Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017)

SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES

Journal homepage: http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/

Domestic : Empirical Evidence from Pakistan

Ashraf, S.1, Abrar-ul-haq, M.2* and Ashraf, S.3 1Department of Political Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan 2School of Economics, Finance and Banking, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia 3Department of Commerce, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

ABSTRACT It is a common belief that have limited rights or privileges in a male dominated society. Women fare batter in urban areas and middle and upper sections of society. The condition of women rights in rural areas is very alarming. In fact, women face different kinds of violence such as perpetrated by their family members, domestic including spousal , beating, threat, honour killings, torture, acid attacks and child custody problems. Islam and most international organisations condemn violation of women rights. The feminist movements have started worldwide to protect women rights and gender-based violence. The current research focused on all those violations which women have to face in their domestic live. The case study of Bahawalpur indicates conservative environment and its impact on women rights violations. Descriptive and analytical method of study was used in this study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from the different areas of the district Bahawalpur. Legal and punitive measures cannot succeed unless social customs, norms and societal mentality are changed. Meanwhile, better education facilities, opportunities of employments and proper social and political participation can overcome this issue. Moreover, proper implementation of law and justice after violence is necessary to eliminate this problem in the Pakistani society.

Keywords: Women rights, , education facilities, Pakistan

ARTICLE INFO Article history: Received: 22 September 2016 INTRODUCTION Accepted: 02 February 2017 Violence against women is generally E-mail addresses: [email protected] (Ashraf, S.), practiced in every society and recognised as [email protected] (Abrar-ul-haq, M.), [email protected] (Ashraf, S.) * Corresponding author

ISSN: 0128-7702 © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S. a global concern as 10 out of 70 women are social and economic discriminations (Agnes, hit physically by their partners in their lives. 2004). The constitution of Pakistan and In fact, they experience hostile behaviour different laws prohibit these discriminations starting right from their childhood. They on the bases of gender but often lack proper mostly face depression, poor physical, enforcement by the authorities. The judicial psychological and mental health. The system, property and family laws create consequences of all this have affected their problems and hurdles for women to attain lives and that of their children ultimately the protection of their rights (Abrar-ul-haq, pose a great threat to the well-being of the Jali, & Islam, 2016; Carpenter, 2005). society (Lombard & Mcmillan, 2013). It is Bahawalpur is a division of Punjab a common belief that women in Pakistan with three districts. This division is an have limited rights or privileges in the underdeveloped and backward area. The male dominated society. Although women reason behind choosing this division as a fare better in urban areas and middle and case study is that the women of Bahawalpur upper sections of society, the condition are facing multiple forms of threats in of violation in rural areas is very critical their domestic lives. Identification of the and alarming. Seventy-five percent of multiplicity of forms of violence against Pakistani female population are living in women suggests the universality of the the rural and tribal areas (Wikan, 2009). problem (Faridi, 2010). The biased mentality Pakistani women remain structurally of people reflects their cultural and social disadvantaged and are considered as second differences against women. The kinds of class citizens. In the southern Punjab, in violence against women are battering, , particular, women victims confront social incest, suttee, , , and cultural discriminations. Factors behind death, selective meal nourishment, this discrimination including poverty, low emotional abuse, bride burning and child social and economic status of women (Ramanamma, 2005). in different social traditional norms and family rules hinder them to go for jobs Problem Statement (Shahid, 2004). Most existing literatures For many decades, women have been have attempted to highlight the violations facing problems in their domestic and social of women rights and urged to address the lives. They are treated as inferior and less issues. Islam provides protection for women wise creatures of the world. Meanwhile, in every field of life (Faridi, 2010). their basic rights can be marginalised by Pakistan is considered as the third most everyone in society. However, since the dangerous place for women in the world. The previous decade, the status of women in status of women varies from class to class, their society, and even the mentality and educational profile, number of children and judgment of the people, have experienced marital status. Women in Pakistan face legal, a transformation. Moreover, this research

