It is a real crime against women, but nothing what the author says will change anything.
NIDDERAU, GERMANY: This is with reference to Zainab Hawa Bangura’s article “A world free of wartime rape” (April 25). I agree with Ms Bangura’s view about the prevalence of rape in war zones. Rape in wartorn countries is common, that is true. But it is not easy to pinpoint easy solutions. It is a real crime against women, but nothing what the author says will change anything.
Furthermore, in my opinion, the number of rapes taking place in ‘peaceful’ countries is far more common than one can imagine, if we go on to define rape properly.
I think it is really important to emphasise the importance of consent. It needs to be understood that rape isn’t just the stereotypical, physically violent act but also a lack of consent. The element of ‘consent’, which should be made clear by educators and authorities, should not amount to a downgrading of the seriousness of this issue.
Sharif Lone
Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2014.
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