During the last 65 years, experiments have been made apparently in the vast interest of public, either on the basis of doctrine of necessity or the parliamentary, presidential, dictatorial and basic democracy as conceived by the foreign power.
But as a matter of fact, only few groups and individuals prospered through this system and majority of the population remained deprived of basic necessities of life - bread and butter, employment, education, medical facilities, shelter and protection to their lives.
Besides, they were made to fight on the basis of their religion, race, sect language and territory. Corruption, killings, violence, hypocrisy, deception and double standards have become so common in society that doctrine of showing power and its manifestation is being openly propagated by the highest corridors of power and societies established in streets. This very reason has plagued society with violence and terrorism.
The women who are economically, socially and traditionally dependent on males and have fewer opportunities to education, employment and other facilities, become soft target of male's violence. So, they rarely protest against brutality and injustice they are subjected to. On the contrary, they are held responsible for spoiling the reputation and respect of their clan and are considered liable to be condemned and prosecuted.
What other tragedy can happen with this country that her first woman prime minister was assassinated in the broad daylight and the killers are still at large even after the lapse of five years. All the people, especially the women, are suffering from the pains and agony as the elite want them to keep in and the deprived lot can rarely dare to raise voice against injustice and corruption.
When people will exhaust all their energy in earning their bread and butter only, how come they could have any thought as to how their daughters and sisters are living their lives? Preferring vested interests to social issues by the police, courts and political leadership would definitely beget a society wherein mothers are committing suicides along with their children and a large number of them are becoming disabled due to prevalent violence in society. As the ill luck would have it, the women's rights are blatantly violated as they are subjected to physical as well as mental torture.
To curb crimes against women, it is necessary to change the mindset of ruling class and they must be informed about basic human rights. Access to education, health, shelter and food should be made essential for every individual and similarly no protection is possible without financial stability. Media and civil society should actively perform for achievement of the purpose.
Government administration, social organisations, and media should work together to create awareness among the masses about women rights. A joint struggle and change in social attitude are the guarantees for the protection of women rights in society and we should vow to struggle for this on the women day.
The writer is Executive Director Working Women Organisation Lahore
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