UN Women’s Rolling Resistance Concludes in Islamabad with a Resounding Call to End
ISLAMABAD: The Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels initiative, a key part of UN Women Pakistan’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, concluded with a powerful event at the Pak-China Friendship Center in Islamabad. This innovative campaign, which has traveled across Pakistan, shared its impactful message of #KoiJawaazNahi (#NoExcuse) with a national audience, sparking conversation and motivating collective action against gender-based violence (GBV).European Union officially lifts ban on PIA
Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, emphasized the United Nations’ commitment to supporting gender equality. “As we wrap up this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I want to honor the resilience of survivors of domestic violence. These women and girls have endured unimaginable pain, yet their courage to rebuild their lives inspires us all,” he said. He also added, “Our mission remains steadfast: to create a world where survivors are not only heard but empowered. This involves ensuring access to justice, promoting financial independence, and establishing support systems that allow women to reclaim their lives and flourish.”
The event featured a final performance on the iconic Rolling Resistance mobile theatre truck, which conveyed a powerful narrative on the need for justice for survivors and accountability for those responsible for abuse. Students, activists, and policymakers engaged in discussions after the performance, exchanging ideas and strategies to build safer communities.
Jamshed Kazi, UN Women Pakistan’s Country Representative Designate, opened the event and highlighted the transformative journey of the campaign: “Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue; it is a major human rights crisis that affects every aspect of society. Achieving gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence requires the unwavering commitment of individuals, organizations, and institutions. Campaigns like Rolling Resistance and The Inkvisible demonstrate the strength of collaboration and the transformative potential of collective efforts.”
Alongside Rolling Resistance, UN Women launched the Inkvisible campaign, a powerful initiative that reimagines traditional bridal henna designs, using them to depict bruises and injuries that tell the hidden stories of abuse. The campaign’s striking visuals—such as a black eye, marks of strangulation, and other signs of violence—bring the unseen scars of domestic abuse into clear view, amplifying the voices of survivors and exposing their silent suffering.
Through initiatives like Rolling Resistance and The Inkvisible, UN Women Pakistan continues to elevate advocacy against GBV, fostering awareness, dialogue, and action for a safer, more just future.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to gender equality. She stated, “The government of Pakistan is dedicated to ensuring that women and girls in the country can thrive without the threat of violence. Rolling Resistance is proof of the power of grassroots advocacy, and we are proud to support this impactful initiative.”
The event concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony, bringing together participants in a moment of reflection and unity, symbolizing a shared commitment to creating a society free from violence.
The Rolling Resistance: Theatre on Wheels campaign traveled from Karachi to Lahore, Peshawar, Kohat, and Mardan, engaging diverse audiences and strengthening its call to action. Aligned with Beijing+30 advocacy goals, the campaign focuses on enhancing accountability by delivering justice to survivors and holding perpetrators accountable, securing long-term funding for women’s rights organizations, a…
