SUMMARY of the Article “Rising Rape,” Dawn, October 13th, 2024

The article critically examines the rampant issue of rape and sexual violence against women and girls, both globally and in Pakistan, highlighting the significant role misogyny plays in this widespread problem. It references recent UNICEF estimates revealing that over 370 million women and girls experienced rape or sexual violence before turning 18, with the highest numbers in sub-Saharan Africa and *eastern/south-eastern Asia, at 79 million and 75 million, respectively. In Pakistan, sexual abuse is alarmingly common, as evidenced by the **2023 report from the Sustainable Social Development Organisation, which documented **10,201 cases of violence against women* in Punjab alone—though most cases go unreported. The root cause of this violence lies in *patriarchal social systems* that objectify women, but the state’s failure to uphold and enforce protective laws exacerbates the issue. Despite *progressive laws* and international commitments, the state’s inconsistent approach—where it passes pro-women policies but hesitates to fully implement them—allows sexual abuse to rise unchecked. The editorial stresses the urgency of investing in resources to implement laws, cleanse law enforcement of impunity, and ensure due process. It emphasizes that without reforming police practices and prioritizing women’s development, especially through access to *education* and *mental health support*, the scars of sexual violence will continue to plague survivors, leaving them unable to lead productive lives or form healthy relationships. The article concludes by calling on the state to confront patriarchal power directly and enforce the constitutional protections already in place.

Easy/Short SUMMARY:

The article discusses the problem of rape and sexual violence against women and girls, both globally and in Pakistan. UNICEF reports show that millions of women suffer from abuse before the age of 18, with sub-Saharan Africa and Asia having the highest numbers. In Pakistan, a 2023 report shows that over 10,000 cases of violence against women were recorded in Punjab, but many more go unreported. The article criticizes the patriarchal society and the failure of the state to properly implement laws that protect women, despite having progressive policies. It calls for urgent action to improve law enforcement, prioritize women’s safety, and ensure mental health support for survivors.

SOLUTIONS of The Problem:

Improved Law Enforcement and Accountability

Strengthen law enforcement agencies by training officers to handle cases of sexual violence sensitively and impartially. Strict disciplinary actions must be taken against those who show impunity or mishandle cases.

Effective Implementation of Laws

Ensure that the existing progressive laws are fully implemented, and proper resources are allocated for their enforcement. This includes setting up special tribunals for rape cases to guarantee swift justice.

Awareness and Education Campaigns

Launch nationwide awareness campaigns focusing on women’s rights and gender equality, targeting both men and women. Promote early education about consent and respect for women through schools and media.

Access to Legal Aid for Survivors

Provide free legal aid and support to victims of rape and sexual violence, ensuring that they can pursue justice without financial or societal barriers.

Mental Health Support for Survivors

Establish a network of mental health services dedicated to helping survivors cope with trauma. This should include counseling, rehabilitation, and support groups that can help them reintegrate into society.

Establishment of Women-Centric Police Stations

Set up more women-centric police stations with female officers trained to deal with rape cases and protect victims from intimidation or harassment during the reporting process.

Educational Programs for Gender Sensitivity

Incorporate gender sensitivity training in schools, workplaces, and communities to reduce the stigmatization of rape survivors and promote understanding of women’s rights.

Stronger Judicial Reforms

Overhaul the judicial system to speed up the prosecution of rape cases, with mandatory deadlines to avoid delays. Ensure judicial independence and protection from patriarchal pressures.

Strict Penalties for Offenders

Increase the penalties for rape and sexual violence, ensuring that convicted offenders face strict and long-term punishments that serve as a deterrent.

Empowering Women through Education and Employment

Provide greater access to education and employment opportunities for women, empowering them to be more independent and less vulnerable to sexual violence.

IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the Article:

Over 370 million women and girls worldwide experienced sexual violence before the age of 18, according to UNICEF.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of female victims of sexual violence, with 79 million affected.
Eastern and south-eastern Asia ranks second with 75 million female victims.
In Pakistan, 10,201 cases of violence against women were registered in Punjab in 2023, with many cases going unreported.
The article highlights the contradiction between Pakistan’s pro-women laws and its failure to fully implement them.

