“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety”.
Many centuries back, William Shakespeare paid a rich and an equally honest tribute to the fairer creature of our Lord i.e., the woman. In the same vein, this praise holds true not only for present times but for all times to come.
Violence is perhaps the most shameful and appalling human rights violation and it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. Sadly enough, though, this fair creature suffers much despite her tenderness.
She is made a victim of oppression, torture and injustice. The principles of morality and ethics have not been adopted in order to protect women in our society. Consequently, women undergo inhumane treatment due to prevalent ill social customs, traditions, moral degradation etc.
Women are mostly suffering from economic vulnerability. Economic dependence at times puts many a female fall an easy prey to malicious traps set by criminal agents. Domestic oppression is the most common form of injustice against the female gender. A female may be denied the right to get due education or the right to marry a suitable partner according to her liking. Similarly, work pressures, oppressive demands upon a female to perform well in every corner of life can also be put in the category of violence against her.
Honour killing is another of the primary forms of violence existent in our society against our womenfolk. Though primarily prevalent in urban masses, this form of oppression previously went unnoticed. Illiteracy, gender discrimination, religious alienation, stagnant and stale moral values are some of the triggering factors behind this atrocious practice.
Flesh trade is another example of an equally oppressive and shameful practice against women. It exists and flourishes in our society. Many criminal agents with mercenary and untamed sensual motives abuse the fairer gender through this dirty practice.
Marriage issues make up another variety of an oppressive channel against women. Despite social advancements and progress, a woman faces much acridity once she stands for any issue regarding her marriage right or any separation issue.
Khula, property issues, child claim rights and many others lead many a woman to suffer even after being hurt emotionally as well as mentally. When the religious doctrines secure a female’s right to make her decisions regarding her future life, then why should cruel social practices plague her happiness?
The need of the hour is to strengthen religious moral frameworks of our society. In this way, we will not only protect the females but our future generations will also be able to breathe freely and exuberantly in a more comfortable relaxed atmosphere. No form of violence can be justified against her outside any religious or legal framework. Her tenderness if employed correctly can provide nourishing benefit, not only to one individual but to the whole society. For, this is her innate nature to groom and nurture the other beings.
NOOR-UL-AIN
Kinniard College, Lahore
