Women’s Empowerment and Fight Against Domestic Violence Highlighted at Painting Exhibition in Quetta

Quetta:The Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, **Mir Zahoor Ahmed Baledi**, stressed the need to eliminate gender discrimination in Balochistan, stating that both men and women must be treated equally for the province to progress. Speaking at a **Painting Competition and Exhibition** organized by **Mercy Corps Balochistan**, in collaboration with the **Provincial Commission on the Status of Women**, **National Commission for Human Rights**, **Aurat Foundation**, and **Ewaji Alliance**, he emphasized that the paintings created by young girls highlight the issues of **violence** and **abuse** in society, whether tribal, social, or otherwise.

In his address, **Minister Baledi** remarked, “These paintings represent a struggle against the injustices faced by women. The effort to expose these abuses is a form of jihad against oppression. As long as the society does not confront these issues, women will continue to be affected by their consequences.” He added that raising awareness about domestic violence was a collective responsibility and that the **Balochistan government** has already passed various laws to combat violence, including the **Child Marriage Bill**, which has been approved by the provincial cabinet.

The painting competition, held as part of the **16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence** campaign, aims to raise awareness among children about domestic violence. This campaign, launched by the **United Nations**, culminates on **December 10**, **Human Rights Day**. The paintings created by students from various schools addressed the issue of **domestic violence**, particularly focusing on the abuse women face in their homes.

**Minister Baledi** further emphasized, “Social awareness is key to eradicating discrimination in society. Parents should not differentiate between sons and daughters. Balochistan’s women are courageous and need more opportunities to prove their capabilities.” He congratulated the winners of the competition, particularly those who highlighted the fight against domestic violence in their artwork.

The exhibition also saw speeches from prominent guests, including **Fouzia Shaheen**, Chairperson of the **Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women**, **Dr. Saeed Ullah**, Team Leader at **Mercy Corps Balochistan**, **Alauddin Khilji**, Regional Director at **Aurat Foundation**, and **Sana Durrani**, Chairperson of **Ewaji Alliance**. They shared insights about the ongoing **16 Days of Activism** campaign and its current theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

The winners of the competition were **Zeba Naz** (First Place), **Khadija** (Second Place), and **Sadia** (Third Place). The **Minister** distributed cash prizes and certificates to the winners and participants in recognition of their contributions to raising awareness about domestic violence and gender equality.