed out how female workforce in welfare departments as well as law enforcement remains visibly low.

Advisor to the Chief Minister on Social Welfare Shamim Mumtaz added that cases of violence against women that reach the courts through the Darul Aman face delays due to lack of evidence and timely reportage.

Chairperson of the Sindh Assembly`s Standing Committee on Women Development, Naheed Begum, spoke about the budgetary issues facing the ongoing schemes.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement MPA Heer Soho suggested that all three departments the social welfare department, women welfare department and human rights should be merged so that they can work effectively.

The event was attended by representatives of various social welfare departments such as health, planning and development and human rights.