Premium Essay

Violence Against Women in Pakistan

In:

Submitted By Aliyabhat
Words 4995
Pages 20
Review Article
Violence against Women in Pakistan: A Framework for Analysis
Parveen Azam Ali1, Maria Irma Bustamante Gavino2
University of Sheffield1, United Kingdom, Aga Khan University School of Nursing2, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract
Understanding violence against women is as complex as its process. As a perusal of literature shows that most of the explanations were contextually and culturally based, this review attempts to analyze the issue of violence against women using theories applicable within the
Pakistani context. Literature examining the issue of violence against women and its various theories was reviewed. A framework using the determinants of violence against women as proposed, include intrinsic and extrinsic factors within the people, the socio-economic- political and cultural system of Pakistan and the influences of surrounding countries. The Pakistani scenario has been described and the theoretical bases were presented. Each determinant has been discussed with supporting literature.
Further studies are needed to strengthen the framework; however, it provided a modest view of violence against women in Pakistan. The framework would help the policy and decision makers to understand the dynamics of violence against women and may move them to action to bring about improvements in women's' lives.

Introduction
Understanding violence against women is a complex issue. Several explanations coming from various theories have been offered to understand the phenomenon. Research reports from countries all over the world show that violence against women still occurs, though the form may vary from one society and culture to another. It is a major public health and social problem requiring considerable attention, as it entails severe physical, psychological, social and emotional consequences. The term violence against women has been

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Gender Discrimination

...Discrimination: Abstract: Gender discrimination is a non-tradition security threat to Pakistan and it has implications for Pakistan security. Pakistani women are more than half of the total population, but women are treated inhumanly within their homes by their husbands or dominant males through different ways like Domestic Violence, Sawara, Vani, Karo Kari, Honour Killing, Acid Throwing, Forced Marriages etc. Gender discrimination is also deeply rooted in Pakistani society in education and employment sectors. The security of a state like Pakistan is connected with the security of whole population and a country cannot be considered secure until its whole population feel secure. For the progress and prosperity of a country there is needed to eliminate the discriminatory attitude of the society towards the women. There are multiple ways to improve gender balance in the country which will reduce gender discrimination. Key Words: Gender Discrimination, Education Sector, Employment Sector, Gender and Human Security. I. Introduction This study discusses gender discrimination as „non-traditional security‟ threat to the country. It argues that women are more than half of the population and the security of women is associated with state security. This is so because no country can be secure until its whole population feels secure. Pakistan needs to empower its women for the progress and prosperity of a country. Balance has been maintained by the nature...

Words: 8038 - Pages: 33

Premium Essay

Document

...i Civil Services Academy, Lahore Pakistan Administrative Campus 36th STP Syndicate Research Topic: Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan Dated: 6-12-2013 SYNDICATE MEMBERS: 1. Dharmoon Bhawani (Leader) 2. Amna Rafique 3. Kamal Khan 4. Nergis Shazia Chaudhary TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Title………………………………………………………………………………………1 2. Syndicate Members………………………………………………………………………2 3. Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...3 4. Theme…………………………………………………………………………………….4 5. Preface……………………………………………………………………………………7 6. Thesis Statement…………………………………………………………………………8 7. Executive statement………………………………………………………………………9 8. Abbreviations………………………………………………………………………...….11 9. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..12 10. Statement of Problems………………………………………………………………….13 11. Methodology……………………………………………………………………………14 12. Scope of Study………………………………………………………………………….14 13. Review of Literature…………………………………………………………………….15 SECTION 1: GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT 1.1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………….17 1.2. Definition of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment…………………….17 1.3. Current state of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan……..18 1.4. Biswas’s Indicator of Women Empowerment ………………………………….19 1.5. Violence against Women………………………………………………………..19 1.6. Women Empowerment in Legislation and Judiciary…………………………...20 1.7...

