Femicide is the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. It is a global crisis, but in Sindh, Pakistan, it has taken on a particularly horrifying form. Despite being a region celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, Sindh has become a grim hotspot for gender-based violence. Women are being murdered in the name of ‘honour,’ over domestic disputes, or simply for asserting their rights. These killings are not isolated incidents; they are part of a systemic pattern of violence that underscores the urgent need for societal and legal reform.
The stories of these women are not just statistics; they are harrowing reminders of a society that often values ‘honour’ over human life. Let us examine a few cases that have shaken the world to its core, exposing the deep-rooted misogyny that fuels this silent epidemic.
Qandeel Baloch: A Symbol of Defiance
One of the most high-profile cases of femicide in Pakistan is the murder of Qandeel Baloch, a social media star. Qandeel was strangled to death by her own brother in 2016, all in the name of ‘honour.’ Her crime? Challenging societal norms with her bold online persona. Her murder sparked national and international outrage, but it also revealed the toxic patriarchal mindset that justifies violence against women who dare to assert their independence. Despite the outcry, honour killings continue unabated, with many cases going unreported or unpunished.
Maria Sadaqat: Punished for Rejecting a Proposal
In 2020, Maria Sadaqat, a young woman, was burned to death for rejecting a marriage proposal. She suffered severe burns and later succumbed to injuries. Maria’s case is a stark reminder of how women are often punished for exercising their right to choose. The perpetrator, like so many others, believed that his ego and ‘honour’ were more important than the life of a young girl. Such incidents are not anomalies, they are part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence that plagues the region.
Wazeeran Chachar: Tortured and Dumped
In a chilling case from Jamshoro district, Wazeeran Chachar, a 24-year-old woman, was found dumped on the side of the Indus Highway. Her brother claimed that he had seen the suspects striking her with sticks, hammers, and stones. The post-mortem report confirmed that she had been brutally tortured and suffered severe head injuries. Wazeeran’s story is a grim testament to the extreme violence women face, often at the hands of those closest to them.
Quratulain Baloch: A Mother Beaten to Death
Quratulain Baloch, a mother of two from Hyderabad, was beaten to death by her husband in front of her children. Her crime? Standing up to domestic abuse. This case exposes the horrifying reality of how women in Sindh are often trapped in violent marriages, with little to no legal or social support. Quratulain’s death is a tragic reminder of the systemic failures that leave women vulnerable to abuse.
Syeda Sobia Shah: Axed for Demanding Divorce
In a recent and shocking case from Naushehro Feroze, Syeda Sobia Shah was attacked by her father and uncles with an axe for demanding a divorce from her abusive husband. The attackers broke into her home while the family slept, seeking her out to sever her limbs. Sobia survived, but her story highlights the extreme risks women face when they attempt to escape abusive relationships. Her case gained attention only because it was reported in the media, but countless similar stories remain hidden.
The Root Causes of Femicide
These cases are not isolated incidents, they are symptoms of a larger societal problem. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of femicide in Sindh:
Patriarchal Norms: Deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes view a woman as property rather than an individual with rights. This mindset justifies violence against women who are perceived as disobedient or dishonourable.
Weak Legal Imlementation: While Pakistan has laws against honour killings, domestic violence, and acid attacks, enforcement of these laws is often lax. Perpetrators frequently escape punishment due to corruption, lack of evidence, or societal pressure.
Lack of Education and Awareness: Low literacy rates, particularly among women, contribute to the perpetuation of harmful gender norms. Many women are unaware of their rights or lack the resources to seek help.
Economic Dependence: Women in Sindh are often economically dependent on their male relatives, making it difficult for them to leave abusive situations or seek justice.
Cultural Justifications: Practices such as ‘karo-kari’ (honour killings) are often justified under the guise of tradition or culture, making it difficult to challenge these norms.
Femicide in Sindh is not just a women’s issue – it is a human rights crisis that demands immediate attention. The cases of Qandeel Baloch, Maria Sadaqat, Wazeeran Chachar, Quratulain Baloch, and Syeda Sobia Shah are just a few examples of the countless women who have lost their lives – or nearly lost them to gender-based violence. While the situation is dire, it is not hopeless. With concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and the international community, it is possible to create a safer and more equitable society for women in Sindh.
The time to act is now before more lives are lost to this silent epidemic.
