Abstracts
Panel: Gender Justice
Uncommon man identified
Mome Saleem*
Engaging men to promote gender equality is a not an old phenomenon, approach or a way forward to reduce violence against women (VAW). Men’s reluctance to actively participate in reducing gender-based violence is embedded in social and cultural reasons. The often unacceptable condition of females is mostly attributed to the ignorance and patriarchal interpretation of human rights according to legal jurisprudence and religious texts including but not limited to inheritance rights, matrimonial/conjugal rights, freedom of choice and freedom of speech. The prevailing illiteracy among women and limited opportunities to acquire education leaves them in a vulnerable state of ignorance and exploitation at the hands of misguided patriarchal rituals. Albeit Pakistan is a patriarchal society, it is also home to men who advocate and support women’s rights and gender equity. In the quest for women empowerment, the key is behavior change i.e. a change in the mindsets and perceptions that dictate actions.
The question that arises is how can men play an active role to reduce violence against women (VAW)? These exemplary men can be used as an explicit paradigm for communities at large, to join hands to eradicate violence against women (VAW). Not only men but also women at some point reinforce gender antagonism followed by their myths and stereotypes.
Highlighting the affirmative actions of the community is one of the two approaches to achieve an alliance in the struggle for women emancipation. An analysis of these paradigms shows the driving force behind the uncommon man in helping the victim of patriarchal norms. Financial, political and social independence of women and community ownership of violence cases can be achieved through the joint efforts of civil society and the Government. An understanding of the cultural and social set up in conjunction with a view to changing policy is required for positive change to occur.
*Mome Saleem, Research Associate at SDPI, has a masters degree in anthropology from Quaid-e-Azam University. Previously she had been engaged in health related assignments as a consultant. Her research interests include health and gender, gender based violence and social constructions.
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