More women were killed in 2012 than in 2011: Zia Awan

Women are subjected to abuse in Pakistan due to the patriarchal mind set of the society and lack of education.

The increase in the number of women being murdered reflects the failure of the legal system to preserve women’s rights. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI:


Around 1,109 women were killed in 2012 and 736 in 2011, said the president of Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid, Zia Awan.


He also condemned the increasing number of threats faced by women in Pakistan on the occasion of the International Day of Social Justice on Thursday.


Awan, who was quoting the figures collected by Madadgaar National Helpline, explained that women are subjected to abuse in Pakistan due to the feudal and patriarchal mind set of the society and lack of education.

We see gender inequality being practiced everywhere, in homes, workplaces, and in the legal system, he lamented.

“The increase in the number of women being murdered reflects the failure of the legal system to preserve women’s rights,” said Awan. “Non-governmental organisations and law enforcement agencies need to do more to help women facing persecution and to raise awareness about gender-based violence.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2013.

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