Recently, I did a story on the forced marriages of UK nationals, of Pakistani origin, to Pakistanis. I got the chance to hear about the experiences of the volunteers who participate in the operations aimed at rescuing the women being forced into these marriages. Even with the facts and figures, handed to me by embassies and NGOs kept aside, the stories gave me goosebumps.
I asked one of the officers, a young girl, working at the organisation that facilitates the diplomatic missions in conducting these operations, about the dynamics of such a job. She replied, “We get a call; we pack a bag with an extra outfit, sit in a vehicle and travel to the remote areas where the victims are usually located. After discussing the escape strategy, the victim meets us halfway; we identify the person, pick her up, change her outfit in the car, change the number plate of the vehicle and zoom away”.
It’s a game of seconds, if ever spotted or caught at the wrong time; people could get into trouble, but the joy that comes with the success of an operation, along with the happiness witnessed on the faces of the victims, provides the volunteers with the drive that makes them want to continue the job, irrespective of the pressures and risks involved.
Another girl, with a name known by the rival parties, seated quietly at a shelter home for acid victims, restlessly twirled her cell phone in her hands as she said that she got constant calls from people, abusing and threatening to throw acid at her if she continued to help and support these victims. Such calls cannot even be reported to the police as there is no law in place for this kind of harassment, but, according to her, as she sees the victims fight for themselves, she finds the courage to fight for them.
With the passage of time, as reports published by various organisations proudly announce the increase in the number of forced marriage cases being reported annually, credit and recognition must also go to the women involved in making the process of reporting a success. Even with the social dynamics, cultural boundaries and taboos that exist in the Pakistani society, these heroic women have, against the will of their families, stepped out of their homes.
“I might have to lose my life in order to save another girl’s life”, one of them said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2013.
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Which organization is this? how can someone volunteer tro be a part of this organization?
May their tribe increase.
Helo dear i salute 'you ,because people like you an asset to the society ,not thinking of yourself but thinking of others and their lives