Domestic violence: Play spotlights masculinity and domestic violence

An imaginary character presents women’s feelings.

ISLAMABAD:

Aurat Foundation staged a play “Domestic Violence and Masculinity,” at a hotel on Friday, focusing on the link between masculinity and domestic violence.

The play was staged to make men revisit their behaviour towards women. The play focused on masculinity and its correlation with domestic violence.

With all male performers, the play revolved around the issues related to established social behaviours that reinforce male domination and lead to domestic violence. The play highlighted the conditions faced by men which lead to violent behaviour.

It started with typical statements men sprout in our society, including “Mard Ban Mard” (Be a Man) and “Mard Kabhi Nai Rota” (Men never cry).

The main feature of the play was that no woman participated in it and an imaginary character presented women’s feelings without speaking or arguing.

The play’s director, Waseem said men need to take responsibility for their behaviour.The play was organised by the Interactive Resource Centre under the Gender Equity Programme.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2013.