Germany funds Women Empowerment Group

Germany funds Women Empowerment Group

to support women’s rights in Pakistan

Al-Bab Report

On 31 May 2016, German Ambassador Ina Lepel and Omer Aftab, CEO of Women Empowerment Group (WEG) signed an agreement for a project to end violence against women. The project aims to contribute to this objective through an awareness campaign, capacity building and advocacy.

The project will be part of WEG’s White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan, a men’s movement initiated by WEG which involves men to reduce the violation of women’s rights. WEG believes that men, even in instances in which they are not a part of the problem, can bring forth the solution by persuading others to question and stop violence against women in every form.

Building on a general public awareness campaign in 2014 and 2015 that had also been funded by Germany the project will cooperate with the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provide legal support and advisory to legislators and support government officials through capacity building.

Omer Aftab, CEO WEG, said: “Our struggle is to create a just society where women and children can freely exercise their rights, and by the end of this project we will see a significant change in a conservative society like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not only through strong legislation but also from public awareness and acceptance of empowering women with their due rights.”

The German Ambassador Ina Lepel said: “Preventing violence against women and empowering women continue to be priorities for Germany. We strongly believe that closing the gaps between men and women in health, education, politics and economic participation will contribute to a more equitable and more prosperous society in Pakistan. We appreciate the commitment and effort by Women Empowerment Group for the rights of women in Pakistan and look forward to our close cooperation.