Shahnaz Bhukhari, a woman’s rights activist in Pakistan says, “Women in the region (Af-Pak) suffer the most due to poverty, illiteracy and the near absence of a justice system.” The legal system of Pakistan is something Shahnaz is well-acquainted with. A few years ago, while attempting to help a woman escape an abusive marriage, she was arrested under the Sharia Law for ‘abetting adultery’. Despite a thriving democracy and a growing economy, Pakistan’s neighbour, India, is no better. Women are subjugated and are the worst victims of the economic divide, casteism and illiteracy.
In recent times, the rising incidence of acid violence against women in South Asia has horrified even those who’ve witnessed the worst in the region. Acid - available cheaply and widely - is thrown on the woman with the intention of disfiguring her for the rest of her life. In most instances, in broad daylight while she’s on her way to work or going about her daily routine! These attacks are growing in number and despite the lack of dependable statistics, activists confirm that there’s a definite cause for alarm.
In recent times, the rising incidence of acid violence against women in South Asia has horrified even those who’ve witnessed the worst in the region. Acid, widely available at a cheap price, is thrown on the woman with the intention of disfiguring her. In most instances, in broad daylight while she’s on her way to work or going about her daily routine. The attacks are stereotyped as a form of revenge by spurned lovers or angry husbands but even simple acts that assert her independence can make a woman vulnerable. As Shahanaz says, “The general attitude towards women, the lack of support systems and accountability if she is killed or burnt are the major reasons for these attacks.” Shahnaz knows that her fight for women’s rights in Pakistan is long and hard, but she soldiers on. Recently, she brought Naeema Azar’s case to the world’s notice. Naeema was attacked by her husband when she decided to walk out of an abusive marriage. Today, she relies on her 12-year old son to take care of her. Speaking to New York Times, Shahnaz said, “Look at Naeema, she has lost her eyes, she makes me cry every time she comes in front of me.”
Acid attacks are seen predominantly as a form of gender violence, but it’s claiming new victims. Afroza Anwary, Department of Sociology and Corrections, Minnesota University, has researched Acid Violence extensively and says, “A number of men are also falling victim to these attacks.” Land disputes and personal rivalry in many parts of South Asia usually turn violent; acid attacks are an extension of this violence... (Have comments or want to read the whole thing? Write me a mail)
Asia Scarred
Appeared in the Feb 2009 Issue of UK-based Interactive Magazine - "The View"
The world’s most loved monument in India - the Taj Mahal - was built for a woman. Hindu mythology abounds with stories about the divine female power. Long before America came close to getting its own female President, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh had had their own women Premiers. And yet, women in South Asia face some of the worst oppression in the world.
Shahnaz Bhukhari, a woman’s rights activist in Pakistan says, “Women in the region (Af-Pak) suffer the most due to poverty, illiteracy and the near absence of a justice system.” The legal system of Pakistan is something Shahnaz is well-acquainted with. A few years ago, while attempting to help a woman escape an abusive marriage, she was arrested under the Sharia Law for ‘abetting adultery’. Despite a thriving democracy and a growing economy, Pakistan’s neighbour, India, is no better. Women are subjugated and are the worst victims of the economic divide, casteism and illiteracy.
In recent times, the rising incidence of acid violence against women in South Asia has horrified even those who’ve witnessed the worst in the region. Acid - available cheaply and widely - is thrown on the woman with the intention of disfiguring her for the rest of her life. In most instances, in broad daylight while she’s on her way to work or going about her daily routine! These attacks are growing in number and despite the lack of dependable statistics, activists confirm that there’s a definite cause for alarm.
In recent times, the rising incidence of acid violence against women in South Asia has horrified even those who’ve witnessed the worst in the region. Acid, widely available at a cheap price, is thrown on the woman with the intention of disfiguring her. In most instances, in broad daylight while she’s on her way to work or going about her daily routine. The attacks are stereotyped as a form of revenge by spurned lovers or angry husbands but even simple acts that assert her independence can make a woman vulnerable. As Shahanaz says, “The general attitude towards women, the lack of support systems and accountability if she is killed or burnt are the major reasons for these attacks.” Shahnaz knows that her fight for women’s rights in Pakistan is long and hard, but she soldiers on. Recently, she brought Naeema Azar’s case to the world’s notice. Naeema was attacked by her husband when she decided to walk out of an abusive marriage. Today, she relies on her 12-year old son to take care of her. Speaking to New York Times, Shahnaz said, “Look at Naeema, she has lost her eyes, she makes me cry every time she comes in front of me.”
Acid attacks are seen predominantly as a form of gender violence, but it’s claiming new victims. Afroza Anwary, Department of Sociology and Corrections, Minnesota University, has researched Acid Violence extensively and says, “A number of men are also falling victim to these attacks.” Land disputes and personal rivalry in many parts of South Asia usually turn violent; acid attacks are an extension of this violence... (Have comments or want to read the whole thing? Write me a mail)
Shahnaz Bhukhari, a woman’s rights activist in Pakistan says, “Women in the region (Af-Pak) suffer the most due to poverty, illiteracy and the near absence of a justice system.” The legal system of Pakistan is something Shahnaz is well-acquainted with. A few years ago, while attempting to help a woman escape an abusive marriage, she was arrested under the Sharia Law for ‘abetting adultery’. Despite a thriving democracy and a growing economy, Pakistan’s neighbour, India, is no better. Women are subjugated and are the worst victims of the economic divide, casteism and illiteracy.
In recent times, the rising incidence of acid violence against women in South Asia has horrified even those who’ve witnessed the worst in the region. Acid - available cheaply and widely - is thrown on the woman with the intention of disfiguring her for the rest of her life. In most instances, in broad daylight while she’s on her way to work or going about her daily routine! These attacks are growing in number and despite the lack of dependable statistics, activists confirm that there’s a definite cause for alarm.
In recent times, the rising incidence of acid violence against women in South Asia has horrified even those who’ve witnessed the worst in the region. Acid, widely available at a cheap price, is thrown on the woman with the intention of disfiguring her. In most instances, in broad daylight while she’s on her way to work or going about her daily routine. The attacks are stereotyped as a form of revenge by spurned lovers or angry husbands but even simple acts that assert her independence can make a woman vulnerable. As Shahanaz says, “The general attitude towards women, the lack of support systems and accountability if she is killed or burnt are the major reasons for these attacks.” Shahnaz knows that her fight for women’s rights in Pakistan is long and hard, but she soldiers on. Recently, she brought Naeema Azar’s case to the world’s notice. Naeema was attacked by her husband when she decided to walk out of an abusive marriage. Today, she relies on her 12-year old son to take care of her. Speaking to New York Times, Shahnaz said, “Look at Naeema, she has lost her eyes, she makes me cry every time she comes in front of me.”
Acid attacks are seen predominantly as a form of gender violence, but it’s claiming new victims. Afroza Anwary, Department of Sociology and Corrections, Minnesota University, has researched Acid Violence extensively and says, “A number of men are also falling victim to these attacks.” Land disputes and personal rivalry in many parts of South Asia usually turn violent; acid attacks are an extension of this violence... (Have comments or want to read the whole thing? Write me a mail)
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