Every year on November 25, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, an event dedicated to raising awareness about the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence and the urgent need to combat it. This year’s theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse,” serves as a sobering reminder of the global crisis that continues to claim thousands of lives.
In Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari marked the occasion by reaffirming solidarity with women and girls across the globe who endure violence in various forms. He highlighted the staggering urgency for collective action, noting that the global toll of gender-based violence demands immediate intervention. The situation in third-world countries, including Pakistan and India, underscores systemic failings in addressing violence, implementing laws, and supporting victims.
Gender-based violence manifests in numerous forms: domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriages, honor killings, acid attacks, and workplace harassment. In developing countries, cultural, social, and economic factors exacerbate the problem, making it difficult for women to seek justice.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), more than 2,000 women were killed in honor-related crimes between 2018 and 2022. Data from Sahil, an NGO focused on child protection, revealed that cases of sexual violence against women and children have surged, with over 5,000 reported cases in 2023 alone. Over 1,000 women are killed annually under the guise of “honor,” a practice deeply rooted in cultural norms. Rape cases also paint a grim picture; Punjab Police reported 5,048 rape cases in the province in 2022, yet only a handful led to convictions. Domestic violence is rampant, with around 90% of women in rural Pakistan experiencing some form of abuse, according to the Aurat Foundation. Prosecution rates for gender-based violence are shockingly low, with convictions remaining below 2%, exposing severe flaws in the legal system. Acid attacks are another pervasive form of violence, with Pakistan recording one of the highest rates globally. Over 150 cases are reported annually, though the actual numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting.
Despite the enactment of laws such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act and the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, implementation remains weak. For instance, Pakistan’s conviction rate for gender-based crimes stands at a dismal 2%, with many cases either dismissed due to insufficient evidence or victims being coerced into withdrawing complaints.
India, too, struggles with similar challenges. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 31,000 cases of rape were reported in 2021—equivalent to 86 cases daily. However, these figures represent only a fraction of the violence faced by women, as many incidents go unreported due to societal stigma.
In other third-world countries, the plight of women is equally dire. In Afghanistan, for example, a UN Women report highlighted that over 87% of women experience some form of abuse during their lifetime. Similar patterns are seen in African nations, where domestic violence and harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) persist despite international condemnation.
Addressing violence against women requires a multi-faceted approach. Law enforcement must be strengthened by training police officers in gender-sensitive practices and creating specialized units to handle such cases. Legal frameworks need enhancement to close loopholes, such as provisions that allow perpetrators in honor killing cases to escape punishment through “forgiveness.” Expanding access to shelters, counseling, and medical services is crucial to supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives. Nationwide awareness campaigns are essential to challenging harmful cultural norms and promoting gender equality. Finally, accountability must be increased by monitoring the performance of law enforcement and judicial systems to ensure timely and fair trials for perpetrators.
In India, while laws such as the Domestic Violence Act 2005 and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 have been enacted, implementation is hindered by similar systemic issues, including police apathy, slow trials, and societal taboos.
Third-world countries also face a severe lack of resources to support survivors. Shelters, counseling services, and legal aid are often unavailable or insufficient, leaving victims vulnerable to further violence.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serves as a reminder that violence against women is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal issue that demands global attention and action.
Countries like Pakistan and India must prioritize addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, from eradicating cultural norms that perpetuate abuse to ensuring the effective implementation of laws. For third-world countries grappling with similar challenges, international support, in the form of funding and expertise, can play a pivotal role in creating safer environments for women.
President Zardari’s call for solidarity is a step in the right direction, but words must translate into action. By committing to systemic reforms, raising awareness, and holding perpetrators accountable, nations can pave the way for a future where women live free from fear and violence.
On this day, let us collectively pledge to support the fight against gender-based violence and uphold the dignity and rights of women everywhere. The time for action is now—there can be #NoExcuse.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