Words: 10299 - Pages: 42

Free Essay

Thesis on Impact of Education on Domestic Violence

...EDUCATION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Sparkles Soft offers under stated Services 1. Plagiarism free writing services 2. PHD Research Papers 3. MBA Dissertations Writer 4. MBA Thesis writer 5. MBA Assignment writer 6. ACCA,BSC Applied Accountancy Project 7. Australian MBA Assignment writing Services 8. UK MBA Assignment writing Services 9. LLB Thesis writing Services 10. LLM Thesis writing Services 11. LLB Assignment writing services 12. LLM Assignment writing Services 13. Australian and UK LLB Thesis writing Services 14. Australian and UK LLM Thesis writing Services 15. Australian and UK LLB Assignment writing services 16. Australian and UK LLM Assignment writing Services https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Students-in-UK/170124656395756 SPARKLES SOFT Skype       sparkles.soft Email sparklessoft@gmail.com Viber/WhatsAPP 00923004604250 Uk LandLine +441252594901 SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY: Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 3 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Pakistan as a country: 3 1.2 Domestic Violence: 3 1.3 Western Vs local Domestic Violence: 5 1.4 Research Question: 6 1.5 Research Objectives 6 1.6 Research Significance 7 CHAPTER TWO 8 EDUCATION SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN 8 2.1. Education: 8 2.2. Education System: 8 2.3. Education system of Pakistan: 10 2.3.1. Problems of Education system of Pakistan: 11 2.3.2. Policies and Reforms in Education system of Pakistan: 12 CHAPTER...

Words: 11215 - Pages: 45

Premium Essay

Managment

...July-December 2012, pp.439-458 Role of Civil Society in Empowering Pakistani Women Shehzadi Zamurrad Awan F.C College University ABSTRACT Civil society in Pakistan has been playing its role in social, economic and political empowerment of women. Unfortunately, despite of the emergence of vibrant print/electronic media, wide-spread network of women related non-governmental organizations and the focus of political parties on women related issues; a large segment of female population is still struggling hard for the equal status. However, it is pertinent to state that the notion of women empowerment is deeply linked with an over-all change in patriarchal structure of the society, on one side and the truthful understanding of religion (Islam) on the other. We cannot neglect this reality that the growing trend to provide equal opportunities of education and employment to women has contributed to their welfare, but not effective through to make a dent in their over-all well-being. In spite of the fact that more representation is given to the women in legislatures, neither have they suggested remedies for the grievances and dismal plight of women, nor they could suggest the broad framework to improve the role of female socio-economic and political in Pakistan. KEY WORDS: Civil Society, Pakistan, Woman, Welfare, Gender, NGO Introduction This paper intends to establish a linkage between the issues of women empowerment and the contribution of the civil society, to achieve a respectable...

Words: 9105 - Pages: 37

Premium Essay

Women in Pakistan

...WOMEN IN PAKISTAN DISADVANTAGED AND DENIED THEIR RIGHTS 1. INTRODUCTION Women in Pakistan suffer widespread human rights violations. Police officers torture and rape women in their custody with impunity. If the victims bring complaints of rape before the courts, unless they can prove that they did not give their consent they may be punished for unlawful sexual intercourse under laws which explicitly discriminate against women. Women face cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments such as floggings and stoning to death. The discrimination against women in law reinforces their vulnerability to other human rights violations. Women's rights are seen as being of secondary importance and women are in a particularly weak position if they try to gain redress. It is always difficult to prosecute law enforcement personnel who have raped women in their custody. In Pakistan the law relating to rape creates an additional hurdle. Despite the number of women who have been beaten and raped in police custody, few police officers have ever been prosecuted for such violations of women's basic human rights. In the rare cases in which police officers have been convicted of abusing women in their custody, the convictions have always been overturned on appeal. Women who have been raped are at risk of being convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse. The victim's testimony is not taken into account in rape trials when maximum penalties are at stake. So a woman who has been raped can be sentenced...

Words: 1901 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Pakistani Women: Religion, State and Society

...PAKISTANI WOMEN: RELIGION, STATE AND SOCIETY Much has been written in the international press in recent years concerning the difficulties facing Pakistani women today. Islam itself stresses that women have significant freedoms and rights and the Pakistani constitution guarantees equal treatment for all of its citizens. Pakistan has signed many United Nations treaties guaranteeing the equality and fair treatment of women. But the reality is very different. Most women in Pakistan face a hostile male-dominated environment where they have little or no choice in their lives and face the prospect of harsh violence directed against them. Some international journalists have written that Pakistan is one of the most dangerous places anywhere for women. The reason for this tragedy is that archaic tribal customs and attitudes remain a dominant force in many areas of the country. Pakistan was expressly created as an Islamic state, but many Pakistanis have not followed Islamic teachings concerning the treatment of women. The teachings of Islam provide full protection and security for women, but many Pakistani women are suppressed and victimized by their own family members. Although there are clear provisions both in Islam and in the 1973 Pakistani constitution to provide respect, safety and equal rights for women, Pakistan remains a male-dominated society where women still struggle to achieve their basic rights. Male officials in Pakistan can point to the nation’s constitution...

