Rape is a heinous crime that inflicts immense physical and psychological suffering on its victims. In Pakistan, this distressing epidemic has become a prevalent and alarming concern, posing a significant threat to women's safety and security. Despite legal and social efforts to combat gender-based violence, the country continues to grapple with a pervasive culture of violence and discrimination against women. The prevalence of rape culture in Pakistan is a significant factor contributing to the epidemic. Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and attitudes perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming and trivialization of sexual violence. The social and legal barriers to reporting rape cases further exacerbate the problem, leaving many victims without recourse or justice. Such an environment emboldens perpetrators and dissuades survivors from speaking out, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity. Socioeconomic disparities also play a crucial role in exacerbating the vulnerability of women to sexual violence. Women from marginalized communities, impoverished backgrounds, and rural areas often face increased risks due to limited access to education, economic opportunities, and legal support. Poverty and lack of resources can lead to increased incidences of sexual exploitation and abuse, with perpetrators taking advantage of vulnerable women. Pakistan faces a staggering rape epidemic, evident from the alarming statistics. Over the period from 2017 to 2021, around 21,900 reported cases of rape involving women were documented, averaging about 12 cases daily or one every two hours across the country. Within a shorter period from May to August 2022, Punjab alone witnessed approximately 350 recorded rape instances. However, it is important to note that these numbers are likely an underrepresentation since many cases go unreported due to social stigma, victim-blaming, and a lack of faith in the justice system. Tragically, women endure rape, abuse, and harassment persistently as the state and society have failed to ensure their safety. Thus, the situation is deeply concerning, demanding urgent and comprehensive action to safeguard the well-being and dignity of women across the country. At various points in their lives, most Pakistani women encounter the inherent double standards deeply rooted in our society. These perplexing and contradictory beliefs place the responsibility for safety solely on women’s shoulders, while simultaneously holding every man in their family accountable for it. They are expected to cover themselves and stay indoors after dark, as if men transform into predators only at night. Yet, if they experience harassment during the day, it is brushed off as an inevitable consequence of being a woman in our culture. It is as though they would not face harassment if they never left the confines of their homes, but the reality is different. Many of them face unwanted male attention even within the so-called safety of their homes. In public spaces, they are blamed for harassment, as if it is their fault for being in a crowded place. They are conditioned to believe that their worth as women lies in being thin and attractive, just to secure 'decent' marriage proposals. However, even if they meet these societal standards, they can also subject them to blame if any harm befalls them. a constant struggle between societal expectations and the consequences they face for meeting or not meeting them. Even something as simple as driving becomes a dilemma for them. Driving alone invites harassment, while driving with men exposes them to the potential blackmail and harassment from police officers who see any interaction with men as suspicious. When they experience harassment, rape, abuse, cheating, abandonment, or bullying, the prevailing attitude is to question what they might have done to deserve such treatment. The idea that no one should ever endure such mistreatment is rarely considered. Society often finds ways to place the blame on them, perpetuating the notion that they must have done something wrong to invite such actions upon themselves. Additionally, the inefficiencies and flaws within the justice system also pose significant challenges in addressing rape cases effectively. Lengthy legal proceedings, corruption, and inadequate victim protection mechanisms discourage survivors from seeking justice through formal channels. In 2020, the United Nations Development Program ranked Pakistan top among the 75 countries with an anti-women bias in courts. Moreover, the lack of sensitivity and training among law enforcement officials and medical professionals further traumatizes victims during the reporting and investigation process. Furthermore, Media coverage of rape cases in Pakistan has a profound impact on public perception and response to the issue. While it can serve as a tool for raising awareness and mobilizing public support, it can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and sensationalize incidents, potentially compromising the privacy and safety of survivors. Media outlets must adopt responsible reporting practices and prioritize the dignity and well- being of survivors. Despite the challenges, there have been significant grassroots efforts and activism to combat the rape epidemic in Pakistan. Women's rights organizations, civil society groups, and individuals are working tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support to survivors, and advocate for policy reforms. These efforts have sparked public conversations about gender-based violence and the urgent need for societal change. To address the distressing epidemic of rape, the Pakistani government must take bold and comprehensive actions. Strengthening the legal framework for sexual violence, ensuring swift and fair trials, and improving victim protection and support services are crucial steps. Additionally, investing in education that promotes gender equality and sensitivity training for law enforcement and judicial personnel can foster a more empathetic and responsive approach to handling rape cases. Eliminating rape culture requires creating an environment where survivors feel empowered to speak out against their attackers. Legislators should prioritize laws that protect survivors rather than favoring rapists. Raising awareness about the importance of not being a bystander is crucial. If you witness any form of sexual assault or inappropriate behavior, it is essential to act. Society needs to reject the harmful practices of slut-shaming and victim-blaming. Challenging traditional notions of masculinity is also necessary in the fight against rape culture. Additionally, media that objectifies women and portrays them as mere sex objects contributes to the problem and should be publicly criticized. Educating children about consent, boundaries, and respect for all genders is vital. For instance, Pakistan could follow the example of the United Kingdom, where sexual assault referral centers provide comprehensive medical, practical, and emotional support. Specially trained medical professionals assist survivors, giving them the choice to report the assault to the police or not. This system ensures victims receive necessary medical attention to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, victims often face harassment and demands for medical reports when reporting assault to the police. Establishing support centers like those in the UK would provide much-needed help and justice to rape victims in Pakistan. Moreover, the rape epidemic in Pakistan is a distressing reality that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts. Ensuring safety for women requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence, challenges societal norms, and strengthens legal and support systems for survivors. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, media, and individuals, to work collaboratively to create a society where women can live free from fear and violence. Only through collective action can Pakistan strive towards becoming a safe and inclusive society for all its citizens.
The writer is a student in the school of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad. She can be reached at [email protected]