Editorial
As the world grows increasingly frustrated, women are bearing the brunt of this anger, particularly in countries like Pakistan, where gender-based violence and discrimination are rampant. According to UN Women’s 2024 report, one in four nations has seen a backlash against gender rights, with women facing threats, violence, and systemic barriers to justice.
Pakistan’s situation is especially dire. With a staggering 90% of women experiencing violence in their lifetime, the country ranks second to last on the Gender Gap Index, just above Sudan. A 2024 report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) reveals that while 30% of women worldwide face violence, the figure in Pakistan is alarmingly high. Moreover, only a tiny fraction of women seek justice for rape, assault, or harassment due to weak law enforcement and cultural stigma.
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Rape cases in Pakistan are severely underreported, with 5,339 cases recorded in 2024 alone. Given the social taboos around reporting, the actual number is likely much higher. Even when cases are reported, the justice system is largely ineffective, with only 0.5% of rape cases resulting in prosecution. Victims often face social retribution instead of support, and the cultural stigma around reporting these crimes compounds the trauma.
Beyond physical violence, Pakistani women endure daily microaggressions—from disrespectful comments and exclusion in workplaces to outright harassment from men in their lives. Pakistan’s deeply entrenched patriarchal system stifles women’s rights and reinforces gender inequality, reflected in its dismal ranking of 145 out of 146 countries for gender parity.
Without a profound shift in societal attitudes and a commitment to gender equality, Pakistan’s women will continue to struggle for basic rights and dignity.
