THE Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) study report, “Gendered Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Central and West Asia,” has shed light on the severity of domestic violence, framing it as a silent pandemic in Pakistan that poses a grave challenge to both society and the state. The report draws attention to a survey conducted in Punjab and Sindh, revealing a disturbing increase in threats of physical violence (40%) and actual physical assault (46%) from spouses. These figures starkly highlight the urgency of addressing the rising tide of domestic violence, particularly against women and girls.
One crucial avenue for combating this issue is the development and strengthening of women’s entrepreneurship. This can be achieved by promoting girls’ education. By investing in women’s education, we empower them with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to assert their rights. Education equips women to break free from the cycle of violence, enabling them to make informed choices about their lives. Moreover, educated women are more likely to seek support, report abuse and contribute to the dismantling of societal norms that perpetuate domestic violence. Beyond individual empowerment, women’s education creates a ripple effect, influencing families, communities and, ultimately, the entire nation. Then the private sector can play a pivotal role in promoting gender equality by actively engaging in initiatives that empower women economically. To achieve this, there is a pressing need to design and reinforce programs that enhance women’s capacity to grow their businesses. In various parts of the country, women protection centres already exist, acting as essential support networks. The scope of these centres must be expanded to provide legal protection to victims of violence. These centres can serve as safe havens where survivors can seek assistance, counselling and legal aid. Legislation alone is insufficient without robust implementation. Existing laws aimed at protecting women from violence must be enforced rigorously, ensuring that the legal framework translates into tangible protection for victims. The fact that women constitute fifty percent of the population underscores the need to shield and empower them, recognizing their pivotal role in propelling the country towards development.
