By: Inaara Ali
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 32% of women in Pakistan have faced some form of gender-based violence (GBV). There are 109.32 million women in Pakistan, which means that 34,982,400 girls/women have faced GBV in the country. The high rates of GBV are directly correlated with patriarchal control of the country’s society and culture. The gender disparity in Pakistan has not only caused the high rates of GBV but also has prevented women from participating in societal institutions such as the workforce, education, and politics. It is time to acknowledge the fact that legislation is not enough to protect women from systemic misogyny.
The cycle of GBV is self-perpetuating. It begins with gender inequality, promotes isolation within society, and leads to violence against women. As the cycle continues, the status of women within the nation only gets worse. Patriarchy has made oppression, possession, and objectification of women a norm within the Pakistani culture. According to a survey of one thousand women in Punjab, Pakistan, between 70% and 90% of married women have experienced abuse from their spouses at some point in their lives. Unsurprisingly, Pakistan ranks 143rd out of 146 countries in the health and survival subsection of the global gender index gap. Broken down, there are multiple alarming statistics that speak to the distinct disparity women in Pakistan face regarding gender-based violence. One such disparity is the lack of education for women. According to the World Bank, about two million more girls than boys are out of school in Pakistan – or about twelve million girls in total – and so account for most of the out-of-school population in Pakistan. The lack of education directly reinforces the cycle of inequality that leads to GBV.
As young girls grow up with norms of oppression and abuse, the likelihood of them facing forms of GBV is almost certain. As a result, Pakistani girls are trapped in the perpetuating cycle and face the detrimental impacts it has on their lives. According to the UNFPA, GBV “affects survivors’ physical and mental health, and may cause anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may lose their sense of individuality, dignity, or self-worth. The physical effects include health issues, such as sexually transmitted diseases, that can lead to other health issues. This tragedy is directly reflected in the county’s high maternal mortality rate and women’s health issues.
While the Government of Pakistan has passed various laws to prevent violence and support those affected by it, the conviction rate for violence against women sits at only 1-2.5 percent. In 2016, the conviction rate in Punjab, Pakistan, was 4 percent. Resources and services for women survivors of GBV remain scarce. Health services personnel are inadequately equipped, referral systems are limited, and insufficient training on GBV, combined with low investment in human capital, enhances the vulnerability of women.
A complex issue such as GBV requires an equally, if not more complex, solution. For this reason, Pakistan must address the issue by implementing GBV education programs in urban areas where girls are less likely to receive an education. By educating future generations about GBV issues, the government will be able to increase awareness and foster societal and cultural change on a long-term basis. The only way to address an issue so deeply rooted in years of oppression is by educating future generations to break the cycle. Therefore, it is time for the government to acknowledge the steps it must take to protect women all over Pakistan.
About the Author
Inaara Ali is a rising senior at the School of Diplomacy with minors in Middle Eastern and North African Studies and French. She is currently interning for the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and a member of the School of Diplomacy’s Social Media and Marketing team. Following graduation, Inaara plans on attending graduate school to further her studies in International Relations.