1402 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Domestic Violence against Women would analyse the representation of women • Women have faced domestic domestic problem in Pakistan, especially in violence like honour killing, the district Bahawalpur. In this connection, burning, educational discrimination the main reasons to choose this issue are and child marriage in Bahawalpur. the day-to-day observation and experiences • The government and civil society, that compelled to breakout voices against as well as women also do not this situation because thousands of cases cooperate due to their social values against women occur in domestic life but and fear of society. only few are registered. Unfortunately, • Islam provides protection to women those registered cases remain unresolved in their domestic lives; however, for many years. this concept is commonly misused There are many reasons behind for not by the male dominated society. registering the cases as most of the women keep in view the honour and fear of society, as well as the so-called reputation of their Literature Review family. Generally, police and judges are Violence and crimes against women are also reluctant to register violation cases a global phenomenon. In order to control involving women and consider them as or mitigate this issue, a lot of measures family matters or problems which can be have been adopted in different countries solved at family level. Therefore, the current and by different international bodies in the research presents the situation of women effort to curtail such heinous acts against facing their domestic lives and highlights women (Mookherjee, 2002; Rondald, 1997; all these violations which make them very Shahnawaz, 2002). The Aurat Foundation pitiful victims. Therefore, the key objectives Reports (2013-14) and the USSD Human of the current research are to highlight Rights Reports (2013-14) indicated that women issues, causes behind these issues women have to face serious problems when and find possible solutions for violations they try to report to the Police as no privacy of women rights. Pakistan is mostly a is provided for First Information Report patriarchal society and women in Pakistan (FIR) and this encourages both parties to have to face many systematic and substantial reconcile and mostly women will return to challenges in their daily lives. Some of these their abusing family members. In addition, challenges are listed below: the unfriendly environment of courts also • Violence against women interferes discourages women to report such abuse with the roles of women in domestic cases. and social lives and that the Phillips and Dustin (2004) explained mentality of people and traditional that forced and child marriages, which values are abominable against mostly involved children at the age of women. 13 to 15, are very common in Pakistani

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1403 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S. societies (Flavia, 1996). Women are also Women’s Rights in Islam discriminated by their family who are not Islam believes on equality, justice and peace. ready to give them inheritance. The recent The Islamic teachings concerning women global movement for women’s rights rights are highlighted in the current research has achieved considerable re-thinking because Pakistan is an Islamic country. regarding their rights since many violations Their freedom and privileges cannot be of women’s rights occur in the private sphere compromised by imposing any unnecessary of family life and are justified by appeals to restrictions whatsoever. The Holy Quran cultural or religious norms. Both families explains: and cultures (including their religious aspects) have come under critical scrutiny (Collins, 2000; Okines, 1998; Wing, 2003).

Translation: “And they (women) have provision of living expenses. It does not rights (over their husbands as regards make men dictators over women and at the living expenses) similar (to those of their same, it time does not provide a license to husbands) over them (as regards obedience mistreat them. To regularise the worldly and respect) to what is reasonable, but men matters is the responsibility of man. Family have a degree (of responsibility) over them” is the basic unit of society and both (Man, (Al-Baqarah 228). Woman) have equal rights in this unit. A Here, superiority means only protection, degree above means that man is responsible covering, ease to each other and the for earning for his family.

Translation: “Indeed in the Messenger that Adam committed the first mistake of of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good eating the forbidden fruit. However, women, example.” (Al-Ahzab-21) according to the Holy Quran, are not to be However, many historians and religious blamed for Adam’s first mistake. Both were scholars try to downgrade the status of jointly wrong in their disobedience to Allah, women by saying that women are inferior both repented and were forgiven (Wing, and they claim that it is because of Eve 2003). The Quran states,

1404 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Domestic Violence against Women

So “he (Shaitan) misled them with deception. The Islamic laws about women’s rights Then, when they tasted of the tree, that give a broader framework that needs to be which was hidden from them of their sham utilised in order to maintain the status of (Private parts) became manifest to them and women in Muslim societies. Islam urges they began to cover themselves with the men to have good behaviour towards their leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their families and . The Holy Prophet shame). And their Lord called out to them (PBUH) behaved very well and politely (saying), Did I not forbid you that tree and with his family. tell you, Verily, Shaitan is an open enemy unto you?” (Al-A’raf 22).

Translation: “Indeed in the Messenger women is essential to accept a marriage of Allah (Muhammad), you have a good proposal, and that the man must promise to example”. (Al-Ahzab-21). give some amount money to the women he Islam does not force women to marry is going to marry and that money is called without their consent. The first consent of Mahr.

“Live with them honorably. If you dislike enter into a Nikkah agreement at reaching them, it may be that you dislike a thing the age of maturity. However, it is not through which Allah brings a great deal of obligatory for every Muslim to marry good”. (An-Nisaa-19). if they are not in a position to fulfil the responsibilities marriages will impose on Islam gives importance to marriage and them. The following verses signify the encourages its followers to marry as per importance of this institution. Allah has said: their choices. The Muslim men should

“And let those who find not the financial These holy verses show that a marriage means for marriage keep themselves chaste, is a serious decision and must be taken at an until Allah enriches them of His bounty”. appropriate time. Islam ensures every kind (Al-Noor 33) of rights to women, but in Pakistan which is an Islamic society, there are great influences

