IN recognition of the fact that, despite advancements on a global scale, gender-based violence is still one of the most pervasive and ongoing human rights violations, the world community comes together annually on November 25 to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day commemorates solidarity with survivors and underscores the legal and ethical obligations of states to safeguard women against all forms of violence. The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) explicitly defines violence as “any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm,” and, under Article 4, requires states to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence, as well as to provide support services to survivors.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), widely regarded as the international bill of rights for women, requires state parties under Articles 2, 5 and 16 to implement legislative, administrative and judicial measures aimed at eradicating discrimination, challenging detrimental gender stereotypes and ensuring equality within both the family and society. In 1996, Pakistan ratified the CEDAW Convention, thereby assuming a legal responsibility to align domestic legislation with its stipulations. Similarly, the Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, mandate that nations eradicate all forms of violence against women through prevention measures, legal safeguards and institutional capacity-building. The Istanbul........

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