Femicide is a gender-based crime against women. It’s a criminal misogynist act that has no limitations. Moreover, it has taken different forms with time, such as dowry-related femicide, honor killings, intimate femicide and non-intimate femicide across the globe.
The world has seen this issue brought forth quite a bit (especially with the #MeToo movement). Vigorous light was shed on the now-infamous ‘2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case’ of 23-year-old Jyoti Singh. The ‘concrete-encased high school girl murder case’ of 17-year-old Junko Furuta is another such instance found in the darker history of late 80’s Japan. A simple Google search can easily enlighten one about these and many more femicide incidents that have transpired over the years.
Femicide in Pakistan’s context
However, Pakistan’s situation can be seen as bad as compared to the rest of the world. This can be attributed to the culture and traditions present in Pakistan. Furthermore, the recent murder of Quratulain, mother of 4, by the hands of her husband and the fact that it was followed by the rejection of the “Domestic Violence Bill” paints the picture of a culturally imposed, if not state-endorsed patriarchal system. Coming right after this was the latest case that stirred a lot of uproar in the desi community – the case of Noor Mukadam. It was all over the media. These are only some examples of the increased femicide rates in Pakistan.
Effects on people after reading about heinous crimes happening in Pakistan
The aspect of these occurrences being discussed so openly isn’t bad in and of itself. It’s actually ideal to talk about topics that are so prevalent in society. it’s just when one receives continuous exposure to this sort of news that this may become an ordeal. Pakistani women may feel more of the heat of this situation.
Most western governments have established legal frameworks to prevent domestic violence. Yet, the Pakistani government appears to propose the opposite. Therefore, women here may feel rejected by their own country. Moreover, ending up with a sense of hopelessness and dread regarding their rights and protection. The strong resentment and disagreement many Pakistanis show for the “Aurat March” may only further hammer this notion. Moreover, the constant victim-blaming doesn’t help either.
Some viewers may experience trauma just by reading up on these incidents. Consequently, this can cause them great stress, and the build-up of which can lead to them getting more anxious. Furthermore, they might feel sadness or grief (for the victims being highlighted). Their long-term effects can invite depressing thoughts. Such sentiments may influence one to think about or even carry out destructive outcomes like substance abuse or self-harm.
In a nutshell, it does become pretty clear as to why many women in Pakistan may not feel safe. This emotion, alongside the fact that Noor Mukadam’s attacker was linked with a mental health organization, only adds to the stigma already so heavily associated with getting therapy. Alas, said people can become understandably hesitant in visiting a psychologist as well. Hence, putting their mental wellbeing at an even bigger stake.
