MY PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Economic Empowerment is critical in
empowering women socially at domestic level and to
create opportunities for women's success. When women
control their livelihood the whole family benefits.
Studies have shown that when women have their own
income or have control over household income more
money is spent on food and on children's education and
health (Siddiqui). If women can be empowered to earn their own money, then not only will their children benefit but also
it would prevent economic abuse and would allow women to escape abusive relationships easier since they have a source of income. Women do not often have a significant role in politics but through empowerment that could change. In Pakistan a woman can become prime minister, but in general women have been excluded from the main stream of national politics. Constitutionally, no restrictions are placed on women's political participation but their representation in political parties and political institutions at the local, provincial and national levels is
negligible (Siddiqui). If women in Pakistan became more involved in politics, there is a high chance that more equality and less abuse would occur. By having women in positions
of power, they could pass laws and strongly urge for
action against the injustices occurring behind closed
doors. There need to be more laws protecting these women. The United Nations, specifically the Human Rights Council (HRC), could propose a resolution to create and enforce laws
protecting women from domestic violence, acid throwing, and honor killings. Right now, most of the abuse goes unreported and unpunished. The police departments and justice system are a large part of the problem and the corruption must be abolished. Similar laws need to be enforced by the government in Pakistan.

OTHER EFFORTS

SHAHNAZ BOKHARI

Shahnaz Bokhari is the founder of the Progressive Women’s Association (PWA) in Pakistan. She has been helping women victims of social and domestic violence that have been subject to rape, incest, burning by fire or acid, battering, and honor killings since 1986. She has done this out of her own home in Islamabad. In 1999 she converted her family home in Rawalpindi into Pakistan’s first shelter home (Bokhari 31). She has encountered thousands of severe cases of violence and has helped the women recover and fight back in court. Bokhari has dealt with at least 6,750 different burn cases over the years and most likely hundreds more since her interview (Bokhari 31). Her work for victims of domestic violence is often imperative to their survival.

OPPORTUNITY TO WORK

Women that have the opportunity to work say that they see their workplace as a safe place. (Ahsan 1-18). Their employers have helped protect them and support them and have been part of the key to these women's’ survival. (Ahsan 1-18). It is important for women to be able to work not only because it can be a safe place for them, but also because it can give them financial independence instead of relying on their family or husband in order to escape abusive situations.

SPREADING AWARENESS

Right now, most of the abuse goes unreported and unpunished. The police departments and justice system are a large part of the problem and the corruption must be abolished. Laws protecting these women need to be created and enforced by the government in Pakistan. Many women like Salma, Mukhtar, and Assiya (See stories page) are exposing the violence, shame, and dishonor in their society by sharing their stories. Spreading awareness is the simplest solution and anyone can contribute to it. Many women are afraid to stand up against this issue because of their fear of being beaten, killed, raped, or shamed. Since fear is a significant factor that prevents women from speaking up, protecting women in Pakistan will help the issue significantly.