A group of civil society and women rights activists put up demonstrations demanding an immediate approval of the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) Law on Monday.
The activists gathered in front of the National Assembly and said that none of the articles in the Law is against the Islamic Sharia Law. They emphasized that this Law has to be approved by the Lower House without any amendment and at the earliest.
On the other hand, the Women Commission of the Lower House said that the Law will be drafted again in consultation with the religious scholars.
Tamana Hila, a women rights activist said, "We seek the approval of EVAW Law without any amendment. This law is in no way violating the Islamic Sharia Law. In fact, some of the MPs don't even have proper knowledge about the Law."
Nilofar Mehdi, a civil society activist said, "The MPs should not keep any political vendetta behind the EVAW Law. We demand that the Lower House should approve the Law."
Meanwhile, the Women Commission of the Lower House said that this Law was not approved because there were differences in opinion among the MPs over certain provisions in the Law. And, efforts are being made get the Law approved.
Fawzia Kofi, Head of the Women Commission of the Lower House said, "Even though there were differences in opinion among the MPs on the Law, we intend to table it again in consultation with the religious scholars and get it approved."
Samiha Sadat, member of the Lower House said, "We are against those provisions of the Law which are in violation of the Islamic Sharia Law. We will try to remove all the objectionable provisions in the Law and get it approved soon."
The civil society activists emphasized that if some circles within the Parliament misuse this law for their personal interests and ignore women rights, the country will witness an increase in violence against women.