The event will bring together government officials, UN representatives, artists and civil society to spotlight the urgent need to end gender-based violence in all its forms including the rising threat of technology-facilitated abuse. The ceremony will be chaired by Minister of Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, alongside the Acting UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside.
Participants will be briefed on ongoing UN initiatives addressing digital and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which is a growing concern as online spaces increasingly mirror offline inequalities and risks.
Following the ceremony, PNCA will unveil ‘Seen & Unseen’, an art exhibition featuring works by 19 artists from across Pakistan. Curated under the guidance of Honorary Advisor Salima Hashmi. The exhibition features diverse mediums and artistic expressions that confront the realities of gender-based violence. Through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, the artists endeavoured to give a voice to both visible and hidden dimensions of abuse, resilience and resistance.
The evening will also include the launch of UNFPA’s new reel series, “Salma Lives”, a digital campaign aimed at raising awareness through storytelling, followed by a reception hosted by Marriott Islamabad.