Personal Experience
I consider myself both privileged and strong for having the courage to stand firm for my basic rights, and for receiving the unwavering support of my family. But I am deeply aware that this is not the reality for many women in my country.
It is in solidarity with those women who have faced injustice, whose rights have been silenced or stripped away by both society and, heartbreakingly, by their own families and spouses—that I speak today.
My heart aches most for the small, innocent girls, burdened by concerns far beyond their understanding.
Questions that no child should have to ask:
- Why am I not allowed to play outside like my brothers?
- Why must I stop going to school now?
- Why am I not allowed to ride a bicycle?
- Why can’t I wear jeans anymore?
- Why am I suddenly not allowed to play with my male cousins?
And yes this happens. Especially in the rural regions of Pakistan.
These restrictions, this inequality, this discrimination begin painfully early. Little girls are taught to serve while their brothers play. To stay silent, while boys speak freely. To carry the burden of “honor” before they even understand what it means.
And this early injustice often leads to even more devastating realities—where girls are married off soon after hitting puberty. Where families say, “Larkiyan paraei hoti hain.” (women do not belong to their parents house).
But why?
Who made these rules?
Why must we leave behind our identities, our dreams, and even our decisions—to fulfill roles we didn’t choose?
And let’s be clear: for many women, the suffering doesn’t end with marriage—it only begins from there, and deepens. I won’t go into the details, but I will share some statistical data to offer a glimpse into the harsh realities that persist in my society.
This story is powerful, and the data that follows shows that it is far from alone…
“Data”
According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 report, 28% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have experienced sexual violence. 34% of ever-married women have experienced spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence.
According to one study, 35% of women believe that hitting is valid if the wife argues with her husband and a further 22% reported their mothers also endured spousal violence, which results in huge acceptance in society in general.
According to UNICEF, 44% of the total population of the age group of 5-16 are not attending school. In the province of Balochistan, 78% of girls are out of school.
Keeping this in mind, I urge everyone, especially women to extend help, in any capacity possible, to uplift and empower those among us who are most vulnerable. Whether through time, financial resources, or simply listening with compassion, as every act of solidarity matters. Together, we are stronger.