In June 2021, the Pakistani Senate passed the Domestic Violence Bill to protect vulnerable entities from all forms of abuse: physical, verbal, sexual, etc. While one side opposed the bill, flagging ‘disintegration of the family as a reason, another group lauded the bill for being a ray of hope for the victims. Soon, members of the government rushed to have it reviewed by the Islamic Council. War broke out on social media platforms. Keyboard warriors had found another opportunity to carry out heated debates on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The battle had begun.
All whilst this was happening, one video started circulating, and three bone-chilling hashtags started gaining traction on social media.
#JusticeForSaima #JusticeforQuratulain #JusticeforNoor.
Their spouses killed the first two. The last one, heinously beheaded by a family friend. This wasn’t the start. Before this, Usman Mirza’s video was circulating in the news. Usman Mirza’s story is not the first; people were already asking for justice for British-Pakistani Myra Zulfiqar, who was murdered for saying one word that God forbid should come out of a woman’s mouth: “No.”
In such a case, how do we stop our victims from being failed again? Some of the ways are discussed below.
Legal Empowerment against domestic violence and abuse of all kinds
Abuse is not limited to the four walls of the house, as was in some of the cases above. Abuse goes above and beyond. Workplaces can become a breeding ground for such disturbing activities. It is not surprising that only 2% of the workforce knows the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010 (PaHWW Act 2010). As students who are eventually going to step into the workplace, many women will never hear about this in Codes of Conduct. Before starting any job, remember to highlight all the rights that the state has provided. Search the laws and read them up because there is no open discussion around them. Moreover, this shows that more awareness needs to be created around these laws for better legal empowerment of women.
Discussions are not unnecessary debates.
Keyboard warriors. It is so easy to sit behind the screen and direct anger towards it at the same time. However, everyone has something to say. Social media has no barriers to entry; hence everyone comes here to speak their mind. The point here is, they see something, they say something. They might get offended and start arguing with one or two people who oppose them. After that, they shut their phones and go to bed as if nothing ever happened. They make their point, and Ta-Da! They feel that putting their statement on the internet has resulted in them being the victors of the battle.
However, in the heat of winning a battle, we are losing a war. More and more people need to drop the keyboard warrior attitude and gather around a table to discuss viable solutions to the problem. In a time like this, a single citizen’s opinion does not bring change. Rather, a movement that solves the issue at hand could be the way forward.
Laws and execution regarding domestic violence
This is a problem that is not new. Pakistan has the necessary legal framework; however, not many people want to take advantage of it. The only ones who are the ones who are exploiting the loopholes. The courts and relevant institutions need to be strengthened. Also, there needs to be a better punishment to set an example for the other citizens. Laws are in place. However, execution is needed. Additionally, perpetrators wouldn’t be allowed to escape the wrath of the State.
Conclusion
These are the things that happen on a large scale. If you find it difficult to help the women at such a scale, start small. For women, listen and sympathize with all the women around you. You are each other’s greatest strength in these difficult times. For men, you do not need to feel attacked. Instead, ask every woman around you if they are ok. For elders, never let the youngsters get away with their wrongdoings. Don’t let one face the damage while the other gets away. For the authorities, please strengthen your process of accountability. Don’t let their blood go in vain.
