Rage and Heartbreak: The Reality of Women’s Safety in Pakistan
I am writing this with tears in my eyes and anger in my heart. Another woman has been brutalized in our country, The rape of a young woman in Islamabad’s F-9 area is not just a shock, but a gut-wrenching reminder of the sheer cruelty and violence that women face every day. This brutal act of violence against a defenseless woman is not just unacceptable, it is downright outrageous and should make us all rightfully furious.
The recent rape of an 18-year-old bus hostess in Punjab’s Vehari district is also a sickening reminder of the injustices and violence that women face in our society. The fact that a bus guard was able to commit such a brutal act with the help of the driver, who not only failed to intervene but actively aided in the assault, is deeply disturbing and shows the systemic problem of perpetuating gender-based violence in our country. Women should never have to live in fear, their bodies and lives seen as mere objects to be used and abused by men. Yet, time and time again, we see news reports of women who have suffered at the hands of their attackers with no justice served.
As a feminist activist, I am beyond exhausted and fed up with the same, tired excuses and justifications being used to defend the indefensible — the ongoing epidemic of violence against women. How much longer must we endure living in a world where women are forever in fear and where their bodies and lives are seen as mere objects to be exploited and abused by men? Women in this country are faced with an ever-present threat of sexual assault, domestic violence, and even the heinous act of honor killings. It’s time for us to face the uncomfortable truth, to acknowledge that these are not just isolated incidents, but persistent and widespread patterns of horrific behaviours prevalent in our society.
We need to take a comprehensive, sustained approach to end gender-based violence. This requires a fundamental change in attitudes and beliefs about gender equality, as well as a strengthening of the legal and justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable and provide support to victims. Education is key in changing attitudes, and the government must invest in programs to educate communities about the importance of gender equality and the harm of gender-based violence.
But most importantly, we must ensure that victims have access to the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This means providing access to shelters, counselling, medical care, and legal assistance. The government must step up and invest in these essential services, as the failure to do so is a failure to protect women and ensure their safety.
It is high time for us to scream out loud and put an end to this insanity. The recent rape incidents in Islamabad and Vehari should be a stark awakening for all of us, to rise as one, to channel our anger and work towards a world where women are not merely safe but are respected and valued. But how many more such devastating acts of violence against women must we endure before real action is taken? How many more innocent lives must be shattered before our voices are finally heard?
