Making Pakistan a safe place for women
PAKISTAN is not a safe place for women. This single sentence seems to have brought on a heated backlash upon those women here reacting to a series of gender-based violence incidents.
Although being only a call to attention to what is being termed as a ‘femicide crisis’, it has met harsh rebuttals.
Some women were labelled as ‘the feminist brigade’ as a derogatory term, others were berated as not to spread a negative image of the country with malintent.
A few men posted news clippings of alleged violent incidents taking place in a foreign country as an answer.
Not many people have acquiesced to the fact that in any other country, violent crimes are also meted out exacting punishment.
The utmost concern here was that the increasing cases of gender-based violence was not bringing to light any accountability; punishments have not been fitting the crimes.
Another thing is that now more than ever, with ease of access to social media, women have a means of reporting violence-based issues online to support systems.
Social media platforms such as Facebook groups have provided safe places for women to speak about taboo topics; some also provide a network of support via legal resources.
For average civilians living here, to speak about what are considered taboo topics now brings an added fear of being labelled as building an anti-state narrative. Accusations have been flying at every point.
Concerns for basic human rights violations need a worthy solution without denial and rebuttal, something which only good governance can bring about.
Blaming western culture on a simple demand for justice evokes an uncomfortable feeling that people are unwilling to talk about the sensitive topics of violence against women while side-stepping these issues.
A method of ‘gaslighting’ has been taking place; the victims remain with justice denied simply because they are not supposed to ‘talk about it’ as per the cultural standards. Concerns highlighted where one has the platform to do so, are often downplayed to be ‘exaggerated’ accounts.
To speak about the topic of human rights must never be taken as a critique or an attack. Pakistan’s survival over the decades and the current notable economic progress makes it a unique place especially now in the world today. To be able to solve such extreme issues would only be for progressive values to be established.
The country has yet to conclude important decision making on the amendment to laws and put in better policies that protect the vulnerable population.
By this one must acknowledge not only women, but also children, trans-persons, and even men and women from minority communities.
Here one should say that the authorities have tried to install better systems, but the struggle continues for implementation of justice by trial. Something which will be key to providing closure to the countless victims.
An important note is that Pakistan has been fast tracking on its commitment on UN SDG goals by undertaking reforms actively.
It will of course be in the best interest to focus actively on goals such as SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower Women and Girls.
SDG 5 has a clear focus “to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women in the public and private sphere.”
The current culture here which still prevails is the denial of the problem of gender-based violence issues on the rise.
The first step to any point of recovery is accepting issues present. May the authorities be able to tackle these issues with reformative actions effectively as they have done so in other domains.
—The writer, based in Islamabad, is known for her articles on cultural impact.
