Feminist Perspectives on Physical and Sexual Violence Against Women: Pakistan as a Case Study

Abstract

Extreme forms of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by men against women such as honour-killings, acid-attacks, and rape continue to plague Pakistani society despite countrywide resistance by women’s rights groups, civil society activists, and continued pressure on successive governments to address the menace, and introduce stringent laws into the criminal justice system to check the situation.

As this menace continues unabated, it is pertinent to examine the underlying male mindsets that cause these acts of violence to be committed. This paper presents feminist perspectives on male attitudes and mindsets that instigate male physical and sexual violence against women.

In conclusion, the paper discusses the various activist organizations and measures that have been instrumental in highlighting violence against women in Pakistan, and the need for stringent measures to curtail the menace, and keep checks on the gender-biased law-enforcement system.