Violence against women is a pervasive issue that transcends borders, cultures, and societies. Recognizing the gravity of this human rights violation, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) issued the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1993. This declaration defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

The choice of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was made to honor the Mirabal sisters—three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by the orders of the country’s dictator, Rafael Trujillo.

In December 1993, UNGA adopted resolution 48/104, which solidified the commitment of member nations to eliminate violence against women globally. By February 2000, the UNGA passed resolution 54/134, officially designating November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDVA). This global observance encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to eliminate violence and uphold the rights and dignity of women.

International Legal Frameworks Against Violence

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) has played a pivotal role in protecting women during armed conflicts. India, for example, has ratified the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which prohibits violence against non-combatants, including women. Under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, torture, murder, and ill-treatment of non-combatants are forbidden. Particularly, Geneva Convention IV, Article 27, emphasizes the special protection of women against attacks on their honor, including rape and enforced prostitution.

In regions like Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), where conflicts persist, IHL applies to ensure the safety and rights of women. The violations of these conventions, especially regarding sexual violence, continue to be a significant concern for global human rights organizations.

Global Statistics and Efforts to Address Violence

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 35% of women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. To combat these atrocities, various legal frameworks have been established, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which has become a cornerstone in the international fight against violence against women.

However, despite these laws, the situation remains dire. A report by the Research Society of International Law highlights that in conflict zones like Kashmir, women aged 11 to 60 have been victims of sexual violence, with only a small fraction of perpetrators facing justice. Human Rights Watch has also documented similar findings, underscoring the lack of accountability for such widespread violations.

Pakistan’s Legal and Social Progress

Pakistan has taken substantial strides to address violence against women through legislation and policy. The country has enacted several laws to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety. The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act (2011) and the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act (2011) are among the pivotal laws aimed at reducing violence against women. In addition, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Acts of 2016 target offenses related to rape, honor killings, and other gender-based violence.

Pakistan’s legal framework also guarantees women’s rights through constitutional guarantees and commitments to international standards. For example, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016) tackles cybercrime, including online harassment and exploitation, a growing issue in the digital age. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Vision 2025, supported by the UNFPA, emphasizes women’s empowerment, improving women’s self-worth, access to resources, and the ability to influence social change.

Women’s Empowerment and Representation in Pakistan

Women’s rights in Pakistan have progressed significantly over the years. Pakistani women now make remarkable contributions in various sectors, including politics, education, healthcare, the judiciary, and law enforcement. The Constitution of Pakistan reserves 60 seats for women in the National Assembly, with a current representation of 53 women members. This includes 21 reserved seats for Punjab, 14 for Sindh, 2 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and 4 for Balochistan. Additionally, 12 women hold general seats, and 10 represent non-Muslim constituencies.

Regarding global comparisons, Pakistan ranks third in female parliamentary representation among Muslim countries, with 19% of seats held by women, just behind Mozambique (29%) and Turkmenistan (26%). Among South Asian nations, Pakistan leads, with a higher percentage of women in its National Assembly than countries like India (8.84%), Nepal (6%), Sri Lanka (4.4%), and Bangladesh (2%).

Women have also been crucial in Pakistan’s military since its inception. In 2002, Shahida Malik became the first female Major General in the Pakistan Army. More recently, in 2021, Lieutenant General Nigar Johar made history as the first female general appointed as the Colonel Commandant of the Army Medical Corps.

Pakistan’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions

Pakistani women are also contributing to global peacekeeping efforts. The country has made significant progress in deploying female personnel in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, meeting the UN’s target of 15% female staff officers. In 2011, Deputy Superintendent Shahzadi Gulfam received the UN’s Award for International Female Police. Additionally, a female engagement team was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2019, consisting of 20 female officers from various branches of Pakistan’s armed forces.

Conclusion

The global and national efforts to eliminate violence against women are ongoing. The UN’s declarations and frameworks, along with Pakistan’s legal reforms and international commitments, have made significant strides in advancing women’s rights and reducing violence. However, much work remains to be done. Continued efforts are needed to ensure the protection of women’s rights, hold perpetrators accountable, and create a society where women can live free from violence and fear.