It is significant to comprehend the whys and wherefores of the prevalence of the exploitation and violence against women in Pakistani society. There is a need to understand that the purpose behind gender disparity and violence against women is not only about the prevalence of a misogynistic mind set in the society.
It is also a patriarchal mind set which is the mother of all type of oppressions, exploitations, abuses and violence against women in the Pakistani society which also leads to their subservient position and role in communities and imbalance construction of gender.
Traditional and conservative social/cultural norms, toxic and fragile masculinity are major contributors of all type of women abuse and these are off shoots of the patriarchal system.
However, there are other major factors such as traditional, conservative cultural norms as well as the commodification of women in the society which all are hindrances in the path to modernity. These are factors that are hindering progress to eradicate exploitation and violence against women as well as prevent any development of egalitarian norms and rationality.
Contemporary Pakistani society has no acknowledgment of the prevalence of exploitation and violence against women. For instance, marital rape, stalking and online harassment are not considered as violence exploitation of women are not recognized as an issue hence there is no legislation to tackle this social curse.
The underlying reason of all these issues are the commodification of women and denial of their rights. Young women have limited choices to access to jobs or in most communities, girls are deprived from education.
Violence includes physical, economic, emotional, sexual, social, mental abuse and all forms of oppression and exploitation. Women are chained in the relations right after their birth as the traditional conservative notion of honor of family still lies with women.
Eliminating violence against women is a critical issue that requires constant attention and effort from individuals, communities, and governments. Violence against women takes various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. It is a violation of human rights and has significant societal and individual consequences. To effectively tackle this issue, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, addressing both the root causes and the immediate manifestations of violence.
One of the most crucial aspects of eliminating violence against women is engaging communities. Community involvement not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility. It requires initiating conversations about gender equality, challenging traditional gender roles and debunking stereotypes.
Community members need to be educated about the harmful effects of violence and the importance of treating women with respect and dignity. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns, community meetings and workshops that promote understanding and empathy.
Education plays a vital role in preventing violence against women. It is essential to educate both women and men about their rights and responsibilities. Gender sensitization should be integrated into the school curriculum, starting at an early age. By teaching children about respect, consent, and equality, we can shape their attitudes and behaviours towards eradicating the violence.
Educating women about their rights empowers them to recognize and challenge violence, while educating men helps break the cycle of violence by promoting healthier and non-violent ways of resolving conflicts. Additionally, education can also include training programs for law enforcement officials and healthcare providers to effectively respond to cases of violence and to provide support to survivors.
Legal reforms are imperative in eliminating violence against women. Laws should be strengthened to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. This includes updating legislation to cover all forms of violence against women, including marital rape, stalking and online harassment.
It is essential to establish specialized courts and fast-track legal procedures to ensure speedy justice for survivors. Legal reforms should also focus on providing adequate protection and support to survivors, including restraining orders, access to shelters, and financial assistance.
Support systems play a significant role in assisting survivors of violence. Shelters and safe spaces provide women with a refuge from immediate danger and help them rebuild their lives. These facilities should be adequately funded, well-staffed, and easily accessible.
Moreover, counselling and support services should be made available to survivors to help them heal from trauma and regain their independence. These services can include psychological counselling, legal assistance, job training, and financial support. It is crucial to ensure that survivors have access to comprehensive and survivor-centered services that address their physical, emotional and economic needs.
Engaging men in the fight against violence against women is also crucial. Men can be powerful allies in challenging toxic masculinity and promoting gender equality. Initiatives should be undertaken to educate men about healthy masculinity and encouraging them to be vocal advocates for women's rights. Men need to take responsibility for their own actions and also hold other men accountable for their behaviours. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, workshops and mentorship programs.
Finally, it is important to recognize the role of technology in eliminating violence against women. While technology can be used to mitigate the violence, it can also be harnessed as a tool for prevention. Social media campaigns and online platforms can be utilized to raise awareness about violence, provide information and resources and connect survivors with support services.
Online reporting mechanisms can facilitate the reporting of incidents and ensure a swift response from authorities. Additionally, efforts should be made to train and equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary skills and resources to investigate digital abuse and harassment.
In this resolute quest to eradicate violence against women, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses the social, cultural, legal and economic factors that contribute to this issue is needed. By engaging communities, promoting education, implementing legal reforms, strengthening support systems, and involving men in the fight against violence, we can make significant progress in eliminating violence against women. It is an ongoing battle that requires continuous efforts and collaboration across all sectors of society. Together, we can create a world where every woman can live free from violence.