Honor killing and Women Rights Violation

No one can deny the importance of the Women Rights which are indeed Human Rights, Implementation of Human rights is Prerequisite for development of each and every society. When we look at Pakistan especially Sindh province, women are seen victim of number of Human rights violations e.g. Domestic Violence, Child Marriage Abuse, Hudood Ordinance, Selling of Girls and Women, which common practices in our society.

As compared to all other issues Honor killing stands as major one locally called KARO-KARI (Situation based on presumption that women having illicit sexual relation with some one else other than husband). This cultural abuse has been created and supported by feudal lords. Due to leniency of law over the issue men have got a free hand to kill women just upon a single presumption. The number of fact finding reports disclose that more than 98% women brutally killed are innocents. Many among them were celibates but their brothers, fathers, husbands and uncles killed them due to their wasted interests, especially over the division of property and land etc.

Her father-in-law shaved her hair, on presumption of being KARI.

A large number of women have been killed under this lethal abuse in Sindh province of Pakistan. Only year 2003 has disclosed 549 cases of Honor Killing. Averagely more than 500 cases are reported every year and large numbers of cases remain undisclosed. Rural Women Welfare Organization was the first women based organization at grass roots level which raised her voice against Women Rights Violations and Women Discriminations. For the creation of women friendly environment RWWO works at both Community Level and Policy Level.

At Community Level organization establishes village committees and mobilizes women for seeking their rights, simultaneously hold dialogues to sensitize men in light of contemporary changes. A large number of seminars, workshops and meetings have been organized in this regard.

Her skeptical husband spilt acid, while she was asleep

At Policy Level organizational team has been working since its inception with Provincial and Federal Ministry of women affairs and development, legislatures, Women MPs and Federal Ministry of Law.

We have established a network with like minded NGOs, CBOs and feminist forums in Pakistan. Also there is good collaboration with Journalists and advocates of Sindh province. In result of a long strive, a ray of hope appeared in form of a bill for legislation which provides safe guard to women from Honor killings and other discriminations.