Rulers of Sindh (pre-muslim invasion)
Women
in Modern Sindh
| In present day Sindh, women are not treated on an equal level with men, this is especially true in rural areas. This was not always the case. In Mohen-jo-daro, evidence of equality between men and women has been found. In some areas of modern Sindh women and men will work in the same place, and will interact. However, in other areas, if women speak or even look to a male outside the family, her father, brother, or any relatives, will declare she had illicit relations and kill her, and sometimes the other man, to maintain their family’s honor. This tradition is not native to Sindh, it was brought over by the Arabs, and was adopted by Sindh so that native Sindhi’s follow this practice. Sometimes the custom is used as a pretext to obtain certain inheritances or to hurt ones enemies. |
| Domestic violence on women in Sindh has worsened over the years, and women are finding it increasingly difficult to partake in public events or public settings, where they are increasingly harassed. These customs have not changed due to the low status women hold and their lack of political power. |
Sindhi girl |
| In 2005, more than 3000 women were killed from violence. 1457 women
were reported to have been killed from an honor killing, in 110 of
those cases the man associated with the woman was also killed (Halai).
|
| Though some are working to abolish these practices, Pakistan lacks the law enforcement and the will to change anything. Local political parties do not care to make the effort to offer women more political power. Though the Government of Pakistan passed a bill called the Karo Kari Bill, i.e. honor killing bill, it has not been enforced. It seems as though as long as religion is connected to the government, complete reform will not occur. |
