KARACHI:
The Covid-19 crisis has deepened social inequalities in Pakistan. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of women across the country that are currently facing domestic violence but are not able to raise their voices.
According to statistics, 13,478 cases were reported in the first five months of 2020. Furthermore, a recent survey indicates 90% of women in Pakistan face some form of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse at least once in their life. Statistics from domestic violence helplines across Pakistan have stated that cases of domestic violence increased by a staggering 200% during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
As citizens of a beautiful country, nothing is more shameful than to see Pakistan being ranked the sixth most dangerous country in the world for women. We need to understand that for many women and children their own homes are more dangerous than the virus itself. What we are, as a society, doing to stop such evil acts from persisting? We should discuss such matters openly so that women gather up courage to raise voices. Platforms should be initiated for the protection of women.
Samana Mehmood
Bahawalpur
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2021.
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