Glasgow [Switzerland], April 5 (ANI): Prominent human rights activist Anila Gulzar, a member of Pakistan’s Christian minority, has raised her voice against the systemic discrimination and violence faced by women in Pakistan, calling for urgent reforms and international awareness.
“Despite legal frameworks designed to protect women’s rights, the reality remains grim,” Anila stated, pointing to a crisis where honour killings, harassment, early marriages, and restricted education are widespread.
⚖️ Systemic Inequality from Birth to Adulthood
- Girls in Pakistan face discrimination from birth, often receiving less access to healthcare, nutrition, and education compared to boys.
- A strong cultural preference for sons continues to limit opportunities for girls, especially in rural areas where early marriage is common.
- Anila noted that Pakistan ranks among the lowest in the world on gender equality, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, with high female school dropout rates due to societal and economic pressures.
🧑💼 Workplace Disparities and Violence
- Only 22% of Pakistani women participate in the workforce.
- Women face wage gaps, harassment, and limited leadership opportunities, especially in media, politics, and law enforcement.
- Sexual harassment and threats remain unaddressed due to systemic bias and lack of enforcement.
🩸 Honour Killings and Gender-Based Violence
- Honor killings remain one of the most severe forms of violence, with an estimated 1,000 women murdered annually, often by family members.
- Anila referenced the 2016 murder of social media icon Qandeel Baloch, which highlighted the legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to go unpunished under “forgiveness” clauses.
- Cases of rape and gang-rape have seen a sharp rise, but survivors often face victim-blaming, legal inaction, and social stigma. Marital rape remains unrecognised under law.
📜 Legal Reforms Exist but Remain Ineffective
- While Pakistan has passed several women-protection laws like the Anti-Rape Ordinance and Protection of Women Act, Anila highlighted weak enforcement, corruption, and misogyny within law enforcement and the judiciary.
- Many victims are pressured to settle cases out of court, often through blood money or under tribal customs, deterring others from coming forward.
👰 Early and Forced Marriages Still Prevalent
- Underage and forced marriages continue, despite legal age restrictions.
- Practices like Vani, where girls are married off to settle family disputes, still persist in rural communities.
🚫 Cultural & Religious Misinterpretations Fuel Suppression
- Misinterpretation of religious teachings is often used to justify discrimination.
- Women advocating for equality are targeted by conservative factions, accused of spreading “Western values.”
✊ A Glimmer of Hope: Women Fight Back
Despite these grim realities, Anila praised the growing momentum of women-led movements like Aurat March, which has brought national attention to gender-based violence and inequality.
“Women in Pakistan continue to fight for justice and equality, despite facing enormous odds,” she said.
With social media empowering women to share their stories and raise awareness, activists, lawyers, and journalists in Pakistan are leading the charge for change. But as Anila emphasized, structural change is essential for meaningful progress.
“The situation of women in Pakistan remains a critical human rights issue,” she concluded. “The world must not look away.” (ANI)
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