8,096 women and girls were kidnapped and at least 1,985 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2011.
RAWALAKOT: November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, yet we see that with each passing year this kind of violence, at least in Pakistan, is on the rise. According to figures compiled from media reports by the Aurat Foundation, 2,341 women and girls were killed in the name of so-called honour last year. A total of 8,096 women and girls were kidnapped and at least 1,985 cases of domestic violence were reported, also in 2011. Violence against women also takes place in developed countries but the problem in Pakistan is that there is no system really to address this problem in an effective manner.
The issue of domestic violence can be improved by increasing awareness about it and legal repercussions for being involved in it via a media campaign. It is the responsibility of every individual present in every home to provide protection and respect to its female members. Above all, it is the duty of all those women who live a life of privilege and influence to do what they can to help other women from less-privileged backgrounds.
Tahira Mushtaq
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2012.
