More than a symbol of shame

Women in Pakistan, and across the world, have been scrutinised because of the one thing they have no control over

Women in Pakistan, and across the world, have been scrutinised and objectified because of the one thing they have no control over — their sex. Not only have they been victims or rather ‘survivors’ of rape, sexual harassment and gender discrimination, but they have also been deprived of their basic rights by social taboos. Issues related to their health are often neglected as society does not even allow them to discuss their health-related problems openly. Such are the cases of breast cancer or other reproductive problems.

Anecdotal evidence proves that breast cancer kills more women in Pakistan than terrorist attacks and one in nine women will face breast cancer during her life. However, despite the severity of the issue, the use of the word ‘breast’ is often avoided when awareness groups such as PinkRibbon hold campaigns. In the conservative culture of this country, where the word is associated with sexuality and nothing else, not only does the word remain taboo but it is also considered immoral for women to go to the hospital for screenings or discuss cancer-related problems even with their family.

Unfortunately, taboos related to women are not only limited to general health problems, like reproduction, menstruation or other similar issues. In a wider spectrum, Pakistan resides in a society where the female body is reduced to a hyper-sexualised entity and little else. It is in such a society where the most cases of harassment and rape are reported. It is in such a society that a woman is thought to be ‘responsible’ for the many crimes that occur when her body appears in public.

Many women are known to suffer from various reproductive illness for all their life because there is a chronic lack of awareness in society about what is ‘normal’ for the female body and what isn’t. The female body is thought to be a symbol of shame which must be constantly hidden and covered.  Indeed, the same can be said about similar medical issues faced by men, but in case of women, the taboo is simply much stronger and more stifling. It is time to break the silence and talk!

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2014.