Gender-based crimes (GBV) and acts of violence such as rape and honor killing are not a rare occurrence in South Asia. The Bengali nation was left in shock when the news of the rape and murder of a high school girl, Mitu Akhtar, from Netrokona district, Bangladesh broke out in January 2021. This is not the only circumstance, countless examples of gender-based violence have been seen in the last year, significantly increasing the concerns about so-called equality, justice, and respect for women in society.
Along with domestic violence, victim blaming and other discriminatory societal norms as well as pressure around “honor” perpetuates violence, either as a result of rape or perceived dishonor. The intersection of rape culture and honor killing reveals how the patriarchal norms of society control female sexuality, virtue, and mortality.
In South Asian states including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, rape culture and honor killing are deeply rooted in the culture and norms. There are hierarchies based particularly on patriarchal values, religious standards, caste, race, and creed systems. These hierarchies decide the fortune of the women’s bodies, behavior, and lives. Meanwhile, it is thought that the modern system will speak out about female safety, rights, and equality. However, the modern legal system has been failing to protect women in South Asian societies. A large number of rape cases have been reported in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and according to the statistics, one girl reports her rape every 15 minutes in India, the most populated country in South Asia.
Rape Culture and GBV (Gender-Based Violence) as a Societal Norm in South Asia
Rape culture is characterized by signs where sexual violence is considered a norm, trivialized, and excused, most of the time, due to deeply rooted gender inequality. Victim blaming, where rape survivors are held responsible for the abuse and violence they experience, is common among these societies. From Nirbhaya to Maumita’s rape case in India, from a minor girl named Zainab to the gang rape of a mother of 3 in Pakistan, South Asia has been witnessing such cases for decades. In most cases, the victim is blamed and held responsible for the violence either through an in-depth character assassination or through the questioning of their attire and lifestyle. The lack of accountability has been perpetuating a never-ending cycle of impunity, increased misogynistic attitudes, GBV, and rape rape-enabling. GBV is now to be viewed as a consequence of individual behavior rather than a criminal act.
In South Asian societies, the rape culture is manifested through media portrayal and a lack of legal action, along with the absence of justice for the victims. In Bangladesh, victims are considered responsible and families force victims into silence to avoid shaming of the family. In Pakistani society, the legal system often fails sufferers across the country. Once, the police questioned a victim as to why she was traveling alone at night, implying that her actions caused the horrible crime rather than the perpetrator himself. In India, for instance, the Nirbhaya rape case was covered intensely by the media, yet most of the reports focused on the moral character and appearance of the victim. The media often tries to sensationalize such cases and always fails to challenge the patriarchal point of view. The legal loopholes throughout South Asian society have resulted in perpetrators walking free.
In South Asian societies, the legal systems are slow and biased in handling cases regarding gender-based violence. Despite laws against both crimes, judicial processes can be obstructed and hampered by corruption, pressure groups, social pressures, and deeply rooted gender bias. Police often show insensitivity or hostility toward the victim and the victims may face skepticism and be discouraged from filing the reports along with experiencing further trauma via harsh questioning and interrogation. On the other hand, social attitudes influence the responses to these crimes and sometimes condone or tacitly support the crime.
Role of Social Activism
Various activists and Indian humanitarian movements such as the Nirbhaya Movement have been bringing international attention to GBV in South Asian states. The use of social media in the 21st century is a strong weapon to spread awareness and ask for justice in cases where the victims are suppressed intensely. Activists have reach and they push for stronger laws, justice, and better legal enforcement. In addition to activists, various NGOs and community leaders have been playing crucial roles in driving a lasting change in this context.
NGOs significantly help victims’ rehabilitation, and public awareness by running various campaigns. In Pakistan, the Aurat March can be used as a weapon to call for reforms in rape and GBV laws, along with demanding harsh punishments for perpetrators and protection for women. In India, a social activist group—the Gulabi Gang works to protect women’s rights in its area. This activism also includes the peaceful protests, that we have been witnessing nowadays in India, regarding the rape of Maumita, a doctor on duty in Kolkata.
Case Studies
In Pakistan, there have been notable cases of GBV, such as Qandeel Baloch—a social media star known for her provocative posts which ultimately led to significant controversy and her tragic death. She was murdered by her brother in an “honor killing” because her brother decided that her actions were deemed to shame the family and put familial honor at stake.
Mukhtar Mai is another survivor of a case of gang rape that was orchestrated as a form of punishment by the local tribal council. She survived the rape, fought for her justice, and became the symbol of resistance and an example for thousands of women even after facing the social stigma. The most recent case of Sania Zehra, who was raped and killed by her husband over a domestic issue, is seen as just another of the thousands of women who lost their lives to this unchecked crime.
In Bangladesh, Moushumi, a teenager, was murdered as she was involved in a romantic relationship and was deemed a shame for her family. Her case spotlighted the horror of honor killings and the restrictions placed on women’s right to choose their life partner in South Asian households.
India has a significantly larger number of rape cases as well as honor killings. A young woman named Nirbhaya was gang raped brutally and assaulted by 6 men on a bus, which to her death two weeks later. The Nirbhaya case led to international protests and significant legal reforms in India. Another incident took place in Haryana, in 2010, the honor killing of Rashida took place, a girl who was murdered by her family for getting married against their wishes.
These cases are only the ones that got international recognition, there are a significant number of GBV cases all over South Asia left unreported and unattended. Women have been facing brutality and violence for centuries. It is 100% accurate to say that this society is a living grave for women and does not have enough laws to protect them.
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Dur-e-Adan is a dedicated International Relations student at Government College University Lahore with a keen interest in geopolitics and diplomacy. With strong writing skills, her academic pursuits are complemented by a commitment to critical thinking and analysis.