Women in Pakistan have long faced suppression under a deeply entrenched patriarchal system, enduring physical and emotional violence with limited avenues for redress. This persistent issue demands urgent and innovative solutions to ensure the safety and rights of women. While existing laws aim to protect women, enforcement remains weak, compounded by the absence of integrated data and cultural norms that perpetuate violence and impunity.
Technological assistance is particularly crucial as societal stigma and emotional distress often prevent female victims from seeking help. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, 56% of women do not report their experiences of violence even to their families. This alarming statistic makes accessible and confidential support systems a necessity. The recent launch of the ‘Humqadam’ mobile app, developed by Shirkat Gah in collaboration with the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), is a significant step forward. This app connects women with essential legal and support services, providing immediate, anonymous assistance. However, ‘Humqadam’ is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Effective protection of women’s rights requires a comprehensive approach that combines legal reforms with innovative technological solutions. The government must prioritise women’s rights by ensuring the NCSW is fully operational and capable of fulfilling its mandate. Moreover, innovative technological solutions like ‘Humqadam’ should be integrated into a broader strategy to protect women’s rights. Such tools can offer immediate, confidential support and should be backed by robust data systems to track incidents of violence and respond to them effectively.
In the fight against gender-based violence, technology can be a powerful ally, offering discreet and immediate support to those in need. However, as we look to the future, we must envision a Pakistan where women no longer have to rely solely on apps for safety but live in a world where their rights and dignity are universally upheld and respected.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2024.
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