Saying ‘No’ to abuse
There are around 12,000 khula applications filed in all six districts of Karachi
An increasing number of women, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds, have now started dispelling the myth of the ‘weaker sex’ and are coming out to defend their due rights in the court of law. They are no longer silent or tolerant towards injustices perpetrated by their other halves, thanks to growing awareness regarding women’s rights. The recently-released statistics indicating a considerable rise in khula cases are testament to this changing trend.
There are around 12,000 khula applications filed in all six districts of Karachi. There are 700 applications filed in the district and sessions court of Malir alone. According to a report, most women have had enough of domestic violence, and of jobless, abusive and drug-addicted husbands. Earlier, only a few women had the courage to contact courts to file a khula application, but now the situation is changing rapidly and a large number of women are coming out to fight for their rights.
In the past, women suffered abuse throughout their lives but never once left the home of their husband. They were told by their parents to only leave their husband’s home upon death, a sinister philosophy which women felt they had no option but to follow. The main reason for this was that they did not know about their rights and were economically dependent on their husbands. All they needed was two square meals and a roof over their heads. Also, there were fewer job opportunities available for them. Now women are aware of their rights since they are more educated and have the means to seek financial independence. Undoubtedly, the media has also played a crucial role in creating awareness.
Recently, three cases were reported in Malir and the Sindh High Court where women tried to jump off buildings in an attempt to take their lives. They were frustrated due to the needless delay their khula applications were being subjected to. Delays and repeated visits to courts can cause depression and anxiety. I strongly believe that a woman only decides to part ways when she is sure the situation is not going to improve.
Another major reason for women being more amenable to ending abusive marriages today is that now their families support them in the face of injustice. Going for a khula is not as big a taboo in our society as it once was and change is in the air. Women are empowered and know what their rights are. Nobody can treat them inhumanely and force them to be in an abusive relationship.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2015.
There are around 12,000 khula applications filed in all six districts of Karachi. There are 700 applications filed in the district and sessions court of Malir alone. According to a report, most women have had enough of domestic violence, and of jobless, abusive and drug-addicted husbands. Earlier, only a few women had the courage to contact courts to file a khula application, but now the situation is changing rapidly and a large number of women are coming out to fight for their rights.
In the past, women suffered abuse throughout their lives but never once left the home of their husband. They were told by their parents to only leave their husband’s home upon death, a sinister philosophy which women felt they had no option but to follow. The main reason for this was that they did not know about their rights and were economically dependent on their husbands. All they needed was two square meals and a roof over their heads. Also, there were fewer job opportunities available for them. Now women are aware of their rights since they are more educated and have the means to seek financial independence. Undoubtedly, the media has also played a crucial role in creating awareness.
Recently, three cases were reported in Malir and the Sindh High Court where women tried to jump off buildings in an attempt to take their lives. They were frustrated due to the needless delay their khula applications were being subjected to. Delays and repeated visits to courts can cause depression and anxiety. I strongly believe that a woman only decides to part ways when she is sure the situation is not going to improve.
Another major reason for women being more amenable to ending abusive marriages today is that now their families support them in the face of injustice. Going for a khula is not as big a taboo in our society as it once was and change is in the air. Women are empowered and know what their rights are. Nobody can treat them inhumanely and force them to be in an abusive relationship.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2015.