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1405 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S. of traditional, cultural and social norms that men and women. Masculine biasness is the put strict obstructions in the way of women core assumption and concept of the feminist (Lombard & Mcmillan, 2013). A society discipline (Collins, 2000). that denies women of their due rights, and behaves towards them in an undignified and Domestic Violence against Women blameworthy manner can be an example Women are facing a widespread violence of a traditional structure, but should not be around the world because the considerations viewed as Islamic. of their gender alone. Domestic violence can be explained as a pattern of behaviour which Feminism and Women Rights is used by a person to control the other The feminist movement started in the late person for physical violence, threats, sexual, 19th century against the gender based emotional, economic , isolation and violence. The goals of the feminist theory . Violence is a continuum are to highlight, understand and address the ranging often escalating economic, sexual, inequality and encourage the discipline to emotional and physical mostly occur recognise the importance of gender politics and the husband is often the perpetrator (Wing, 2003). The feminist theory highlights (Bahl, 2007). Women mostly suffer due to the discrimination and disadvantage that the social-cultural and traditional norms, women particularly suffer in international their subordinate social status, as well as politics. This discrimination is a result of misinterpretations of religious teaching the lack of access to the political, economic and economic dependence. Unequal power and social activities (Abrar-ul-haq, Jali, & distribution between men and women is Islam, 2016b). In addition, the goal of the accountable for the violence perpetrated feminist theory is to analyse the privileges against women. The cultural customs in certain masculine identities and ways of society are the main obstacles in the way knowing and examining the relationship of women’s socio-economic empowerment within and between masculinity, femininity, (Weiss, 1985). The list of women violence is explained below: Table 1 Types of violation of women’s rights

Physical Violence Stabbing, slapping, kicking, punching, pushing, stabbing or killing Sexual Violence Unwanted touching, , derogatory slurs, harassment, the infliction of pain forced sex and refuse to protect her against sexually transmitted diseases The total control of the finances of the family inheritance rights Spiritual Violence Prevent woman from going to religious places, denigrate religious beliefs or even a religious practice Psychological Threats, harming pets, forcible confinement, damaging property Violence rights, manipulating victim's feelings, criminal harassment and name-calling are all crimes Source: Mirza (2011)

1406 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Domestic Violence against Women

The Constitution of Pakistan provides the one unit, and was included in West Pakistan. women the rights to social justice, economic Its separate status was not provided after the and political rights, equality of status and end of one unit. In recent days, Bahawalpur opportunity to promote their dignity. Some is the most backward and underdeveloped constitutional guarantees for Pakistani area. It is a division of the Punjab province women are explained below: with three districts, namely, Bahawalnagar, Raheem-Yar-Khan and Bahawalpur. It is the Table 2 twelfth largest city of Pakistan. Domestic Major Laws concerning women rights violence is widespread in this area, with

Major Laws Years acid throwing, burning, killing, rape and The Women Distress and Detention 2011 as usual practices (Faridi, Fun (Amendment Act) 2010). The reason to choose this division for The Protection against Harassment of 2010 the case study is that women in Bahawalpur Women at Workplaces Act are facing multiple forms of threats in The Add Control and Add Crime 2010 Prevention Act their domestic lives. The biased mentality The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2010 of people is reflected in their cultural and (Sexual Harassment) social differences against the women. The The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2006 status of women varies from class to class, (Honour Crimes) Amendments in family Court Act for 2002 their social status, educational profile and Khula number of children. Owing to the cultural The Hudood Ordinances 1979 and traditional norms, women do not share Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) 1976 their problems even with their husband and Act family members (Shami, 2001). The Aurat West Pakistan Family Court Act 1964 West Pakistan Rule Under the Muslim 1961 Foundation report below shows violation of Family Laws or ordinance women’s rights in Bahawalpur: The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 The Dissolution of Muslim Marriage 1939 Table 3 Act Cases of violence against women in Bahawalpur Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 (2014) West Pakistan Family Court Rules 1965 The Guardians and Wards Acts 1890 Kinds of Women Rights Violation No. of Cases Qanun-e-shahadat Ordinances (Law of 1884 Evidence) Kidnapping 33 Source: Mirza (2011) Murder 35 Rape 23 5 The Case Study of Bahawalpur Domestic Violence 3 Bahawalpur was a princely state and annexed Acid throwing 3 with Pakistan after its independence. It Bride Burning 2 Aurat Foundation (2014, p. 19) remained as a state and with the creation of

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1407 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S.

Cases of violence against women in Bahawalpur 40 2014

30

20

10

0 Kidnapping Murder Rape Honor killing Kinds of Viola6on Domes6c Violence Acid throwing Bride Burning

Figure 1. Cases of violence against women in Bahawalpur (2013) Figure 1. Cases of Violence against Women in Bahawalpur (2013)

