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Tag(s): Education; Equal; Injustice; Murder; Pakistan; Pakistan; Power; Rights; Terrorism; Violence; (more...) Women; Women Discrimination; Women Health Care Access; Women Voters; World (less...)
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March 3, 2008 at 11:23:19

Can US Play A Role In Saving Women From Violence?

by Fatima Khurshid Page 1 of 1 page(s)

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Women are always subjected to violence everywhere in the world particularly in Pakistan. It is not yet clear who is reponsible for providing safety and justice for women. Can the United States play a role? Conditions for women living in tribal areas where a war against terrorism is being fought, is dismal at best.

The Post in its comment stated that according to data compiled by a local NGO, out of seven categories of violence against women, 901 cases of murder of women in Punjab took place last year. Such highest number of women murder cases is due to an inadequate and discriminatory legal framework for women victims seeking redress of their grievances. It is strange that out of 901 women murder cases, only 657 cases were registered with only 122 accused arrested.

The second most common form of violence against women was kidnapping. About 688 women were kidnapped, out of which only 449 cases were registered and 49 accused arrested. The data also shows that 500 women committed suicide, out of which 263 were married women and 237 single. Nearly 457 women were molested, but only 295 cases were registered. Out of 317 cases of physical torture and harassment, the number of cases reported in the media was 205. Approximately 230 women were physically tortured whereas 87 were sexually harassed and 100 others burnt deliberately over petty issues. Only 47 cases were registered, but three accused were arrested. Out of 74 domestic violence cases, only 36 were registered and 11 accused were arrested.

It is ironic that despite the presence of a law imposing death penalty for those found guilty of committing honour killings and the Women's Protection Act, cases of violence against women have not decreased.

It is the responsibility of the government to do more to eradicate such evil practices. It is also due to the fact that the male-dominated society is not ready to recognise women as equal human beings and grant them human rights and justice. If the government really thinks that merely passing legislation would help change the age-old social, cultural and traditional attitudes, then it is its mistake.

On the other hand, most women have no knowledge about their rights and are quietly suffering their troubled lives. The situation in urban areas is a little better in the sense that due to education, women are more aware of their rights. The condition in the rural areas is opposite and women are treated badly there. There is no proper mechanism whereby women can ask for protection from their attackers. The law enforcement forces discourage women from filing any such cases and sometimes are even involved in torturing and molesting the already battered female victims who dare to raise their voice against any injustice.

The customs like vinni and swara (exchange of women, mostly young girls, to settle disputes) and karo kari (honour killings) are considered a norm. There are tall claims on the part of the government of giving more rights to women, but practically there is no major change. Mere giving 33 percent representation to the womenfolk is assemblies is no solution to this issue. Simple using the women rights issue for political gains is not sufficient to solve it, some practical steps are badly needed for the purpose.

These problems can be addressed properly only if women are encouraged to take up their issues themselves. Political empowerment is not a sufficient condition, but it is the first and utmost necessary condition for obtaining women's rights. A system based on equality and cooperation would lay the foundations for eliminating all forms of exploitation and oppression of women. Without taking some concrete steps towards women's incorporation into the mainstream polity, the very goal of giving Pakistani women their due place in society will remain unfulfilled.
The End

www.voiceforpeace.wordpress.com

I am mother of four children living in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan. I am just supporting the cause of my husband, who is by profession is journalist and is working for peace

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11 comments

A 'senior' world citizen concerned about how badly our shared domicile is being ravaged by imperialists, dominionists, neo-cons and evangelists.
syed mahdiA 'senior' world citizen concerned about how badly our shared domicile is being ravaged by imperialists, dominionists, neo-cons and evangelists.

"Can US Play a Role In Saving Women From Violence?" Fatima K

Fatima, you have made my day for me! The United States playing a role in saving women? And where? In Pakistan? The US is now courting India. The fate of women in India is worse than in Pakistan. Is the US do anything about them? I sincerely advise you to stop dreaming about and putting faith in USA. All good Americans have gone silent. No good is coming from America. Don't believe me? Watch FOX TV and nothing but Fox TV. You will become an American yourself and live in a dream world of Empire.

by syed mahdi (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 125 comments) on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 3:06:32 PM

Student of history, religion, exoteric and esoteric, the Humanities in general and advocate for peace, justice and the unity of humankind, not through force, but through self-realization and mutual respect.
Mac McKinneyStudent of history, religion, exoteric and esoteric, the Humanities in general and advocate for peace, justice and the unity of humankind, not through force, but through self-realization and mutual respect.

Oh Please Save Us Great White Father

The idea of the White House, a nest-bed of Right-wing operatives who have set women back one hundred years in Iraq and Afghanistan, saving women in Pakistan is so ludicrous it makes my head spin. The American Right-wing loves to repress women, and prefers them barefoot and pregnant all the time. On American TV we are seeing video images of out of control police stripping women naked or beating them to a pulp thee days, a sign of the times on what authority thinks about women in the US right now.

by Mac McKinney (42 articles, 69 quicklinks, 164 diaries, 1064 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 8:17:14 AM

Steven Leser specializes in Politics, Science & Health, and Entertainment topics. He has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.