MCQs from the Article:

1. According to UNICEF estimates, how many women and girls worldwide experienced sexual violence before the age of 18?

A. 250 million
B. 400 million
C. 370 million
D. 500 million

2. Which region has the highest number of female victims of sexual violence?

A. Sub-Saharan Africa
B. Eastern Asia
C. South America
D. Europe

3. How many cases of violence against women were registered in Punjab in 2023 according to the Sustainable Social Development Organisation?

A. 5,000
B. 15,000
C. 10,201
D. 12,500

4. What is one of the main reasons for the rise in sexual abuse in Pakistan as mentioned in the article?

A. Lack of laws
B. Patriarchal social systems and weak law enforcement
C. Economic instability
D. Media glorification

5. What does the article suggest needs urgent reform to combat sexual violence in Pakistan?

A. Increased media coverage
B. More international treaties
C. Stronger law enforcement and judicial accountability
D. Less focus on women’s education

VOCABULARY:

Misogyny (noun) (عورت سے نفرت): Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.
Autonomy (noun) (خود مختاری): Freedom from external control or influence; independence.
Patriarchal (adjective) (پدرانہ): Relating to a system where men hold primary power.
Objectify (verb) (مادّہ بنانا): Treat someone as an object or commodity, rather than as a human being.
Impunity (noun) (سزا سے معافی): Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action.
Ascertain (verb) (پتہ لگانا): To find out for certain; make sure of.
Conducive (adjective) (مناسب): Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
Contradictory (adjective) (متضاد): Mutually opposed or inconsistent.
Scourge (noun) (آفت): A cause of great suffering or trouble.
Constitutional Assurances (phrase) (آئینی یقین دہانی): Guarantees provided by the constitution, particularly regarding rights and protections.
Enforce (verb) (نافذ کرنا): To ensure the implementation of laws or rules.
Commitment (noun) (عزم): A pledge or promise to do something.
Institutional (adjective) (ادارے سے متعلق): Relating to large organizations or the rules governing them.
Objectification (noun) (اشیاءبنانا): Treating a person as a mere object or commodity.
Normalised (adjective) (معمولی): Made to conform to a standard; regularized.
Survivors (noun) (بچنے والے): People who have endured hardships or violence.
Impede (verb) (رکاوٹ ڈالنا): To delay or prevent something by obstructing it.
Pro-women (adjective) (عورتوں کے حق میں): Policies or actions that support or advocate for women’s rights.
Sexual Violence (noun) (جنسی تشدد): Any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion.
Stigmatization (noun) (بدنامی): The action of describing or regarding someone as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.

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dawn.com
Rising rape
Editorial

MISOGYNY is the bane of women’s lives across the globe as it robs them of autonomy over their bodies. This is reflected in the latest Unicef estimates that include global and regional assessments on sexual violence against children; they show that over 370m women and girls endured rape or sexual violence before the age of 18. The highest number of victims live in sub-Saharan Africa that has 79m female sufferers, with eastern and south-eastern Asia a close second with 75m. In Pakistan, sexual abuse is the daily truth of too many women: a report from the Sustainable Social Development Organisation in 2023 revealed that 10,201 cases of violence against women were registered in Punjab alone; most go unreported. Although the scourge owes its prevalence to patriarchal social systems, it is the absence of institutional and judicial commitment which makes matters worse. Has the state abandoned all responsibility to enforce laws that protect women?

Over the years, the Pakistani state has pursued a contradictory relationship with its female citizens. On one end, it formulates progressive policies and laws, commits to pro-women international treaties, and grants constitutional assurances, and on the other, it withdraws these liberties by declining to enact the same laws or shape an environment conducive to women’s rights and safety. As a result, sexual abuse continues to rise, women are objectified and rape is normalised. Investment in protection for women cannot be postponed. Resources and personnel need to be allotted to implement laws, ascertain due process and cleanse law enforcers of impunity. The state should not appear hesitant to confront patriarchal power. For this, women’s development departments and police stations must be prioritised at all cost so that behaviour towards females improves, with increased access to education for girls. Scarred survivors are plagued with mental health issues, making them unproductive and unable to forge wholesome relations.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2024

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