The Challenge of Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan
Pakistan grapples with a complex issue of gender-based violence (GBV), which is deeply rooted in societal norms and structures. According to alarming statistics, around 34% of young women experience physical violence, while 14% face sexual violence in their lifetimes. Unfortunately, many incidents go unreported due to fear of stigma, retaliation, or lack of justice. A report released in 2022 by the International Center of Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Karachi revealed that 59% of cases forwarded by the Sindh Police for forensic DNA analysis involved sexual violence against women, with 8% related to violence against young boys.
The Role of Community-Based Healthcare Providers
Community-based healthcare providers (CBHPs), including midwives, lady health workers (LHWs), and NGO-supported educators, serve as critical frontline responders in the fight against GBV. They possess a unique trust within their communities, often providing a level of accessibility that more formal systems cannot match. By weaving GBV prevention and response strategies into their existing frameworks, CBHPs can create safe, confidential environments where survivors feel assured enough to disclose abuse. Their regular interactions with women allow them to recognize signs of violence, even when not explicitly reported.
Bridging Gaps in Support Systems
Survivors of GBV in Pakistan encounter significant barriers in accessing medical care, legal assistance, or psychological support. CBHPs can effectively bridge these gaps by linking survivors to necessary resources. Community educators, like the Sitara Bajis employed by Greenstar, exemplify how grassroots mobilization can challenge detrimental norms. These women actively educate their communities about GBV’s implications and inform survivors of their available legal protections.
Empowering Women to Break Free
Economic dependency plays a crucial role in perpetuating abusive relationships. Women with jobs are significantly less likely to encounter GBV at home. In rural Balochistan, midwives trained by NGOs sell nutritional supplements and sanitary products, allowing them to generate income while enhancing community health.
Engaging Men and Boys in the Conversation
Involving men and boys is vital to effectively addressing GBV. Educational programs aim to enlighten men about the consequences of GBV and challenge traditional power dynamics, nurturance of healthier relationships, and communities. CBHPs can facilitate workshops that include men, especially engaging religious leaders, to discuss the impact of violence on families and the importance of shared accountability in crafting safe environments. Such initiatives are instrumental in dismantling harmful stereotypes and fostering mutual respect in relationships, with these men serving as role models within their communities.
Success Stories from Grassroots Initiatives
Promising outcomes from grassroots efforts can be observed in Pakistan. For instance, a community-led initiative by LHWs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully postponed numerous child marriages, highlighting a significant form of GBV. Additionally, in Karachi’s Orangi Town, Sitara Bajis trained through Greenstar programs have tackled intimate partner violence by conducting health education sessions and referring women to local NGOs. These community-based approaches demonstrate their potential in challenging deeply-rooted practices and gradually altering community perspectives towards greater respect for women’s rights.
Addressing Challenges Faced by CBHPs
While the efficacy of CBHPs in combating GBV is clear, they encounter substantial hurdles, including insufficient training, limited resources, and societal resistance. Integrating GBV training modules into their educational resources can empower CBHPs with the necessary skills and confidence to tackle these issues. It’s equally essential to provide mental health support to these frontline responders, as they often confront trauma in their roles.
Collaboration for Effective Solutions
Collaborative efforts with NGOs, government initiatives, and donor agencies are essential to amplify these endeavors. For instance, the Pakistan Gender-Based Violence Response Framework, established by the government, can recognize CBHPs as crucial participants in strategies for GBV prevention and response.
A Call to Action
As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism, it is vital to acknowledge the transformative potential of CBHPs and male allies in combating GBV in Pakistan. This period of activism should serve as a continuous call to action—not just for 16 days, but as an ongoing commitment until violence against women is no longer a pervasive reality, but rather a distant memory.
