ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need for immediate and collective efforts, actions to eliminate violence against women. “Violence against women is a pervasive human rights issue that affects nearly one in three women globally. The urgency for immediate and collective action can be gauged from the fact that thousands of women lose their lives annually in acts of violence,” the president said on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women being observed on Monday. “Through our collective efforts, we can create a safer environment where no woman is subjected to violence,” he said. This day serves as a reminder to intensify our efforts to end violence against women and girls. We unite in solidarity with women and girls across the world who endures violence in its many forms, the president said. This year’s theme “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. No Excuse. Unite to End Violence against Women” calls upon us to increase investments in prevention strategies, survivor support, and systemic reforms to address this grave violation of human rights. Pakistan stands committed to this cause, aligning its national efforts with this global call to action. “Former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto championed the rights of women. In her address at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, she called for economic independence, social equality, and education of women. She firmly believed in creating a society free from exploitation and maltreatment of women where they could rise to the highest level in politics, business, diplomacy, and other spheres of life,” he said. “I am glad that in Pakistan, we are making meaningful efforts to end violence against women. We have enacted laws to protect them against sexual violence, and harassment at workplaces. Pakistan has also established Family Protection Centres and Women’s Crisis Shelters and increased access to counseling, help lines, and legal aid. Yet, we still have a long way to go. Violence continues to limit women’s access to education, employment, and equal opportunities, particularly for those in vulnerable communities.” On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to protect the rights of women, provide them with a safe and enabling environment, and reduce gender-based violence. We need to empower women by providing them education, focusing on their skill-building and ensuring their financial independence. It is also essential to raise awareness about women’s rights and eliminate violence against them, he added.