Honour killing victim of rape, seeking a divorce, or refusing

Honour killing is an act in which a male to marry the man chosen by one’s family. Honour killing member of a family kills a female relative Even the suspicion of a transgression may for tarnishing the Hono family’sur killing image.is an act Itin iswhich the a maleresult member in a killing.of a family According kills a female to therelative report for most serious crimetarnishing against the family women.’s image. Most It is the mostof the serious Aurat crime Foundation, against women. a Most man of killedthis acts his of on the basis of a dream he had about of this acts of killingkilling are arejustified justified on the basison the that women bring dishonour and shame to the family. In basis that women bring dishonour and her committing adultery. Women have Pakistan, women are considered as a property of male members and they cannot do anything shame to the family. In Pakistan, women are been killed for ostensibly disrespecting considered as awithout property the permission of male of members the male members their who husbands. are usually Inthe onefather, case, brother, a womanhusband or was in- and they cannotlaws do (Wikan, anything 2009). Honowithoutur killing the has sbeatenocio-cultural to conceptdeath and for killing not of performing women in the name her domestic duties quickly enough. Women permission of theof hono maleur or membersto restore the who family are’s hono ur based on perceived sexual indiscretions is practiced usually the father, brother, husband or in- may also be assaulted physically but not all over Pakistan. Women are accused by family members that they bring shame and dishonour laws (Wikan, 2009). Honour killing has killed. When they attempt to seek help from socio-cultural conceptto their families and killing and women of women are rarely the provided law enforcementwith any opportunity agencies, to prove theythemselves may in the name ofinnocent. honour or to restore the be disbelieved or they may be discredited by the officials who support the prevailing family’s honour based on perceived sexual indiscretions is practiced all over Pakistan. cultural expectations for women. Some Women are accused by family members countries have passed laws that allow lesser penalties for men who kill in the name of that they bring shame and dishonour to their 15 families and women are rarely provided family’s honour. In others, the police may be with any opportunity to prove themselves bribed by the family of the killer to ignore innocent. attempts to report the killing as a murder Women and “girls can be killed due to a (Wikan, 2009). variety of “behaviours, which may include The many cases reported in the recent talking with unrelated male, consensual years in relation to honour killing in Pakistan sexual relations outside marriage, being a indicate a dramatic rise of these cases all over

1408 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Domestic Violence against Women the country. Pakistan is an Islamic country concept of honour killing in Islam (Agnes, and its laws are made according to Islamic 2004). Ignorant people, traditional views teachings. Thus, it is necessary to highlight and ideas, holding outworn or principles the Islamic teachings regarding honour try to prove that honour killing is according killing. The Islamic teachings also clarify to Islam and just, right or reasonable. This, that honour killings occur due to traditional however, is against the true spirit of Islam, customs and Islam totally condemns all which is totally against it. The Quran also illegal killing of innocent people. There is no makes it clear:

Translation; “And do not take life which Allah has made sacred except for a cause (under courts verdict)” (Al-Israel 33). Translation; “And do not take life which as honour killings. They kill women and Allah has made sacred except for a cause then accuse that particular women (wife, (under courts verdict)”In some cases, (Al-Israel are 33). committed forsister other ormotives daughter) and regarded as being as “hono badur killing”. (Amnesty For

example, women demanding for divorce andInternational, bringing smaller 1999). amount of dowry give excuses for In some cases, murders are committed for Honour killing is a murder and the the in-laws and husband to kill. Avoiding provision of proper shares in property is another reason other motives and regarded as “honour person committing it must be punished killing”. For example,to do so and women all these reasonsdemanding have been accordingused to kill women to Islam and term(Lombard these killings & Mcmillan, as honour for divorce andkillings. bringing They kill smaller women andamount then accuse 2013). that particular Islam keeps women every (wife, soulsister inor adaughter) particular as of dowry givebeing excuses bad (Amnesty for the International, in-laws and 1999). position of high regard. Islam does not allow husband to kill. Avoiding provision of people to take the law into their own hands Honour killing is a murder and the person committing it must be punished according to Islam proper shares in property is another reason because this will lead to complete social to do so and all(Lombard these & reasons Mcmillan ,have 2013) . beenIslam keepsdisorder every soul and in lawlessness. a particular position of high regard. used to kill womenIslam does and not term allow these people killings to take the law into their own hands because this will lead to

complete social disorder and lawlessness.

Honor killing in Pakistan (2008-14) 2008 2014 13% 13%

2013 13% 2009 16%

2012 11% 2010 15% 2011 19%

Figure 2. Honor killingFigure (Aurat2. Honor Foundation, Killing (Aurat 2014 Foundation, , p. 77) 2014 , p. 77)

17

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1409 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S.