Words: 6868 - Pages: 28

Free Essay

Health Practises

...Gender and Health Gender is a crucial element in health inequities as it influences the control men and women have over the determinants of their health, including their economic position and social status, access to resources and treatment in society. Decades of active lobbying by non-governmental organizations and women’s rights advocates have had a major influence in ‘gendering’ health policies, such as the shift in focus from family planning to reproductive health paradigms and the global acknowledgement that violence against women is as much a health issues as a social issue. The Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, in his seminal book ‘Development as Freedom’, emphatically stressed the relationship between women's education, social status and overall child and maternal health when he made education and health as the two basic capabilities that makes life meaningful and the enjoyment of freedom possible. Analysis of economic and socio-cultural context is an important component of health policy analysis because contextual factors significantly influence the health policy process and the overall health of population directly and indirectly. Paying attention to contextual factors helps in understanding the role of the state, society and market forces influencing health agenda, health planning and implementation, and even more important health outcomes. Health as a sector best typifies the fallacy of the trickledown theory – that despite periods of high economic growth and activity...

Words: 1281 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Explanations Are Contextually and Culturally Based

...Understanding violence against women is a complex issue. Several explanations coming from various theories have been offered to understand the phenomenon. Research reports from countries all over the world show that violence against women still occurs, though the form may vary from one society and culture to another. It is a major public health and social problem requiring considerable attention, as it entails severe physical, psychological, social and emotional consequences. The term violence against women has been defined as the range of sexually, psychologically, and physically coercive acts used against women by current or former male intimate partners.1 It is the most pervasive yet least recognized human right abuse in the world. Some of the other terms that are used interchangeably to describe the issue include intimate partner violence, courtship violence, domestic violence, domestic abuse, spouse abuse, battering, and marital rape.2 It is difficult to estimate the prevalence of violence against women due to the inconsistency in definitions, under reporting, and lack of epidemiological studies concerning the subject.3,4 However, available statistics from around the globe indicate that one out of every three women experiences violence in an intimate relationship at some point in her life.1 In 48 population based studies from different parts of the world, ten to sixty nine percent (10- 69%) of the women reported having been physically assaulted by an intimate partner during...

Words: 666 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

United Nations Ljubljana Session Report

...Strategic Forum Panel discussion International criminal justice: a precondition for a prosperous economic future? The international community is facing geopolitical and economic changes, but still violent conflicts dominate the global headlines. Is this the modern, civilized world? My own opinion.. shock our conscience why are these atrocities still happening? what can be done to prevent them? what price dp the States pay for the mass destruction? (how can it be measured? human values..without a price) how does it affect our and their economies? does lack of criminal justice deter potential investors? or: can justice stimulate economic growth? Can both help prevent conflict? Conflicts thrive on impunity. Impunity encourages more violence and only exacerbates further injustice. Impunity, instability – feeding further into extremists and nationalistic tendencies. (raising the tensions in a fragile or post-conflict society) The unstable environment discourage international and national investments (or look from the other side: why is is unstable? because they took their lands? (Egypt – Kairói Világnépesedési Konferencia) what are the main roots of failed states, or insecure regions? why is the environment unstable? international investments or national investments?)  internal conflicts seem to occur disproportionately in low income and low-growth rate countries (why are they low income? only regional, geographical roots? what is the tendency? what are the main roots?)...

Words: 2277 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Domestic Violence In African American Women

...backgrounds are facing various problems. Those problems could be either outside or inside of the home, that causes domestic violence. Women are especially the victim of the domestic violence. Most of the women who experience domestic violence are reluctant to express their voice because they are too afraid of the society. In most part of the world, women are affected by domestic violence. In the U.S., African American females experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 2.5 times the rate of women of other races ( Roberta Lee). Most of the women try to make an excuse for domestic violence because they are afraid of stereotype or the society....

Words: 996 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Bigotry And Sexism

...Looking at the instances of crimes against women in Pakistan some of the extrinsic factors that result in violence is the fact that Pakistan is a patriarchal society where male dominance is repeatedly mentioned as a cause for the domestic violence (Heise, 1998).It is this very violence that is being analyzed in order to define the relation between sexism and bigotry. The reason for choosing bigotry and how it may or may not be related to sexism is because how they are so similar in their definations.Where a sexist is someone who clearly despises an entire gender race and a bigot is someone who exhibits intolerance towards a group with ideologies and opinions different from oneself, these very definitions lead me into finding the non-existent relationship between the both of them. For someone discriminating the entire female population, is there not a possibility for that very person to tag his decisions as the best and deject those (especially coming from women) that say...

