Violence against women

Not all men, but the man. This phrase has long circulated on social media whenever violence against women – such as honour killings, acid attacks, and harassment – is broadcast or published. Femicide has been deeply entrenched for centuries, but the twenty-first century has witnessed a new version of cruelty inflicted upon women for a meagre sin or no sin at all.

The case of Dr Mahnoor, who was severely injured in an acid attack by a hospital employee while on duty at Civil Hospital Quetta, again raises questions. Is woman still shackled everywhere, her education deemed unacceptable by a patriarchal society? Has throwing acid on her face shrunk to a simple act of revenge, meant only to disfigure her forever? Is this the justice that prevails for women in our mainstream society? Is this the ultimate status granted to them?

Femicide statistics show that over 7,500 women were killed between 2021 and 2024 in reported gender-based violence (GBV) cases. At least 1,553 were killed in the name of honour (karo-kari) and 3,385 lost their lives to domestic violence. Such numbers reflect the vulnerable status of women in a male-dominated society because the perpetrators are often fathers, brothers and husbands who feel justified in beating and even killing their spouses, sisters and daughters for fear of shame within their communities. Most domestic violence cases are often not reported to the media, yet violence against women continues to spark debate on social media and speaks loudly through its severity.

Domestic violence often harms a woman's self-respect and dignity, making her feel insecure in her own home. She is expected to remain confined within four walls and assume household duties at any cost. In cases of negligence, particularly in rural areas, she is often chastised severely by patriarchal family members for delaying household chores. In fact, such violence leaves deep scars, resulting in vulnerability and poor health.

Karo-kari is most prevalent in the countryside, particularly among feudal communities and illiterate segments of society that associate it with honour. This widespread practice needs to be eradicated in order to build an egalitarian society.

In urban areas where gender-based differences have reduced to some extent, women have progressed educationally, economically, politically and socially – often excelling in various fields of development. Yet we still encounter cases like that of Dr Mahnoor, wherein women are targeted for rejecting a man's proposal. To these men, a rejected proposal is an affront to their honour, prompting them to use acid throwing, physical violence and sexual abuse to strip women of their dignity.

Global organisations and experts have identified different forms of violence, such as physical violence, sexual violence, emotional or psychological violence, cultural violence, verbal abuse, harassment and digital violence. Women in both rural and urban areas continue to suffer these diverse forms of violence.

When a woman is physically out of reach, she is harassed through social media platforms. Studies show that around 58% of women are harassed online globally, whereas around 40% of women in Pakistan have been victims of cyberbullying. Female students rank among the most frequent targets of digital abuse.

Deep-seated traditions in South Asia - including non-consensual and forced marriages, denial of female education and use of women as compensation to resolve conflicts - continue to be legitimised as acceptable cultural practices. The constant assault on women inflicts deep psychological trauma, dampening their spirit. These misogynistic tendencies, injustices and cruelties push countries to the bottom of the Gender Parity Index (GPI).

There is an urgent need to reform such mindsets that undermine the dignity and chastity of women through oppressive customs. We must do away with these misogynistic customs and gender discrimination, ensuring that no more women have their faces scarred by acid. To acknowledge the status Islam bestowed upon women centuries ago is to recognise an epitome of dignity that the world has seldom matched.