What to
do? The issue of abused and homeless women is one that has recently been
brought to the forefront of social issues in Pakistan. Abuse, most often begins
after marriage. According to local traditions, once a girl’s baraat (wedding
procession) enters the husband’s house, only her janaza (funeral pyre) should
leave. Loyalty and devotion to the husband and his family come above everything
else. When family support is pulled away, the girl is then at the mercy of her
husband. This total control of the girl’s life sometimes leads to her death.
Often times it leads to abuse. The girl cannot return to her father’s house for
fear of dishonoring him and so continues to suffer. In some cases she may chose
to run away therefore igniting her husband’s anger that then is left with no
choice but to pursue and kill her to redeem his honor.
There are very few shelters, which will take in runaway
women. These shelters besides being few in number are also run on a small scale
often equipped to handle visitors for short periods of time. No real
constructive assistance is given to the battered women.
With USD 1 million, I would open a large hostel for
women in need of protection. Inside the compound there will be a polytechnic/
educational institute to provide them an education, guidance and counseling for
their emotional health, law firm to handle legal matters and a nursery primary
school for their children.
Putting the $$$$ to use: Opening a shelter in a major
city is like putting a bandage on a large wound. Most women housed in shelters
are semi-literate if at all and with little or no skills. In order to make them
into productive citizens a polytechnic/ women’s school/college should be opened
inside the compound for security reasons and to avoid transport issues. This
building should also contain guidance and counseling service to look after their
emotional health.
A nursery and primary school should be available for
women who were accompanied by young children.
A law firm, which does not have to be located inside the
compound, be available to take care of their legal matters.
Why would I do it and how do I justify it? Living in a
man’s world is difficult enough for women in Europe and America. Women in
Pakistan face even more discrimination. Women rejected by society are pushed to
the very bottom of the food chain.
With an able body and an active mind, they can
contribute to society and become productive members. Providing a shelter will
meet their basic needs of food, clothing and a roof over their head. Giving
them an education will enable them to become independent and chalk out a future
for themselves. Seeing to their emotional needs will go a long way in making
them into whole people again. If accompanied by a child, looking after the
child will provide them the support they would have received at home. And to
make legal assistance available to them will give them a better sense of
security.
Once a woman decides it is time for her to leave the
shelter, ready to go out to make a life, all aspects should be in proper order
to ensure a successful second chance.
The Obvious escapes many; will you let it
escape you?
Capt.
Obvious
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