Pakistan and Violence against Women

 

One of the worst places on earth to be a woman is Pakistan. Femicides are so “normal“ that they hardly hit the news. Women are not protected from domestic violence by legislation. According to a police report, Noor Mukadam, a 27-year-old woman, died on July 20, killed by an acquaintance. As this murder happened in affluent surroundings and the victim was the daughter of a distinguished Pakistani ambassador and the alleged perpetrator is the son of an influential family, the case has raised interest. There have been several vigils with people lighting candles for Noor Mukadam in Islamabad.

According to her father, Noor Mukadam was an artistic, soft-hearted girl who "loved animals and making her family laugh." She was described by her sister Sarah as a "beautiful person" who wanted to change the world: "She was here to change the world, she always talked about it. Her being my younger sister, I would brush her off and say, 'What do you mean, you want to do something'?"

Noor Mukadam's death has drawn attention to the plight of women and girls in Pakistan, where violence against them is considered a "serious problem," according to a 2020 country report from Human Rights Watch. Often, violence occurs within marriage and goes unreported, because it is considered a cultural norm. Campaigners say it's not just societal norms that stop women from reporting abuse -- the legal system is stacked against them.

Lawyer and women's rights campaigner Sahar Bandial said Pakistan's criminal justice system sees domestic violence offenses as a "private matter" between couples and families. The criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul to be women and survivor-centric.

Prime Minister Khan called Mukadam's death a "tragedy," but it took a long time for him to make his comment.

Activists now call for the Pakistani Parliament to pass a law criminalizing domestic violence, fearing that the conservative Council of Islamic Ideology will use its influence on the legislation to kill the bill, sending a message that violence against women in their own homes is allowed, or even condoned. There is no national law, although some provinces outlaw domestic violence but have no criminal penalties. In other parts of Pakistan, women have no recourse.

Noor’s sister and others now hope that her death will lead to change -- and create enough impetus for stronger laws to protect women against violence. "Her sacrifice will change the world and women will fight for their rights because of Noor. We will miss her forever," she said. Maybe Noor will change the world after all. But what a tragedy that she had to die for this cause.

Pakistan is not the only country where women cannot count on being protected against violence. Should we not try to change the world to make it a better place?

 


Photo: CNN

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