Human rights begin with women

On December 10, as the world commemorates Human Rights Day, Pakistan finds itself at the intersection of two critical anniversaries: the celebration of universal human rights and the ongoing battle against gender-based violence (GBV).

While Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of our collective obligation to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, it also casts a long shadow over the stark reality faced by women and girls in Pakistan. The 10 days of activism for the UNiTE campaign against gender-based violence, which coincides with this global observance, shines a much-needed spotlight on the widespread violence that women continue to face, both online and offline, in this country.

This convergence should be more than a symbolic gesture; it must ignite a deeper reflection on where we stand, and more importantly, on the long road ahead to eradicate gender-based violence and secure fundamental human rights for all.

In Pakistan, gender-based violence is not just an unfortunate reality but a pervasive issue that affects millions of women across the country. Whether in the form of domestic violence, acid attacks, sexual assault, or technology-facilitated violence, GBV has become a normalised part of the lives of many women, particularly in rural and less progressive regions. The numbers are staggering. Nearly 90 per cent of the harassment complaints received by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are filed by women. Around 70 per cent of female students report facing harassment online, with 20 per cent considering leaving school due to fear and anxiety. The situation for working women is just as dire, with 45 per cent reporting online abuse, and 15 per cent quitting their jobs because of it.

As these statistics indicate, the harassment women face is not confined to physical spaces. It extends into digital platforms, which were once seen as havens for empowerment and progress. But with the rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), the very spaces intended to foster equality and opportunity have become tools for misogyny and control. From cyberstalking and harassment to deepfake pornography, the online world has become a new front in the battle for women’s rights. The Covid-19 pandemic only exacerbated this issue, as more women moved online for work, education, and social interaction, making them vulnerable to a new wave of exploitation and abuse.

Pakistan’s legal framework, while evolving, still falls short in addressing the scale of this issue. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016, designed to tackle cybercrimes, lacks explicit provisions for addressing TFGBV. Although it includes clauses for protecting personal dignity and privacy, the implementation of these laws remains weak, with limited enforcement capacity and an outdated approach to dealing with emerging digital threats. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, tasked with enforcing the law, operates with just 144 officers across a country of over 240 million people. With such an inadequate system, it’s no wonder that many victims of digital violence feel powerless and are often deterred from reporting incidents.

The cultural stigma surrounding GBV in Pakistan further compounds the challenges. Domestic violence is often seen as a family matter, one that should be resolved behind closed doors rather than in a courtroom. This cultural normalisation of violence is compounded by deeply entrenched misogynistic attitudes that hold women responsible for the abuse they endure. These attitudes not only make it difficult for survivors to come forward but also hinder the enforcement of the laws that have been put in place to protect them.

It is here that the UNiTE campaign for 16 days of activism becomes crucial. This campaign is not just about raising awareness for a few days; it is a call to action for systemic change.

For too long have women’s rights been relegated to the margins of society’s concerns and women’s experiences of violence have been dismissed as inevitable or unimportant. But the truth is that GBV is not an isolated problem; it is a societal one. It is a reflection of how deeply ingrained gender inequality is in our cultural, legal, and political systems. It is a result of outdated laws, weak enforcement, and the lack of resources for survivors. And, perhaps most tragically, it is a symptom of how far we are from achieving true gender equality.

It’s time to think unconventionally and break the status quo. While legal reforms are essential, their implementation alone will not suffice. We need a cultural shift; there is a need to challenge the archaic misogynistic attitudes that have been ingrained in Pakistani society. We need to ask fundamental questions: why do we continue to tolerate violence against women and why the voices of victims are so often ignored or silenced? Women are not the problem; the problem lies in societal perception vis-a-vis women. Until we begin to shift these indigenous perceptions and recognise the full humanity and potential of women, GBV will remain an entrenched reality.

This shift must be led by both government and civil society. The state must invest more resources into the implementation of GBV laws, especially those related to digital abuse. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, for example, needs to be better equipped and staffed to address the growing number of online complaints.

Laws should also be amended to include more specific provisions on TFGBV, such as cyber harassment, online stalking, and the use of digital platforms to perpetrate abuse. But the government cannot do this alone. Civil society organisations like the UNFPA, Aurat Foundation and Rozan have been tirelessly working on the ground, raising awareness, providing support services, and advocating for policy change. These organisations play a vital role in filling the gaps left by the state and must be supported and empowered to continue their work.

Equally important is the role of IT companies. In Pakistan, social media platforms and digital service providers must be held accountable for the content shared on their platforms. They must adopt gender-sensitive policies and work in tandem with local authorities to ensure that harmful content is flagged and removed. Artificial intelligence can play a role here in identifying abusive content before it spreads, but it is the responsibility of these companies to create and enforce policies that promote safety and inclusion.

Another critical aspect of this change is providing accessible support for GBV survivors. Many women who experience abuse are left without adequate psychological, legal, or financial support. Strengthening the referral systems and making these services more accessible, particularly for women in rural and marginalised communities, is essential. More helplines, counseling services, and shelters are needed to offer a safe haven to those in need.

This December 10, as we mark Human Rights Day and reflect on the progress made in the fight against GBV, we must also ask ourselves difficult questions. Are we truly committed to ending GBV, or are we merely paying lip service to it? Are we prepared to change the way we think about women and violence? Are we ready to invest in systemic reforms that address both the cultural and legal roots of GBV? Only when we can answer these questions honestly will we be able to create a society in which all individuals, regardless of gender, can live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.

As Pakistan stands at this crossroads, the opportunity to lead the charge for women’s rights and gender equality is within our reach. But tackling GBV requires a holistic approach. Prevention starts with media and education that challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality. Protection relies on strong legal frameworks, effective policies, and accessible health services. A coordinated response, including support services across sectors, ensures survivors receive the care and justice they deserve.

Finally, societal engagement through community involvement and economic empowerment creates an environment where women are safe, valued, and able to thrive. Only through these interconnected efforts can we build a future of a more just and equitable society.

The writer is a policy analyst

and researcher with a Master’s degree in public policy from King’s College London.