By: Sadaf Chaudhry
No doubt 8th of March is dedicated to women around the world. On that day world wide the efforts of women are acknowledged by the rigid societies prevailing in the world. They also have a theme each year. Have you all had a look at the theme they designed this year? The theme this year is, "Equal access to education, training, science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women". Is it possible to bring this into life? These things seem out of this world to accomplish.
Throughout the world many events were held to heal the shattered spirits of women and to bring the women related issues in front of the public eye. But it all seemed artificial-a sort of formality. Our news channels also poked into it. Talk shows were telecast in this regard. But as usual no conclusions, no solutions achieved, only misunderstandings and more confusion. And this is because they all are well aware of the real picture. They know the condition of women in our country, far from fair, morally and ethically unjust. Women receive ill treatment not only by men in rural but also in urban areas. One often hears of disturbing and tragic incidents in the news. Such unfortunate victims don’t have a voice as well.
Why dedicate a day exclusively to the observation of the world's women’s rights? To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. But every time the chances like that are worn out.
Let’s have a glance at statistics of the year 2010 which show cases of severe torture and killings that shattered Pakistani society. According to a report by the NGO which published as well, at least 665 women committed suicide, 1672 women were murdered, and 441 faced police torture during the prior year.
Physical torture, abuse, forced abductions; sexual harassment, forced marriages, and other brutal practices are everyday events in the Islamic republic of Pakistan. Women in Pakistan still face daunting hardships in the male-dominated society. Although seemingly every other day the government announces plans to secure the rights of women — it has been of no use. Torture incidents are still the highlight of the media on a regular basis.
But the crimes go on: During the period, 623 cases of beating were reported. Honor killings numbered in the hundreds. Twenty-four women were burned by acid, and one case of stove-burning was reported. Some 1,611 cases of sexual assault were also reported during this time period. The data revealed that 2,309 other minor cases of violence against women were also registered.
So the days like this should be commemorated but with productive and dynamic results. Ignoring and snubbing women has to be stopped otherwise this question will always be there for the societies: who will heal these shattered spirits?
Throughout the world many events were held to heal the shattered spirits of women and to bring the women related issues in front of the public eye. But it all seemed artificial-a sort of formality. Our news channels also poked into it. Talk shows were telecast in this regard. But as usual no conclusions, no solutions achieved, only misunderstandings and more confusion. And this is because they all are well aware of the real picture. They know the condition of women in our country, far from fair, morally and ethically unjust. Women receive ill treatment not only by men in rural but also in urban areas. One often hears of disturbing and tragic incidents in the news. Such unfortunate victims don’t have a voice as well.
Why dedicate a day exclusively to the observation of the world's women’s rights? To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. But every time the chances like that are worn out.
Let’s have a glance at statistics of the year 2010 which show cases of severe torture and killings that shattered Pakistani society. According to a report by the NGO which published as well, at least 665 women committed suicide, 1672 women were murdered, and 441 faced police torture during the prior year.
Physical torture, abuse, forced abductions; sexual harassment, forced marriages, and other brutal practices are everyday events in the Islamic republic of Pakistan. Women in Pakistan still face daunting hardships in the male-dominated society. Although seemingly every other day the government announces plans to secure the rights of women — it has been of no use. Torture incidents are still the highlight of the media on a regular basis.
But the crimes go on: During the period, 623 cases of beating were reported. Honor killings numbered in the hundreds. Twenty-four women were burned by acid, and one case of stove-burning was reported. Some 1,611 cases of sexual assault were also reported during this time period. The data revealed that 2,309 other minor cases of violence against women were also registered.
So the days like this should be commemorated but with productive and dynamic results. Ignoring and snubbing women has to be stopped otherwise this question will always be there for the societies: who will heal these shattered spirits?
Brilliant article by Miss. Sadaf Chaudary. Enlightening the facts by reminding the bona fide statistics and captured the factual image of the issue, whom the majority of today’s women are facing. In fact, some practical job required to be done instead of table talks.
ReplyDeleteAdeel Ahmad
adroshni@yahoo.com
good effort.... ;)
ReplyDelete