Karachi: Child Abuse and Role of Civil Society discussed at awareness session organized by KAISWO
Karachi (PR) – Khanaabad Ismailia Students Welfare Organization (KAISWO) Karachi, a federating unit of Hunza Gilgit Ismaili Students Federation (HGISF), organized an awareness session on a less talked theme “Child Abuse and Role of Civil Society” here in Karachi.
The Session was organized to highlight preventive measures and to create awareness among various segments of society about the menace of child sex abuse. The session was attended by a huge number of audience that include Parents, Teachers, students and children. KAISWO took the initiative after the occurrence of a heart wrenching incident in Gilgit Baltistan, the organization of such an event was the need of time. The last part of the session was totally dedicated to “Careers in non-clinical sciences” and soothing music of Gilgit Baltistan.
The session was conducted by specialized facilitators. The topic of Child abuse was facilitated by Dr Sana Darvesh who is working as Manager Sexual and Reproductive health with Aahung a Karachi based non-profit organization which aims to improve the Reproductive Health (RH) of men, women, and adolescents across Pakistan.
Dr Sana emphasized the need for teaching children about what abuse actually is, giving them proper guidance and information about good touch and bad touch, among other relevant actions.
The other part of the session was regarding role of civil society in preventing child abuse, facilitated by renowned clinical psychologist Dr Naureen Baig who is working with Anti Narcotic Force Government of Sindh. The central point of her address was the role of civil society in preventing and eradicating this menace from our society. The speaker chalked out various solutions like parent, community and children engagement in devising strategies regarding child abuse, and to create awareness among adults so that they can train children to recognize warning signs of abuse.
The last part of session was a great blend of career counseling and refreshing music. The speaker of Careers in non-clinical sciences was Engineer Ghulam Ishaque Khan who is working as Auditor with Ministry of Health Abu Dhabi, this part was a golden opportunity for students and mid-career professionals to explore new horizons of careers. The speaker explored numerous careers in health sciences which has nothing to do with clinics like Actuarial Sciences, Interior Designing, Health Auditors, Health Policies & procedures. At end of their lectures panel of speakers conducted a fruitful question and answer session to address the queries from audience.
During the session audience were enthralled and fascinated by musicians and performing artists, the performers were represented by renowned musician and singer Islam Habib, Shouq Band, Harmony Theatre Group and Jiwani Development Center.
President KAISWO Mr. Muhammad Karim Damino appreciated the presence of huge audience and promised to cover less talked topics in a series of follow-up sessions. In his address the President pledged support of civil society in preventing child abuse. The President concluded the session with an extract from His Highness the Aga Khan’s address to Canadian Parliament, “I believe that civil society is one of the most powerful forces in our time – one that will become an increasingly universal influence, engulfing more countries, influencing, reshaping and sometimes even replacing ineffective regimes.”
