In today’s world; modern age, women are ought to be free. Free from stereotypical thoughts, discrimination, oppression and the list goes on. Specifically, this time of the age is meant for women to be in a better position than ever before. Unfortunately, most of them suffer in various aspects of life. Different women of different ages in different regions face different problems due to their gender.
In Pakistan, many women and girls have leveled up their game by stepping outside of their homes to either earn and make a successful career or educate themselves. However, a challenge that follows them while doing so is insecurity. In a place where violence against women in the form of sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, forced marriage and beatings is although highly condemned but not given much of the attention, the fear of insecurity is not a surprise.Sexual assault is known to be the most alarming issue. In some places in Pakistan, the victim is advised to be silent on the matter as it is known to bring shame to the family and cause mental disturbance to the girl. Hence, the cases remain unreported and the offenders roam freely with no questions asked. This, somehow, creates an environment in which the criminals are favored.
Insecurity is the name given to many challenges faced by women in Pakistan. Insecurity is when a women or a girl cannot walk in the streets without men batting an evil eye on them. Almost every girl passing alone is teased by the bothersome whistles or any provoking ‘pick-up’ lines. Insecurity is the horrific act of ‘honor killing’. This problem is usually witnessed in the illiterate households where immoral behavior in the form of alleged martial infidelity, refusal to arranged marriage or being raped may bring lives of the mothers, sisters and daughters in trouble. According to the article by daily Pakistan, recently, a pregnant woman lost her life in honor killing by her brother as she had married the man she loved. Women must feel safe on the streets and in their homes, the must have control over their own bodies. Ending violence against women is not just a moral essential but is it also important for building fair and prosperous societies.The Government of Pakistan have passed several laws for protecting Women’s Right. In 2010, Punjab minister announced that any violence against women would be tried under ‘Anti-terrorism Act’. Recently, PPWAVA was passed which provides legal protection to women against domestic, psychological and sexual violence. This shows that actions against violence are being taken however, the cruelty still exists widely.
To completely banish the brutality, the society needs to step ahead. Youth should be taught to be more tolerant towards change. Rage and frustrations need to be controlled. These are the basic human emotions that cause troublesome behaviors.
Women need to be given the respect and privacy they deserve. Basic rights such as education and own choice in marriage should be given to them. The victimized women should be encouraged and given confidence to speak up against the inhumane reality. They should be served with justice. In case of the perpetrators, the institutions and organizations should implement the laws made. This would warn the entire criminal minds of the society. To ensure more safety for women, every girl should be trained to protect herself in such situations. Defense committee should be set up to teach women to fight for themselves.
Our society can either build itself or completely break down through its actions. Many factors should be taken in consideration that will effect the environment positively. Women are the greatest assets in the world that play many roles that will effect the future generations. Thus, they should be secure and satisfy in their own place.