Editorial
On December 10, as the world marks Human Rights Day, Pakistan finds itself grappling with two critical anniversaries: the celebration of universal human rights and the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV). While Human Rights Day is a reminder of our collective duty to protect dignity and freedom for all, it casts a long shadow over the harsh reality faced by women and girls in Pakistan, where GBV remains a pervasive issue.
This day should not be merely symbolic; it must inspire deeper reflection on the long road ahead to eliminate gender-based violence and secure basic human rights for women. In Pakistan, the statistics are staggering: nearly 90% of harassment complaints received by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are from women. Around 70% of female students report online harassment, with 20% considering dropping out due to fear. The situation for working women is equally grim, with 45% reporting online abuse and 15% quitting their jobs because of it. These figures highlight that GBV is not confined to physical spaces but extends into digital platforms, turning once-empowering spaces into new battlegrounds for misogyny.
The rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) has intensified the problem. Cyberstalking, online harassment, and deepfake pornography are becoming common forms of abuse. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this, as more women turned to digital platforms for work and education, making them more vulnerable to exploitation. Despite some legal progress, Pakistan’s legal framework still fails to adequately address the scale of TFGBV. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) lacks specific provisions for addressing online abuse, and the limited capacity of the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, with just 144 officers for a population of 240 million, makes enforcement difficult.
The cultural stigma surrounding GBV, where domestic violence is often viewed as a private family matter, further complicates efforts. Misogynistic attitudes, which hold women accountable for their abuse, prevent survivors from coming forward and hinder the enforcement of protective laws.
Human Rights Day must be a call to action, not just an annual reflection. Legal reforms are necessary, but a cultural shift is equally crucial. Both government and civil society must collaborate to address the root causes of GBV, invest in better law enforcement, and ensure that survivors have access to support and justice. Until we challenge the societal perceptions that perpetuate violence, GBV will remain a persistent reality.