Bride Burning this inhumane killing of his wife (Lombard Bride burning is yet another form of barbaric & Mcmillan, 2013). and inhuman domestic violence within the Bride burning is not only a violation walls of the home. In bride burning, “it is against women’s rights but it is also a alleged that a husband or the family of the heinous and shocking kind of violence husband the man’s wife with kerosene against humanity. The question arises as to or gasoline oil leading to her death” (Barlas, why they do not poison or shoot them. Most 2002, p. 76). bride burning occurs while she is cooking, This is a great abuse of human rights and the individuals committing this offence violation. Bride burning is usually explained would claim it as fire breakout due to her as a attempt or kitchen accident. own carelessness that burnt her (Caprioli & There are many reasons for committing Boyer, 2001). The failure to give birth to a bride burning, but the main causes include child or to a baby boy could also be a cause the failure to provide enough dowry by the for such burning. Pakistan is an Islamic bride family to the groom. Husbands and country and such practices are part of the in-laws are usually involved in these crimes very fabric of its society. Islam protects every and they believe that bride burning is an soul and everyone’s life is secured according easy technique to get rid of her without any to its teachings, but in practice, Islamic rules evidence as it may be termed as a suicide. are not enforced by the authorities (Bahl, This may provide a chance to receive a 2007). In Pakistan, a great number of such sizeable dowry again through the second cases are reported every year. According to marriage. This shows the greediness of the the Aurat Foundation report, the percentage husband andnumber in-laws of such which cases areurges reported them every to year.of According bride burning to the Auratindicates Foundation figures report, from the 2008 percentage of bride burning indicates figures fromto 2014, 2008 to as 201 follows.4, as follows.

Burning issues in Pakistan (2008-14)

2014 13% 2008 18% 2013 13%

2009 15%

2012 2010 21% 11% 2011 9% Figure 3. Burning issues (Aurat Foundation, 2014, p. 76)

Figure 3. Burning Issues (Aurat Foundation, 2014, p. 76)

1410 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017)

Inheritance Rights

Inheritance means money or property received from ancestors or parents. Legally, the property is

inherited from an ancestor under the laws of inheritance and property right (S W and Suruti

Banergi, 2006). There is a vital role of women Inheritance right to empower them in the field of

socio-political and economic and education but unfortunately women rights to inheritance are

denied usually due to “deep-rooted patriarchal system, biased interpretation of divine directives,

laws of the land and inefficient mechanism for the implementation and enforcement of laws”

(Balchin, 1996).

19

Domestic Violence against Women

Inheritance Rights international human rights to provide and Inheritance means money or property ensure the women’s inheritance rights. received from ancestors or parents. Legally, The de facto and de jure lacunae prevalent the property is inherited from an ancestor policy investigate customary practices and under the laws of inheritance and property provide mechanism for the implementation right (Wal and Banergi, 2001). There is a vital of the law of inheritance in Pakistan (Shahid, role of women Inheritance right to empower 2004, p. 98). them in the field of socio-political and Therefore, it is necessary to provide economic and education but unfortunately equal opportunities in the economic field. women rights to inheritance are denied There is aneed to remove all inequalities usually due to “deep-rooted patriarchal and imbalances against women and socio- system, biased interpretation of divine economic development in all sectors of life. directives, laws of the land and inefficient In Pakistan, however, there is no consistent mechanism for the implementation and mechanism for proper implementation enforcement of laws” (Balchin, 1996). (London, 2004). In Pakistan, the share from father’s property is not given to women and people Educational Discrimination claim that they have provided the share as a Education is the right of every citizen dowry. Both the spouses have share in their without any restriction of race, religion, property but if they do not have a child, colour, , or nationality according to it is not provided and even not claimed. international law, constitution of Pakistan Women also feel hesitant to demand for their and Islam. Women contribute to half of the inheritance right. Nausheen claims that there population in Pakistan and their roles are are very few cases dealing with women’s very important for development of society. property right under the civil law which Islam urges all men and women to acquire have been interpreted by the Supreme Court. knowledge and become knowledgeable. It is the obligation according to the The divine verses have made education perspective of different religious beliefs, compulsory to every woman, as follows: constitutional guarantees and standards of

“Acquisition of knowledge is obligatory on The first verses of Quran put also emphasis all Muslims” (Muslim). on learning. The women basic rights have been suppressed due to the lack of education and low level of awareness by their partners and other family members.

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1411 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S.

“My Lord! Increase me in knowledge” (Ta- Limited opportunities in educational Ha-114). fields, lack of employment facilities and traditional norms are also among the hurdles Education is necessary as it is a religious for the mobility and empowerment of obligation, but in Pakistan, instead of women in Pakistan (Faridi, 2010). However, spending money on education, most parents the cultural prescription of gender roles and save it for dowry. The social prejudice against inadequate number of vocational training female has caused them to neglect their and professional institutions for women can education and parents normally describe the help overcome the problem. education of daughter as having or giving any advantage because after marriage, she Child Marriage will only clean the house and wash the The many reasons behind the child marriages dishes (Clarke , 2005). The mentality of the are: majority of people indicates that they do not educate their daughters because they do not • People sell their daughters to get like to send them outside and work with some money in return. unknown people. That shows education only • Owing to the Watta-Satta norm benefits in seeking job and have no other in which two families barter their purposes, and thus, the education of children children and marry them. usually depends on the mother.

