I am @hudamalik20 from Pakistan. How are you all ?. I hope you all are well and doing great in your life .Today I am participating in this SLC22-W5/ GENDER VIOLENCE hosted by the wonderful @anasuleidy. I also invite @tammanna, @josepha, and @ahsansharif to take part in this amazing opportunity. So, let’s get started.
Does your country have a special law to protect women's rights, and what is your opinion about ithis law ?
Yes, in my country Pakistan, there are specific laws created to protect women’s rights and ensure our safety in different areas of life. These laws help us feel more secure and allow us to live with dignity and independence. Let me explain them in detail:
1. Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010):
So this law helps protect us, as women, from physical or verbal harassment while we are working. So that we can focus on our work or studies without fearing unwanted attention or mistreatment.
2. Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (2013):
This law protects us from violence within our families or homes. It’s especially important for women who may face abuse from their spouses or other family members. It gives us a way to report violence and ensures we don’t have to silently tolerate mistreatment.
3. Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act (2011):
Unfortunately, we hear about cases where acid is thrown on women’s faces, ruinn their lives. This law was introduced to punish those involved in such crimes and to protectt from this horrific act. So after nowing that there is a severe penalty for such actions gives us some reassurance.
Do you consider these laws effective, and do they respect the principle of equality before the law?
I think these laws are helpful, but they are not as effective as they should be. The main reason is that their implementation is often weak. For example, even though we have laws against harassment and violence, many cases are not reported because of fear, slow legal processes, orand society pressure . Sometimes, women don’t believe they will get justice, so they don’t even try.
As for equality, I don’t think these laws violate the principle of equality. Women face more challenges and dangers in our society comparred to men. These laws are not about giving womeen more rights but about addressing the specific problems we face.
In my opinion, these laws are a good step, but there’s still a long way to go. More awareness campaigns are needed to ed,ucate women about their rights, and the legal system needs to be faster and more supportive.
Which crimes from the list discussed in class do I consider gender-based violence, and which do I consider common crimes committed against women?
Gender based violence refers to crimes that specifically target women due to their gender. Some examples include:
1. Psychological violence:
This includes emotional abuse, controlling behavior, and harasment that damages a woman’s mental health. For example, belittling someone consttantly or isolating them from their loved ones is psychological violence.
2. Domestic violence:
This is one of the most common forms of gender based violence. Women in own families and in laws often face abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal, from their partners or relatives.
3. Sexual violence:
Crimes like sexual harassment, assault, and rape fall under this category. These acts violate a woman’s body and dignity.
4. Forced prostitution:
Forcing a woman into prostitution against her will is another form of gender based violence, where her body is exploited for financial gain.
5. Forced sterilization:
Making someone incapable of having children without their consent is a severe violation of their rights and body autonomy.
Common Crimes Against Women
There are certain common crimes that women face, such as economic violence, workplace violence, and media violence. These are:
1. Economic Violence:
Economic violence happens when women are denied financial freedom or their rightful share in family assets. For example:
• Like in society women are not given their share in inheritance or family property.
• They are not allowed financial independence or control over their own money.
• This makes it harder for women to live independently and forces them to rely on others.
2. Workplace Violence:
At workplaces, women often face challenges that include:
• Harassment by male colleagues or bosses.
• Being paid less than men for the same work.
• Not being given equal opportunities to grow or succeed.
• Such violence affects our confidence and makes it difficult for uss to work peacefully.
3. Media Violence:
Media violence includes the misuse of social media and technology to harm women. For instance:
• We see news like someone leaking women’s personal videos or photos without their consent.
• Using AI to create fake content involving women.
• Spreading false information to harm their reputation.
• These actions not only hurt women emotionally but also make them afraid to express themselves freely in public or online.
Have I or someone close to me experienced gender-based violence? What was the situation, and did the law favor the victim?
Yes, someone close to me my aunt (my mother's youngest sister) experienced gender based violence a few years ago. She got married, and initially, everything seemed fine. However, her husband beared loss in his business and fell into depression. Instead of seeking help, he started taking out his frustrations on my aunt. He would verbally insult her, blame her for his failures, and even physically abuse her.
Over time, the situation worsened. He often fought, and sold my aunt's gold jewelry without her constant and my aunt became mentally and emotionally drained. Despite this, she stayed in the marriage for years, that maybe it would improve. Eventually, she realized the abuse would never stop, so she decided to leave him. She went to court to file for divorce and gain custody of her child.
The legal process was not easy. It took about a year and a half to finalize everything. However, the laws in our country supported her. She was granted custody of her child and received her legal rights. Now, she works and lives independently, provides for herself and her child.
The legal system in Pakistan can be slow, it does work. The laws are there to help women, especially in cases of domestic violence and child custody.
Case Study 1: Restaurant Incident
This incident is not a feminicide but a homicide (Robbery) committed against a woman. The reason is that the robber didn’t target the woman because she was female. His main motive was robbery, and when she resisted, he killed her. So that robers act was driven by the intention to steal, not gender based violence.
Case Study 2: Domestic Violence
This is a clear case of gender based violence. The man’s behavior was rooted in gender discrimination, where he believed women should be controlled and have no independence. His insults, restrictions, and physical assault are examples of psychological, economic, and physical violence.The law should take strict action against such acts.
Thanks alot for reading ❤️🤗 .
