Sir: From November 25, which was the international Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, till December 10, which is Human Rights Day, the UN has decided to observe a 16-day campaign to end gender-based violence. The campaign ‘UNiTE to End Violence against Women’ is an encouraging one. The women in our society seem to be the most neglected part of the population because they are the most deprived. According to Islam, women have almost the same rights as men but it is a disappointing reality that they are degraded here. Here, women cannot choose their own husbands or the freedom to receive an education. This campaign is a great wake up call for women to take control of their own lives and beat back conservative minds. Not only women but men should also participate in this campaign. SASSI BALOCH Kech