Table 4 The number of crimes against women (2008-2013)

Crime Years Total 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Kidnapping 1784 1987 2236 2089 1607 2026 11729 Murder 1422 1384 1436 1575 1745 1425 8987 Domestic Violence 281 608 486 610 989 498 3471 Suicide 599 683 633 758 575 668 3916 Honour Killing 475 604 557 705 432 487 3260 Pape / 778 928 928 827 822 956 5239 172 274 74 110 58 38 726 Acid Throwing 29 53 38 29 71 42 291 Burning 61 50 38 29 71 42 291 Miscellaneous 1970 1977 1580 1792 1134 1669 10122 Total 7571 8548 8000 8539 7516 7852 48023 Source: Aurat Foundation (2013)

1412 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Pape / Gang Rape 778 928 928 827 822 956 5239

Sexual Assault 172 274 74 110 58 38 726

Acid Throwing 29 53 38 29 71 42 291

Burning 61 50 38 29 71 42 291

Miscellaneous 1970 1977 1580 1792 1134 1669 10122

Total 7571 8548 8000 8539 7516 7852 48023 Domestic Violence against Women Source. Aurat Foundation (2013)

Crime trend against women 2008-2013

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Kidnapping Murder Domes6c Violence Suicide

Honor Killing Pape/ Gang Rape Sexual Assault Acid Throwing

Burning Miscellaneous

Figure 4. CrimeFigure trend 4. againstCrime Trend women, against 2008-2013 Women, (Source:2008-2013 Aurat (Source: Foundation, Aurat Foundation, 2013) 2013)

• In Researchmany parts Methodology of Pakistan, the verses, research articles, books, journals,

SwaraThe currentnorm researchexists inis whichbased on people the primary human source ofrights data whichreports were and collected internet through sources. a give their girls for compensation for The research was conducted by employing random sampling survey of the district Bahawalpur. A total of 200 females were interviewed as a their wrong doings. descriptive and analytical methods. • Thesample parents from different wish cities to ofsee the theirdistrict Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Moreover, the secondary data daughtersfrom various settled sources werein their also used homes to introduce Data and Analysiselaborate this problem, such as the Quranic as early as possible and this is The required data were collected from considered as the wellbeing of their housewives and working women living daughters. in Bahawalpur. The research explains the

• They think that girls will bring status23 of women, violence against women dishonour to their family, so they in their domestic lives and also the types of marry their daughters at the tender violence done against them for being women age (Shahnawaz, 2002). in Pakistan generally, and in Bahawalpur specifically. METHODS DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The current research is based on the primary source of data which were collected through Women form half of the population of a random sampling survey of the district Pakistan and their role are very important Bahawalpur. A total of 200 females were for the development of society, but in interviewed as a sample from different Pakistan the situation of women’s rights cities of the district Bahawalpur, Pakistan. is very critical and alarming. This creates Moreover, the secondary data from various complete lawlessness and disorder in the sources were also used to introduce and society and women cannot participate in elaborate this problem, such as the Quranic the development of Pakistan (Ramanamma,

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1413 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S. Strongly Strongly Disagree (Percentage) 2 13 0 4 45 8 13 0 6 3 Disagree Disagree (Percentage) 5 5 6 5 2 7 9 0 20 5 Neutral Neutral (Percentage) 7 20 6 10 5 5 16 5 12 7 Agree Agree (Percentage) 13 13 0 7 12 12 8 15 13 9 Strongly Agree Strongly Agree (Percentage) 74 63 90 75 41 79 56 80 50 76 Questions Domestic violence against women is because of male dominating society. rights is more critical in rural The condition of women’s areas than the urban society. Mostly violence against women is done by family members and husband. The customs and traditional values of Pakistan are against liberty. women’s The hostile attitude towards women is changing in the day-to-day life. have faced ever any domestic violence of honour Women killing, burning, educational discrimination and child Marriage in Bahawalpur. In Pakistan, the concept of Purda and Izzat is misused. The political and economic stability of women can resolve the violence against women. The school based and national level program should be started for awareness of women rights. The government and NGOs should take immediate actions on this particular issue.

No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Table 5 Table against women Violence

1414 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Domestic Violence against Women

