Father's Day 2008

Youth Advocacy Network-YAN and World Population Foundation-WPF organized “Fathers’ Day” with a theme of “MY Father-My Source of Knowledge” on 21 May, 2008 at Holiday Inn, Islamabad. The forum endorsed “Fathers” to provide information to young generation to protect them from HIV and AIDS, Drugs, Smoking and Un Healthy Sexual Practices. The event was attended by at least 150 representatives of civil society organizations, government and media.

The overwhelming youth population, which is 63 % of the total population of Pakistan, is currently burdened with a plethora of risky situations due to the lack of awareness and acceptance of youth issues in the society. These issues hinder the development of youth in the country which plays a crucial role in the progress of Pakistan.

YAN is a group of young individuals making efforts to improve the quality of life of young people in Pakistan through advocating for the promotion of their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Considering the current situation of youth, the event was celebrated to highlight the role of Fathers in protecting their children from HIV & AIDS, smoking, risky behaviours by providing them the right information, so that they can play a productive role in society.

The major highlight of the event was the panel discussion conducted on “youth issues related to sexual violence”. Panellists discussed the issues surrounding youth vulnerability to sexual violence in our society. Speaking on the occasion panellist shared that about 3.3 million young people in Pakistan are child labour. It was also shared that 85,000 people from the age of 20-44 are infected with HIV. About 71 % of addicts out of 5 million drug abusers are within the age of 25-30 and the number is rising by 7 % every year. Further it was shared that 1200 young people start smoking every day. This calls for the need of a legal support system for the young people for the protection of their sexual and reproductive health rights

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Muhammad Zubair Hashmi, SSP, Islamabad emphasised the importance of the most influential personality of our lives, our fathers. Mr. Katsunori Ashida, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan also shared his experience as a father and as a son in a Japanese society.

The event also highlighted the role of SRHR as an essential component of young people’s ability to become productive members of the society. through a documentary “Talash”. A poster under the theme of “My Father – My Source of Knowledge” was unveiled by Qadeer Baig Country Representative WPF Pakistan. The poster gave the message that education starts at home and parents are considered to be the first teachers and play a major part in advancing a healthy society.