Violence against women has emerged as one of the most prevalent infringements of human rights across the globe. It has a high socioeconomic cost for survivors in particular and the community in general. One out of every three women worldwide is subjected to some type of violence. The statistics are alarming, as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guarantees equal rights to men and women. Even in the 21st century, women all across the world have faced different types of violence against them and Pakistani women are no different.
“One out of every three women worldwide is subjected to some type of violence.”
Despite constitutional guarantees of equality under Article 25, Pakistan grapples with significant challenges in addressing gender-based violence (GBV). Numerous reports portray an undesirable picture of Pakistan. For instance, a Reuters survey of 2021 mentioned Pakistan as “the sixth most dangerous and fourth worst country in terms of economic resources and discrimination along with the vulnerabilities women face from cultural, religious and traditional practices.”
Similarly, as per the Global Gender Gap Report issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the country is ranked fractionally above Afghanistan. Pakistan has also ratified many international agreements and commitments such as The Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women in 1979 (CEDAW), The UN-Fourth Conference of Women in 1995, Beijing Platform of Action, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that advocate for the protection of women and other socially marginalised groups against violence, there has been limited implementation to address this social menace.
The Gender- Based violence (GBV) should not only be seen under the umbrella of a human rights issue but also through the lens of structural development and a health concern. Gender- Based violence hampered the victim’s ability to engage in political, economic, and social domains. Violence, both in public and private spheres, constrains women’s mobility, hindering their active participation in economic and developmental activities. This contributes to reduced economic growth, highlighting it as an impediment to societal progress.
Pakistan’s workforce participation rate for women is one of the lowest in South Asia, at 22%. Low education levels, mobility barriers, and gender stereotypes prevent women from entering the labor force. Also, this might impede the capacity of the country to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The psychological and physical impact of gender-based violence results in serious health implications ranging from physical injury, permanent disabilities, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss of self-confidence, and low self-esteem. GBV not only violates human rights but also has far-reaching socioeconomic consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.
“Pakistan is ranked fractionally above Afghanistan in the Global Gender Gap Report.”
Many people believe that gender-based violence is associated with the lower strata of society. However, it is not true; rather, it is in the mindset of the perpetrator who uses violence to harm women and other socially excluded genders. Pakistan is a patriarchal society, and women endure unpleasant and dominating male attitudes not only at home but also in multiple public spheres. Commutes and street journeys can be an emotionally exhausting experience.
If an unfortunate incident took place, these instances often go unreported as victims are advised to maintain silence to protect family honour and due to fear of societal judgment. This silence encourages the dangerous normalization of violence in society. Similarly, many victims have a low level of trust in the lengthy judicial processes and inefficiencies within the system deter victims from seeking justice.
Conversely, some incidents are reported, creating awareness and encouraging people to become vocal and not suppress their voices. For instance, the brutal murder of Noor Mukdam, the motorway rape case, the strangulation of Sara Inam, the tragic killing of Sana Yousaf, and many others. One must also acknowledge the efforts of the victims’ families, who did not let the case die in the hands of patriarchal socio-legal structures and instead defied the status quo by demanding justice for their dear ones.
Women in Pakistan have theoretical legal protection, but it lacks practical implementation. This creates a hindrance in the successful execution of the criminal justice system and a low conviction rate. Government and other stakeholders must adopt multi-pronged strategies to curb and stop gender based violence. Raising awareness is critical to send the clear message of zero tolerance for all types of violence against girls and women.
“Silence encourages the dangerous normalisation of violence in society.”
It is also an essential key to informing victims of their rights and existing policies. Education is also central to curbing gender-based violence. This leads to the idea of both formal and informal education. The education one acquires in school is crucial, but the education one receives at home is what develops the entire personality. We may appear to have been failing at both. Our family units may not be doing enough to discourage such a mentality from being instilled in the minds of the youth, or perhaps from the vacuum created by the dwindling education system or lack of an equivalent.
Consequently, it reflects the absence of the rule of law and a lack of humanity. The social order must shift if we want to move forward. Women’s empowerment begins at home. Unfortunately, the misogynistic attitude of clergy, and, to some extent, state authorities, has played a part in fuelling gender-based violence. Through speeches and enforced legislation, stakeholders can make significant strides in reducing gender-based violence. Specialised courts should be set up throughout Pakistan to deal with cases of gender-based violence.
Moreover, adequate resources should be provided to the police and other law-related entities for cases to be tried as quickly as possible. Reducing the waiting time in cases and sensitising court staff on the interaction with the victim is one of the main requirements of the courtrooms. Henceforth, it is important to rebuild society’s fading confidence so that the need for faster, more efficient prosecution may be met.
“Failure to protect and empower half of the country’s population amounts to a moral failure.”
Addressing GBV requires a coordinated and comprehensive response from all stakeholders. Failure to protect and empower half of the country’s population amounts to a moral failure. By prioritizing the eradication of GBV, Pakistan can work towards creating a safer and more equitable society for all.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
