Islamabad police have launched a “Gender Protection Unit” to offer protection to the women of the city by providing them with a platform to report abuse and register complaints against harassment.
Islamabad police is inaugurating ‘Gender protection Unit’ tomorrow, 21st May, at 11 AM. It will be live streamed on zoom link https://t.co/QUht9axAY0
Meeting ID: 434 847 4246
Passcode: 123#HumSabKaIslamabad pic.twitter.com/cNp1GrLJYj— Amna Baig (@amnaappi) May 20, 2021
What Happened: Member of the ICT Police, Amna Baig took to her Twitter to assure women that the lady officers at the newly inaugurated unit will be available to serve women who are facing the threat of abuse/harassment or have survived abuse.
A gentle reminder that in case you are a woman, and are under threat of abuse/harassment or have gone through it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Islamabad police’s Gender Protection Unit at the toll free helpline of 8090. Our lady officers will respond, and come to you.
— Amna Baig (@amnaappi) May 23, 2021
We have a great referral mechanism to connect you to legal aid, shelter homes and counselling. An in house psychologist is also available. You can get legal advice from someone of the best lawyers of the city.
— Amna Baig (@amnaappi) May 23, 2021
The Response: While people have welcomed this initiative, they are skeptical about its practical implementation.
This is a good initiative @amnaappi. But how do you reach out with this message amongst the under-privileged segment where the abuse is more with now and access to social media? I guess U need to sensitize local police stn & get ladies police to have women only khuli katchery.
— Tariq O. Rehman (@TORehman) May 24, 2021
Keep up the amazing work. I hope everyone feels secure enough not just to report but has the surety that corrective actions will be in place with safety for them.
— Faryal Haque Nawaz (@Faryalhaque) May 23, 2021
Very happy to read this message.
Changing police culture and getting public’s confidence will lead to a safe and prosperous living environment.
— Muhammad Imran Khan (@DrImran_) May 23, 2021
how would that help? police officers are NOTORIOUS for all the worst things and calling them at home is only going to further damage the situation
— Noni (@Neharyy) May 23, 2021