66% women experienced sexual violence: survey

Around 66 per cent of total interviewed women of a survey on violence against women said that they experienced sexual violence whereas 93 per cent said that they experienced marital rape.

The research study was conducted Rutgers World Population Foundation (WPF) in Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Jafferabad and Naseerabad to measure the prevalence of domestic violence and perception of men about the issue through Focus Group Discussions. Rutgers WPF is an international organisation working for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights throughout the country. The study will be formally launched at International Women’s Day on March 8 in Quetta.

Findings of the study represents high prevalence of harmful traditional practices in the shape of early marriages, Vanni, Swara, Sang Chatti, Badal, Bazo, Watta Satta and Pait Likaei. Sixty one per cent women covered under the study were children when they got married while more than 77 per cent of the marriages were settled under some kind of customary practices. Shockingly, 63 per cent of injured women never received health care services due to accessibility and permission issues.

In line with the global theme of International Women’s Day, “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women” and on the basis of alarming research findings, Rutgers WPF demanded effective implementation of laws and legislations from responsible authorities for protection of women rights according to international set standards.

Most importantly, the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act 2011 should be enforced by respective governments to reduce the prevalence of customary practices. Child Marriages Restraint Act 1929 needs to be implemented after incorporating required amendments in all provinces to protect young girls from early age marriages which in turn lead to different forms of domestic violence.

Effective steps are also required to implement Convention on Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) with true letter and spirit ensuring elimination of discrimination against women at all levels.

Published by : The News on March 7, 2103