Steven Leser writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but the thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. Mr. Leser is one of t...

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Steven LeserSteven Leser specializes in Politics, Science & Health, and Entertainment topics. He has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.

Steven Leser writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but the thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. Mr. Leser is one of t...

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OK, so, how does your response help the Khurshids?

(queue the jeopardy music)

The Fatima and her husband have been doing us all here the wonderful favor of giving actual on the ground reports of what is going on in some of the tribal areas in Pakistan. I for one am grateful that they are writing here.

At the very least, do you think you could engage her and Mohammed in a real dialogue instead of pontificating?

by Steven Leser (212 articles, 45 quicklinks, 33 diaries, 1391 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 8:47:13 PM

42 year old computer tech from texas
mike42 year old computer tech from texas

why are we the police ?

what makes us the savior of the world. we are supose to save the mexicans from the screwups of their leaders now we are supose to save these women. I say its time for countries to tak responsibillity for their own people. You cant force people to change at the point of a gun. look what happened in america over slavery and that was between country men. If another country had invaded us to stop slavery the south and north would have joined together in heart beat to fight them and then would have gone back to fighting each other when they left. look at the balkans while the USSR was there everthing quiet. when the leave same stuff they have been fighting over starts up agian.

by mike (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 90 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 11:20:44 AM

So what is your suggestion?

????

by Steven Leser (212 articles, 45 quicklinks, 33 diaries, 1391 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 8:49:47 PM

10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,
Gallaher10 year Navy veteran,former Federal employee with various agencies,

Save the women and children first

This sounds archaic. What happened to all the women crying for equal rights? Along with rights come responsibilities. That includes being responsible for yourself and your own protection. The days of women and children first are gone. Men die more often than women in all countries. Go cry over spilled milk.

by Gallaher (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 608 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 4:22:18 PM

OK, so what is your suggestion for them to do that?

How should they be responsible for their own protection?

by Steven Leser (212 articles, 45 quicklinks, 33 diaries, 1391 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 8:51:12 PM

Rob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Rob KallRob Kall is executive editor and publisher of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, inventor . He is also published regularly on the Huffingtonpost.com. He is a frequent Speaker on Politics, Impeachment, The art, science and power of story, heroes and the hero's journey, Positive Psychology, Stress, Biofeedback and a wide range of subjects. He is a campaign consultant specializing in tapping the power of stories for issue positioning, stump speeches and debates. He recently retired as o...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Equal rights for Women in Pakistan?

Hello? Are you kidding. In that part of the world, there's no sexual equality.

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that the chickenhawk cowards in the Whitehouse and congress will do anything.

by Rob Kall (808 articles, 3921 quicklinks, 332 diaries, 1703 comments) on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 10:01:01 PM

Susan Guest retired from Citigroup in 2000. She currently operates a small working farm in Virginia.
Susan GuestSusan Guest retired from Citigroup in 2000. She currently operates a small working farm in Virginia.

Please Keep Writing, There are those of us who care

I am so sorry, Fatima, sorry for the plight of women, largely the world over, and sorry for the horrible comments you received here.

US is Empire whose only concern is in plundering other countries' natural resources to satisfy its gaping consumption maw. If you are subjugated it is easier which is why there is no defense of human rights. If you are distracted by the struggle to eat and stay safe you cannot fight back. That is why Empire keeps you there, and encourages your country'men' to keep you there.

I am sickened and ashamed. Susan

by Susan Guest (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 79 comments) on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 6:27:06 AM

I am mother of four children living in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan. I am just supporting the cause of my husband, who is by profession is journalist and is working for peace
Fatima KhurshidI am mother of four children living in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan. I am just supporting the cause of my husband, who is by profession is journalist and is working for peace

Thank you very much for your comments

To all my dears,
Thank you very much for your kind comments. This is my desire to make this world a better place for my children. The ground reality is that the US is the sole super power, therefore, it has the responsibility to ensure justice to all human beings including women and men. A lot thanks for your comments.

by Fatima Khurshid (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 2 comments) on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 8:27:35 AM

Muhammad Khurshid, a resident of Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border is journalist by profession. He contributes articles and news stories to various online and print newspapers. His subject matter is terrorism. He is also heading Voice For Peace working against terrorism in tribal areas. The aim of the Voice For Peace is restoration of peace in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas and whole world.
Muhammad KhurshidMuhammad Khurshid, a resident of Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border is journalist by profession. He contributes articles and news stories to various online and print newspapers. His subject matter is terrorism. He is also heading Voice For Peace working against terrorism in tribal areas. The aim of the Voice For Peace is restoration of peace in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas and whole world.

Women Are Kind-Hearted

Women are always falling prey to violence and terrorism everywhere. This is my firm belief that this is the responsibility of all us to provide protection to women. Women must be saved from violence and terrorism. Thank you very much for your kind comments and respect for women.

by Muhammad Khurshid (292 articles, 31 quicklinks, 183 diaries, 145 comments) on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 8:32:57 AM