KARACHI:
One of the strongest indicators of success and prosperity is how well a nation treats its women. This is because women are conventionally given the responsibility of nurturing children. Hence the future generation is formed based on the ideals that mothers inculcate in their child — a responsibility that should equally be shared by both parents. Unfortunately, systemic patriarchy and continuous violence against women paint a bleak picture with regard to the plight of women in Pakistan.
Women across the country are subjected to heinous crimes such as rape, acid attacks, sexual harassment and killings, even within the confines of their own homes. Furthermore, apart from not being able to travel and work without fear, constant cat-calling have made it impossible for them to explore the city. Even within their house, which is supposed to be a “safe space” women continue to be mentally and physically harassed by male family members. Imagine having no privacy, imagine living in constant fear, imagine feeling isolated every single day of your life; one cannot even fathom the psychological torture that women are being forced to endure.
Even though the government has been taking initiatives to ensure the well-being of women, measures remain ineffective because the current male-dominant government does not understand the root of the problem. Unless the traditional ways of upbringing children is not challenged at the family level, these issues are likely to persist for generations to come. While the government tackles these crimes with orders of punishment and violence, we must acknowledge and subsequently spread awareness on how to treat women. It is important for women to re-imagine their own position in society and fight for empowerment.
Saman Rafiq
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2020.
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