Author: Kulsoom Baloch (Raaji’s)
Feminism or asking for women rights does not exist to hate men nor it is anti-man concept but instead it demands the justice, equality, equal opportunities, all basic needs/ facilities and also demands end of violence against women.
This strong, deep-rooted and rotten patriarchy that cannot identify and accept the reality because of so-called privileged power that is given to the men by society in the name of religion and culture etc. These are the consequences of male dominant society where one woman considers other women their enemies to acquire the recognition of a man, for that they can reach any level of rivalry. Moreover, women are most vulnerable and easy to be targeted no matter from which background they belong, they are answerable to all!
Nevertheless, I stand with women who have been suppressed and oppressed in the name of gender, cultural, moral policing, hypocrisy, patriarchy and also because of inhuman state policies due to which Baloch women have been suffering for demanding rights to live.
I wonder why and till when women are blamed for everything? The new burning issue of Uzma Khan is the example, though she’s an empowered woman but answerable infront of other powerful woman to justify her relation!
Why are you asking a woman about her relationship but not your man, why are you blaming woman over ruining your married life, why are you asking woman about her sexual life why are not you asking man, why she should be shamed but not your man, why man has authority to decide with whom he will be in relationship but woman cannot and if she dare, she will be punished.
Uzma Khan was blackmailed, harassed, beaten and her personal and professional life were ruined just because she was in relationship with a married man Usman Khan, who had been cheating his wife from past two years. However, according to Usman’s wife Uzma Khan is responsible for destroying her life not her husband he has nothing to do with anyone! Apart from one gender blaming culture in Pakistan you can easily show off your power by using the name of any state institutions like Usman’s wife said to Uzma Khan “I will call ISI to kidnap you”, I mean now Pakistani institutions have started the job to protect marriage life of powerful privileged families like, Malik Riaz daughter’s? Looks like there are different rules for different people under Pakistan’s constitution, as the marital issues get attention but not Baloch women who have been asking for free trials for their missing family members.
Both Uzma and Usman’ s wife, are empowered women who have access to defence and talk openly over things but unfortunately, majority of women in Pakistan are not privileged nor have support to talk over harassment, rape and blackmailing etc. As some time ago in Turbat one video scandal happened and two Baloch women were beaten and harassed by men. Similarly, last year’s harassment issues of Karachi University, Balochistan University video scandal, the issue of a teenage Baloch girl in Turbat and also there are many rape cases in Balochistan, which are reported nor even victims are allowed to share their ordeal with anyone. This also continues on social media, where activists and women members of Baloch missing persons face harassment.
This week a sad incident happened in Turbat where a woman was killed and her 5-year-old daughter is still in hospital after they were fired upon by dacoits, though the culprits were identified but some are still free۔. This shows the collapse of judicial system in Balochistan.
Women in Balochistan have suffered sometimes in the name of fundamentalist cultural norms and most of the time due to state policies. Baloch women issues are different from the day one and are also ignored deliberately, Baloch Women need a support and continuous social movement and forum to raise and confront these issues bravely without depending on others, this is the time to stand for Baloch women rights, for their support and participation in policy making. But this could only be possible if we come out of our comfort zones and contribute for the betterment of our nation and the Baloch women.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.