2005). They are suffering many problems relocation, credit support and employment not only at domestic level but are also must be ensured. Medical, judicial and discriminated in political, economic and legal support should be included in new social spheres of life. These psychological, interventional plans with the collaboration physical and sexual violence are mostly of the civil society, political and religious attempted by their own family members leaders and health team and rehabilitation (father, brother, partner). The current centres. The implementation of these study presents the issue of honour killing strategies should be enforced. Though the in which female are killed to restore the overall picture is still bleak and requires so-called family’s honour and they are special attention, there are rays of hope accused of bringing dishonour and shame if the mentality of the society is changed to their family. Women are also murdered in relation to the so-called honour. This inhumanely if they bring low dowry or research is a little effort to help improve neglect any of the in-law’s orders (Agnes, the lives of millions of women who deserve 2004). justice in this regard in Pakistan, especially The study concluded that 90% of the in the Bahawalpur region. women from the Bahawalpur district are facing domestic violence and all these RECOMMENDATIONS violations are made by their own family On the basis of the discussion above, the study members such as husband, brother, father makes the following recommendations: and other male family members. The literacy 1. There is a need to redress the domestic rate of women is very high and no proper violence issue, especially in Bahawalpur. attention has been given to their education. Child marriage is also a very common 2. Honour killing must be addressed and practice in Pakistan, which has brought actions should been in this regard. There about many diseases and large-scale deaths should be laws to prohibit the act of every year. The customs and traditional women compensation resulting from values bind them for any struggle against murder and this law should strictly be violations. Hence, it is necessary to take reinforced. actions all these at the national and local 3. Age limit should be specified for levels to eradicate this violation. marriage and if it is not a suitable age, The research further concludes that marriage should not take place and the the issues of domestic violence must be violator must be punished. highlighted and redressed at the national 4. Better Education facilities should be level through integrative support services. provided for girls. Laws must be made These intervention strategies include by the government that at least 14 years women’s support to restore and rebuild of education must be made necessary their lives after violence, while counselling, for women. Employment opportunities

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1415 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S.

and proper participation in politics can Agnes, F. (1996). Economic rights of women in be overcome this issue. Islamic law. Economic and Political Weekly, 31(41/42), 2832-2838. 5. Dowry is the main reason of violation of women’s rights and actions should Anderson, K. L. (1997). Gender, status, and domestic violence: An integration of feminist and family be taken to restrict unlawful demand of violence approaches. Journal of Marriage and dowry. the Family, 59(3), 655-669.

6. Women have the right to get their share Bahl, M. (2007). Violence on Women by Men. New in their family inheritance. Delhi: Cyber Tech.

7. Proper implementation of laws and Caprioli, M., & Boyer, M. A. (2001). Gender, justice after violence is necessary to violence, and international crisis. Journal of eliminate this problem in the Pakistani Conflict Resolution, 45(4), 503-518. society. Caprioli, M., & Boyer, M. A. (2001). Gender, 8. The NGOs, civil society and women violence, and international crisis. Journal of activists should be assisted with the legal Conflict Resolution, 45(4), 503-518. aid, vocational training and provisions Carpenter, R. C. (2005). Women, children and other for women. vulnerable groups: gender, strategic frames and the protection of civilians as a transnational 9. Awareness programmes should be issue. International Studies Quarterly, 49(2), conducted for both women and men and 295-334. counselling centres must be established Clarke, R. (2005). Eliminating Gender-Based in all regions. Violence,Ensuring Equality. : 10. The rehabilitation centres should be UNIFEM press. made at the district level and every Collins, P. H. (2000). Black Feminism Thought. New woman should be able to access these York: Patricia Hill Collins.

centres easily and at any time. Devetak, R., Burke, A., & George, J. (2011). An introduction to international relations. United REFERENCES Kingdom, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Abrar-ul-haq, M., Jali, M. R. M., & Islam, G. M. N. Ertürk, Y. (2004). Considering the role of men in (2016a). Empowering rural women in Pakistan: gender agenda setting: conceptual and policy empirical evidence from Southern Punjab. issues. Feminist Review, 78(1), 3-21. Quality and Quantity, 51(4), 1777–1787. https:// doi.org/10.1007/s11135-016-0365-7 Faridi, M. Z., & Basit, A. B. (2010). How do workers decide to work? Evidence from district Abrar-ul-haq, M., Jali, R. M., & Islam, G. N. (2016b). Bahawalpur. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, Measuring the Socio-economic Empowerment 30(2), 193-208. of Rural Households in Pakistan. Journal of Governance and Development, 12(1), 107–122.

1416 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) Domestic Violence against Women

Gelles, R. J., & Straus, M. A. (1979). Determinants London, A. S., Scott, E. K., Edin, K., & Hunter, V. of violence in the family: Toward a theoretical (2004). Welfare reform, work-family tradeoffs, integration. Reiss Contemporary Theories about and child well-being. Family Relations, 53(2), the Family. New York: Free Press. Retrieve from 148-158. https://fermat.unh.edu/~mas2/v10r.pdf MacKinnon, C. A. (1983). Feminism, Marxism, Hafeez, S. (1981). The Metropolitan Women in method, and the state: Toward feminist Pakistan: Studies. Karachi: Royal Book jurisprudence. Signs, 8(4), 635-658. Company. McLean, I., & McMillan, A. (2009). The concise Hamid, Y. (1980). Pakistan in Search of Democracy: Oxford dictionary of politics. OUP Oxford. 1947-77. Lahore: Afrasia Publications. Mirza, A. (1972, October). Women’s Role in Heise, L., Ellsberg, M., & Gottmoeller, M. (2002). the Pakistan Movement and the Formative A global overview of gender-based violence. Years. In Paper read in the Soroptomist Club International Journal of Gynecology and Seminar,“Women in Public Life” October (p. 4). Obstetrics, 78(1), 5-14. Mumtaz, F. S. (1961). Two Steps Forward, One Step Jacoby, H. G., & Mansuri, G. (2007). Watta Satta: Back. Lahore: University of the Punjab. Bride exchange and women’s welfare in rural Nadeem, M., Rana, M. S., Lone, A. H., Maqbool, Pakistan. Policy Research Working Paper; No. S., Naz, K., & Akhtar, A. (2011). Teacher’s 4126. World Bank, Washington, DC. Retrieve Competencies and Factors Affecting the from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/ Performance of Female Teachers In Bahawalpur handle/10986/7130 (Southern Punjab) Pakistan. International Jehan, B. N. (1976). Status of Women in Pakistan, Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(19), (Part II). Lahore: unpublished paper. 217-228.

