Sir: As a student, I am concerned to hear some comments about violence against women. Violence is the consequence of gender norms and inequality.
Sometimes men think they are superior and in control. Some people believe that men are strong and powerful. Men often have more power and greater status than women. We observe this in the private and public life; in the home, workplace and community. The causes of violence against women are: gender norms, accepting and sometimes approving violence against women, men controlling decision-making, limits to women’s independence in public and private life, discrimination, experience of and exposure to violence, alcohol and substance use, cultural and religious practices, lack of knowledge of the laws and loss of traditional family and community support system.
Prevention measures range from the implementation of laws promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment and their enjoyment of human rights, increase women’s participation and decision-making power-in the home as well as in public life and politics; and awareness-raising and community gathering of women, through media and social media. I call on the national Government to enact laws with respect to gender equality and support as well as promote legislation concerning the provisions on human rights.
ALIZA SHAFI
Karachi