The speakers highlighted the issue of violence against women in the contemporary socio-cultural settings of Pakistan. Irum said "Islam has given a very balanced and appropriate perspective on gender relations and gender roles. If we fully comprehend the spirit of Islam, the problem could be tackled down."
She stated that the government had taken several steps to safeguard women from violence and enhance their empowerment at all levels, and said 'Women's Empowerment Package' announced by Punjab government on March 8, showed its endorsement to women's rights. Salman Abid said systematic and structural basis which condoned violence should be addressed only "then we could minimise this milieu from the society."
Bushra Khaliq said women needed to sensitise themselves about the issues and should take the lead to fight it at individual and community level, adding that civil society appreciated and celebrated the recent steps taken by the Punjab government regarding ending discrimination and violence against women but there was need to speed up the processes in the current political scenario.
Dr Raana Malik said violence was needed to be condemned in its all forms and media could play a vital role in raising awareness against violent behaviours towards women in the society. She said that taking into account the importance and increasing significance of media, the department had introduced a course on gender and media recently, adding students apart from their academic activities should get skills in using different venues to raise awareness about women's rights. The seminar was closed with the open session questions. Students posed the questions regarding new laws legislated by the government and ratification of recent international convention on the torture.