Women’s Day

Letter March 06, 2017
For the empowerment of women, there is a further need to spread awareness

KARACHI: As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, it is important that we look at ourselves with a critical and sensitive eye. There may not be enough to celebrate due to the increasing victimisation of women in Pakistan. Women’s progress in Pakistan is a mirage. Almost every woman in this country experiences sexual assault, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner at least once during their lifetime. Moreover, there are thousands of cases of women victimisation, which include acid attacks, gang rapes, physical and psychological abuse. In Pakistan, domestic violence is the most common form of gender discrimination.

The depressing irony behind the male-dominated society in Pakistan is that it determines that women are not given enough independence and power to speak up against the unfair treatment they receive. The rate of abuse women suffer in Pakistan is higher than most of the world as 70 to 90 per cent of Pakistani women become victims to unfair treatment. Commonly, the woman accepts repeated beatings, sentimental whippings and verbal offense under pressure to keep the family united. Despite being emotionally shattered and physically bruised, she remains silent in the name of honour and respect, as defined by society.

The government should provide a cover to women through strong laws and regulations. Considering only one- third of total domestic violence cases are reported in the country, it is equally important to increase this figure and encourage reporting incidents of any abuse in the household. Domestic violence is a preventable problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It can be prevented if more bills in the assemblies are passed for the protection of women. Dreadful punishments should be inflicted on the abusers and it must be made obligatory for every individual to stand against the abuse. For the empowerment of women, there is a further need to spread awareness individually and collectively and to introduce more steps for securing women rights on both institutional and political levels.

Sana Ali Bhutto

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2017.

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