Jhon, R. (1995). International Encyclopedia of social Nation, U. (2011). United Nations System in Pakistan. Eithics. Chicago USA: Fotzrog publisher. : The United Nations System in Pakistan Publication. Kaplan, E. A. (1990). Sex, work and motherhood: The impossible triangle. Journal of Sex Research, Nicolepope. (2011). Honor Killind In The 21st Century. 27(3), 409-425. New York: Adventure Works Pree.

Kazi, S. (1999). Gender inequalities and development Okin, S. M. (1998). Feminism, women’s human rights, in Pakistan: Fifty Years of Pakistan’s Economy. and cultural differences. Hypatia, 13(2), 32-52. Oxford University Press, Karachi. Ondeko, R., & Purdin, S. (2004). Understanding Khan, T. U. (2004). Women’s Rights in Islam. the causes of gender-based violence. Forced Peshawar: National Research and Development Migration Review, 1(19), 30. Foundation. Pasley, K. (Ed.). (2004). Special Issue on Low-income Krantz, G., & Garcia-Moreno, C. (2005). Violence and Working-poor Families. National Council against women. Journal of Epidemiology and on Family Relations. Retrieve from http:// Community Health, 59(10), 818-821. www.workingpoorfamilies.org/wp-content/ uploads/2014/02/WPFP_Low-Income-Working- Lombard, N., & Mcmillan, L. (2013). Domestic Mothers-Report_021214.pdf Violence against Women. England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017) 1417 Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-haq, M. and Ashraf, S.

Qurashi, F. H. (2004). International Law (p.407). Shami, M. A. (2001). Political Empowerment of Lahore: Doger Publisher. Women in Pakistan. Lahore: University of the Punjab press. Qureshi, S. (2013). The emergence/extention of due diligence standard to assess the state response Silver, H. (1993, June). Homework and domestic towards violence against women/domestic work. In Sociological Forum. Kluwer Academic violence. South Asian Studies, 28(1), 55-66. Publishers-Plenum Publishers, 8(2), 181-204.

Ramanamma, M. (2005). Media and Women Srivastava, S. (2009). Encyclopedia of Women development. New Delhi: Anmol publications. and development. New Delhi: commonweath publisherp-99. Reynolds, J. (2005). In the face of conflict: Work-life conflict and desired work hour adjustments. Thomas, D. Q., & Beasley, M. E. (1993). Domestic Journal of Marriage and Family, 67(5), 1313- violence as a human rights issue. Human Rights 1331. Quarterly, 15(1), 36-62.

Rondald, G. E. (1997). Gender and family issue at Wal, S., & Banerji, S. (2001). Encyclopaedia of working place. USA: Russell sage foundation. women as human resource in 21st century and beyond (Vol. 1). Institute for Integrated Roth, R. K. (1995). International Enclopedia of Social Development. Ethic. Chicago: 407. Weiss, A. M. (1985). Women’s position in Pakistan: Shaheed, K. M. (1967). Women of Pakistan: Two Sociocultural effects of Islamization. Asian Steps forward, One Step back? Lahore: Khalid Survey, 25(8), 863-880. Imran Printers. Wikan, U. (2009). In Honor of . Chicago: Shaheen, S., Sial, M. H., & Awan, M. S. (2011). Female University of Chicago press. Labour Force Participation in Pakistan: A case of Punjab. Journal of Social and Development Wing, A. K. (2003). Critical Race Feminism. New Sciences, 2(30), 104-110. York: New York University Press.

Shahid, M. A. (2004). Human Rights (Pakistan Women, U. N. (2005). Eliminating Gender-Based studies). Islamabad: Higher education Violence Ensuring Equality. USA: UNDFW. commission. Worell, J. (Ed.). (2001). Encyclopedia of Women and Shahnawaz, J. (2002). Father and Daughter: A Gender, Two-Volume Set: Sex Similarities and Political Autobiography. New York: Oxford Differences and the Impact of Society on Gender. University Press. United States of America, USA: Academic Press.

1418 Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 25 (3): 1401 - 1418 (2017)