Violence Against Women Highlighted as a Critical Public Health IssueDepartment of Public Health to Host High-Level Panel Discussion

By Dr Ansab Ali – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Department of Public Health at the University of the Punjab is set to host a high-level panel discussion titled “Violence Against Women: A Public Health Issue” on 10 December 2025, in alignment with the UN Women 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The event will bring together leading experts from public health, policymaking, law, and gender advocacy. Distinguished panelists include:

Ms. Sam Dada, Convener, Central Standing Committee on National Economic Policies & Reforms, FPCCI

Mr. Imran Javaid Qureshi, Senior Law Officer, Women Development Department

Prof. Dr. Rubina Zakar, renowned Public Health Expert

Dr. Zuha Khan, ACC Certified Coach

With global data showing that one in every three women experiences some form of violence in her lifetime, the discussion aims to emphasize the urgent need to recognize violence against women as a major public health concern. The session will highlight gaps in awareness, the importance of preventive strategies, and the need for accessible crisis-response mechanisms.

The event will also underline the transformative role of academia in shaping evidence-based policies, preparing future public health professionals, and strengthening community-level engagement to break cycles of violence. It reaffirms a collective commitment to building a safer, healthier, and more equitable society for women and girls.