Social, cultural, religious and political angles of women’s rights should be sufficiently addressed by our journalists
KARACHI: This is with reference to a story published in The Express Tribune “Woman survives honour killing bid”.
After reading the news, I did not know how to express my disgust and vent my anger. Fathers, brothers, aunts and uncles are supposed to be protectors of women. They are the ones to whom we turn to in difficult times for support and confidence. But it’s a shame when these relatives turn against us, deceive us, plot against us and try to harm us. It is sadder when close relatives try to land a woman in physical danger or worse, try to murder her.
It is a blessing that this 18-year-old woman was able to survive an assault on her life in Hafizabad. She was pulled alive out of a canal after being shot twice, bundled into a sack and thrown into the water by a family member. Her only ‘crime’ was that she married of her own free will.
My concern is that even though the young girl has survived and an FIR has been lodged against her relatives, will she, and other women like her, ever feel safe?
I believe that there is a dire need for public awareness. The media should play its positive role in highlighting the evil of honour killing and our ulema should break their silence and educate the masses about the rights of women in marriage, inheritance and divorce.
We must ensure sufficient column space to spread awareness about women’s rights. Social, cultural, religious and political angles of this issue should be sufficiently addressed by our journalists.
Bismah Baig Mirza
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2014.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
