Gender equality is a human right | Political Economy

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Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of all persons. It also casts a long shadow over the harsh reality faced by women and girls in Pakistan. The 16 days of activism for the UNiTE campaign against gender-based violence, which coincides with this global observation, shines a much-needed spotlight on the violence that women face both online and offline. This coordination should be more than a symbolic gesture. It should reflect deeply on where we stand, and most importantly, on the long road ahead to end gender-based violence and secure basic human rights for all.

Gender-based violence in Pakistan affects millions of women. Whether in the form of domestic violence, acid attacks, sexual assault, or technology-facilitated violence, GBV is a part of many women’s lives. The numbers are staggering. About 90 percent of harassment complaints received by the Federal Investigation Agency are filed by women. Nearly 70 percent of female students reported being harassed online, with 20 percent considering dropping out of school due to fear and anxiety. The situation for working women is also dire, with 45 percent reporting online abuse, and 15 percent having quit their jobs because of it.

As these statistics show, the harassment women face is not limited to physical spaces. This extends to digital platforms, which were once seen as havens of empowerment and development. With the rise of gender-based violence facilitated by technology, spaces promoting equality and opportunity have become tools of misogyny and control. From cyber stalking and harassment to deep fake pornography, the online world has become a new front in the battle for women’s rights. The CoVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem as more women moved online for work, education and social interaction, exposing them to a new wave of exploitation and abuse.

Pakistan’s legal framework still falls short in addressing this issue. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, which is designed to tackle cybercrimes, lacks clear provisions to deal with TFGBV. Although it includes provisions to protect personal dignity and privacy, the enforcement of these laws is weak, with limited enforcement capacity and an outdated approach to addressing emerging digital threats. The FIA’s cybercrime wing, which is tasked with law enforcement, operates with just 144 officers across the country. It is no wonder that many victims of digital violence feel powerless and refrain from reporting incidents.

The cultural stigma around GBV in Pakistan adds to the challenges. Domestic violence is often seen as a family matter that should be resolved behind closed doors rather than in a courtroom. It is rooted in deeply ingrained abusive attitudes that hold women responsible for the abuse they experience. These attitudes not only make it difficult for survivors to come forward, but also hinder the enforcement of laws designed to protect them.

This is where the 16 days of activity for the UNiTE campaign becomes important. This campaign is not just to raise awareness for a few days. This is a call to action for systemic change. For too long, women’s rights have been relegated to the margins of society’s concerns and women’s experiences of violence have been dismissed as inevitable or unimportant. The truth is that GBV is not an isolated problem. It is a social. It reflects how deeply entrenched gender inequality is in our cultural, legal and political systems. This is the result of outdated laws, weak enforcement and a lack of resources for survivors. This is a sign of how far we are from achieving gender equality.

The cultural norm of violence is rooted in deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes that blame women for their abuse.

It’s time to think unconventionally and break the mold. While legal reforms are necessary, they alone will not be sufficient. We need a cultural change. There is a need to challenge immoral attitudes in society. We need to ask why we tolerate violence against women and why the voices of victims are ignored or silenced. Women are not the problem. The problem lies in the social perception of women. Until we begin to change these endemic perceptions and recognize the full humanity and potential of women, GBV will remain strong.

This change must be led by both the government and civil society. The state should invest more resources in enforcing GBV laws, especially those related to online abuse. For example, the FIA’s cyber crime wing needs to be better equipped and staffed to deal with the growing number of complaints. Additionally, laws should be amended to include more specific provisions on TFGBV, such as cyber-harassment, online stalking and the use of digital platforms to commit abuse.

The government cannot do this alone. Civil society organizations such as UNFPA, Aurat Foundation and Rozan Zameen are working tirelessly on the ground, creating awareness, providing support services and advocating for policy change. These organizations have an important role to play in filling the gap left by the state and should be supported and empowered to continue their work.

The role of IT companies is equally important. Social media platforms and digital service providers should be held accountable for content shared on them. They should adopt gender-sensitive policies and work with local authorities to ensure that harmful content is flagged and removed. Artificial intelligence can play a role here in identifying offensive content before it spreads. It is the responsibility of these companies to create and implement policies that promote safety and inclusion.

Another important aspect of this change is providing accessible support for survivors of GBV. Many women who are victims of abuse are left without adequate psychological, legal or financial support. Strengthening the referral system and making these services more accessible, especially to women in rural and marginalized communities, is essential. More helplines, counseling services and shelters are needed.

We must also ask ourselves how committed we are to ending GBV. Are we ready to invest in systemic reforms that address the cultural and legal roots of GBV?

We have the opportunity to lead the charge for women’s rights and gender equality. Addressing GBV requires a holistic approach. Prevention starts with media and education that challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality. Protection depends on a strong legal framework, effective policies and accessible health services. A coordinated response, including support services across all sectors, ensures that survivors receive the care and justice they deserve. Finally, social engagement through community involvement and economic empowerment creates an environment where women are safe, valued and able to thrive.

The author is a policy analyst and researcher with a Master’s degree in Public Policy from King’s College, London.