Misogyny of Crisis

Pakistan, June 19 -- Deterring men is more important than preventing the enemy. The misogyny embedded within the fabric of war and conflict has revealed the deeper issues we must confront collectively. Recent events, such as the India-Pakistan crisis, have reignited war-related discussions on social media. Still, an alarming aspect often goes unnoticed the jokes and narratives that degrade women, portraying them as weak or objects to be captured. These seemingly harmless comments reveal a troubling sexism that uses difficult times to suppress vulnerable genders, echoing outdated notions of maal-e-ghanimat (war booty).

Despite more than seven decades of independence, Pakistan still grapples with war crimes against women, rooted in societal mindsets that perpetuate violence and objectification. As Fatima Bhutto famously said, "When women are spoken of as territory, the war is already being fought on our bodies." This statement underscores the ongoing struggle where women's bodies and rights become battlegrounds in conflicts be it international or domestic.

Recent tragedies have brought this reality into stark focus. The brutal murder of Sana Yousaf, a young girl who influenced millions through her content, exemplifies how unsafe even urban centres perceived as more secure are for women. Her killing was reportedly a result of her refusal to succumb. Such incidents reveal that if women in the capital are not safe, no woman in Pakistan is truly secure.

The violence of war doesn't end at the border it enters our homes, our offices, our politics, our relationships and even our digital spaces. Unfortunately, policymakers have remained silent, often turning a blind eye to the systemic objectification and violence against women. Election campaigns frequently witness the objectification of women from opposing parties, normalizing misogyny as a political tool.

Women leaders in Pakistan in fighting against misogynist remarks from Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto to Maryam Nawaz have shown resilience, yet many remain targets of misogynist remarks and attitudes. Today, technology introduces new threats AI-generated videos and deepfakes used as tools for defamation and harassment.

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Pakistan ranked 145th out of 146 countries, slipping from 142 the previous year. Despite being an atomic power with deterrent capabilities against external threats, Pakistan cannot seem to prevent internal violence, particularly honour killings and domestic abuse. The National Police Bureau reported that in 2024, at least 405 women fell victim to honour crimes, with domestic violence resulting in 1,641 murders and 3,385 cases of physical assault.

The patriarchal system actively supports narratives that push women down, maintaining a cycle of violence and discrimination. Relying solely on government interventions is insufficient; a collective, individual effort is crucial to challenge and dismantle these deeply rooted mindsets. Addressing gender violence is not only a matter of social justice but also vital for the country's social and economic development.

It is time to break the chains of patriarchy and misogyny that continue to harm women and undermine societal progress. Every individual must stand against gender-based violence, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for a future where women can live with dignity, safety, and equality. Only through collective awareness and action can Pakistan truly move toward a more just and equitable society, otherwise we will keep on counting the numbers of honour killings and victims.