Islamabad: Social rights activist Farzana Bari on Saturday stressed the need for greater social awareness and training to address assault cases effectively, highlighting that manipulation of evidence and low conviction rates often prevent women from obtaining justice in society.
While speaking exclusively with a local media channel, renowned social rights activist Dr Farzana Bari highlighted the urgent need for survivor-centric reforms to ensure justice in assault cases.
She noted that although the country now has strong laws in place, the challenge lies in implementing them effectively and ensuring that survivors actually benefit from legal protections.
Dr Bari emphasized that legal reform alone is not enough. ‘Our laws are strong,’ she said, ‘but we must collectively implement them through awareness, education and societal support.
Communities, authorities, NGOs and civil society all have a role to play in making the justice system accessible and responsive to survivors.’ She stressed that creating a supportive environment is key to encouraging survivors to come forward and seek justice.
She also recommended practical steps, including expedited trials, specialized investigative teams, and programs to protect witnesses.
Additionally, she called for educational initiatives in schools to promote personal safety and respect for others, reinforcing the importance of awareness alongside legislation.
Concluding her remarks, Bari also appreciated local media dramas for highlighting these issues and raising public awareness.
She noted that storytelling through media can play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes, encouraging dialogue, and supporting survivors in seeking justice.
According to her, combining strong laws, collective action and media-driven awareness is essential for real change.