LAHORE: In commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women being observed on Nov 25, UN Women Pakistan will hold a conference at Avari Hotel from 3 to 5pm on Wednesday (today).

At the event, a poignant and hard-hitting video message will also be screened, to encourage conversation on gender equality and empowerment of women. The #BeatMe campaign, which is also currently trending heavily on social media, is UN Women Pakistan`s latest drive, with an idea to end domestic and sexual abuse against women.

Maida Azmat, one of the organisers, said two speakers from the UN would be expected to speak at the event, including the UN Head of Communications.

Celebrities endorsing the message will also be present. The event also coincides with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, from Nov 25 to Dec 10.

A number of showbiz and sports personalities, including singer Meesha Shafi, journalist Sana Bucha, mountaineer Samina Baig, actress Aminah Sheikh and athlete Naseem Ahmed, have appeared in the video.

The celebrity endorsement lends further credence to the idea of strong, talented and unbeatable women, aiming to shame the abusive mindset and breaking the prevalent stereotype of women as meek creatures that can be taken for granted.

There will also be a question and answer session with the audience. Reporter