Words: 1053 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Malala Yousafzai

...Girls' Education Rights in Pakistan On October 9, 2012, in Mingora, Pakistan 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by two Taliban men when she was arriving home on a bus from school (Wilmore par 1). She was targeted for supporting and speaking out for girls' education rights (Wilmore par 3). In the summer of 2009, Pakistan's military claimed that they drove the group out of the area, but the Taliban are still attacking people there, especially those who support girls' education like Malala (Wilmore par 15). Under Islamic or religious law, all people, including women, should be granted educational rights and freedom in, not only Pakistan, but other parts of the world as well.To begin with, in Pakistan, it is hard for females to receive education because of the Taliban's strict religious laws and attacks (Wilmore par 6). In 2007, the Taliban arrived in Swat Valley, Pakistan, banning music and dancing (Jacobsen par 13), and they also banned women from activities like shopping (Wilmore par 6). The new laws made it uncomfortable for women to go out alone in public because many of their activities were restricted or banned (Jacobsen par 13). To make sure that citizens would not go against them, the Taliban forced them to accept the laws with the use of brutal punishments such as public whippings, bombings, and beheadings (Wilmore par 5). Then the Taliban started destroying schools with bombs, killing students, teachers, and passerby in the process, and they also targeted...

Words: 1120 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

About the Taliban

...made clearly apparent that Terrorism must be stopped altogether.  Terrorism is translated to mean ‘army in the shadows’ and is defined as the threat or use of violence to win certain rewards or goals (Dictionary.com, 2010). The earliest known Terrorist organization similar to those of today was the Zealots of Judea, formed when fanatics of the Jewish faith revolted against the of the Roman oppression. They carried on an underground campaign wherein they assassinated Roman occupation forces and Jews that they believed had collaborated with the Romans. However, the first time that the word ‘terrorism’ was used was during the French Revolution which is referred to as the ‘Reign of terror’. During this time the Jacobins who ruled with violence at that time, would sometimes refer to themselves as ‘terrorists’ (terrorism-research.com). Since then, there have been other leaders and people seeking power using terrorism as a weapon. These include the Russian dictator, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler, a man responsible for the murder of over 6 million people.  The Taliban itself took control of Afghanistan in 1996 and were in power until 2001. During this time however, they were not accepted by the world’s community because their policies were considered intolerable, primarily regarding their treatment of women and their support of terrorism. They were removed from power in 2001 by America when they refused to give up Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, who they were protecting after...

Words: 2757 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Arrival of Islam

...of Islam Islam arrived in the area of modern Pakistan in 711 CE, when the Umayyad dynasty sent a Muslim Arab army led by Muhammad bin Qasim against the ruler of Sindh, Raja Dahir. Muhammad Bin Qasim's army was defeated in his first three attempts. The Muslim army conquered the northwestern part of Indus Valley from Kashmir to the Arabian Sea. The arrival of the Arab Muslims to the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, along with subsequent Muslim dynasties, set the stage for the religious boundaries of South Asia that would lead to the development of the modern state of Pakistan as well as forming the foundation for Islamic rule which quickly spread across much of South Asia. Following the rule of various Islamic empires, including the Ghaznavid Empire, the Ghorid kingdom, and the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals controlled the region from 1526 until 1739. Muslim technocrats, bureaucrats, soldiers, traders, scientists, architects, teachers, theologians and Sufis flocked from the rest of the Muslim world to Islamic Sultanate and Mughal Empire in South Asia and in the land that became Pakistan. Islam and the Pakistan movement The Muslim poet-philosopher Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal first proposed the idea of a Muslim state in northwestern South Asia in his address to the Muslim League at Allahabad in 1930. His proposal referred to the four provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and the NorthWest Frontier -- essentially what would became Pakistan. Iqbal's idea gave concrete form to two distinct...

Words: 3225 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Essay

........................................ 6 2. Citizenship ...................................................................................................................... 7 3. What Is A Good Pakistani Citizen? Define His/Her Responsibilities & Rights. ............... 8 4. What Is A Good Pakistani Citizen? Define His / Her Rights And Responsibilities .......... 9 5. What Is A Good Pakistani Citizen? Define His / Her Rights And Responsibilities ........ 11 6. Sectarian Violence: Implications for Citizens and Country............................................ 12 7. Becoming A Responsible Citizen: Can Education Help? .............................................. 13 8. Becoming A Responsible Citizen: Can Education Help? .............................................. 15 9. Becoming A Responsible Citizen Can Education Help? ............................................... 16 10. Becoming a Responsible Citizen? Can Education Help ............................................. 20 11. Will Peace Education In Pakistan Reduce Conflict? OR Conflict Is Not Destructive; It’s How We Deal With It....

Words: 12061 - Pages: 49