Femicide In Sindh: A Silent Epidemic Demanding Urgent Action
Femicide is the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. It is a global crisis, but in Sindh, Pakistan, it has taken on a particularly horrifying form. Despite being a region celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, Sindh has become a grim hotspot for gender-based violence. Women are being murdered in the name of ‘honour,’ over domestic disputes, or simply for asserting their rights. These killings are not isolated incidents; they are part of a systemic pattern of violence that underscores the urgent need for societal and legal reform.
The stories of these women are not just statistics; they are harrowing reminders of a society that often values ‘honour’ over human life. Let us examine a few cases that have shaken the world to its core, exposing the deep-rooted misogyny that fuels this silent epidemic.
Qandeel Baloch: A Symbol of Defiance
One of the most high-profile cases of femicide in Pakistan is the murder of Qandeel Baloch, a social media star. Qandeel was strangled to death by her own brother in 2016, all in the name of ‘honour.’ Her crime? Challenging societal norms with her bold online persona. Her murder sparked national and international outrage, but it also revealed the toxic patriarchal mindset that justifies violence against women who dare to assert their independence. Despite the outcry, honour killings continue unabated, with many cases going unreported or unpunished.
Maria Sadaqat: Punished for Rejecting a Proposal
In 2020, Maria Sadaqat, a young woman, was burned to death for rejecting a marriage proposal. She suffered severe burns and later succumbed to injuries. Maria’s case is a stark reminder of how women are often punished for exercising their right to choose. The perpetrator, like so many others, believed that his ego and ‘honour’ were more important than the life of a young girl. Such incidents are not anomalies, they are part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence that plagues the region.
Wazeeran Chachar: Tortured and Dumped
In a chilling case from Jamshoro district, Wazeeran Chachar, a 24-year-old woman, was found dumped on the side of the Indus Highway. Her brother claimed that he had seen the suspects striking her with sticks, hammers, and stones. The post-mortem report confirmed that she had been brutally tortured and suffered severe head injuries. Wazeeran’s story is a grim testament to the extreme violence women face, often at the hands of those closest to them.
Quratulain Baloch: A Mother Beaten to Death
Quratulain Baloch, a mother of two from Hyderabad, was beaten to death by her husband in front of her children. Her crime? Standing up to domestic abuse. This case exposes the horrifying reality of how women in Sindh are often trapped in violent marriages, with little to no legal or social support. Quratulain’s death is a tragic reminder of the systemic failures that leave women vulnerable to abuse.
Syeda Sobia Shah: Axed for Demanding Divorce
In a recent and shocking case from Naushehro Feroze, Syeda Sobia Shah was attacked by her father and uncles with an axe for demanding a divorce from her abusive husband. The attackers broke into her home while the family slept, seeking her out to sever her limbs. Sobia survived, but her story highlights the extreme risks women face when they attempt to escape abusive relationships. Her case gained attention only because it was reported in the media, but countless similar stories remain hidden.
The Root Causes of Femicide
These cases are not isolated incidents, they are symptoms of a larger societal problem. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of femicide in Sindh:
Patriarchal Norms: Deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes view a woman as property rather than an individual with rights. This mindset justifies violence against women who are perceived as disobedient or dishonourable.
Weak Legal Imlementation: While Pakistan has laws against honour killings, domestic violence, and acid attacks, enforcement of these laws is often lax. Perpetrators frequently escape punishment due to corruption, lack of evidence, or societal pressure.
Lack of Education and Awareness: Low literacy rates, particularly among women, contribute to the perpetuation of harmful gender norms. Many women are unaware of their rights or lack the resources to seek help.
Economic Dependence: Women in Sindh are often economically dependent on their male relatives, making it difficult for them to leave abusive situations or seek justice.
Cultural Justifications: Practices such as ‘karo-kari’ (honour killings) are often justified under the guise of tradition or culture, making it difficult to challenge these norms.
Femicide in Sindh is not just a women’s issue – it is a human rights crisis that demands immediate attention. The cases of Qandeel Baloch, Maria Sadaqat, Wazeeran Chachar, Quratulain Baloch, and Syeda Sobia Shah are just a few examples of the countless women who have lost their lives – or nearly lost them to gender-based violence. While the situation is dire, it is not hopeless. With concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and the international community, it is possible to create a safer and more equitable society for women in Sindh.
The time to act is now before more lives are lost to this silent epidemic.
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