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May 29, 2026
‘Culture of Silence’ Blamed for Surge in Violence against Women
Sukkur: A coalition of human rights advocates, legal experts and civil society leaders have demanded an urgent overhaul of the justice system, warning that statutory protections for women are being actively undermined by poor institutional implementation and deep-rooted societal stigma.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Violence Against Women: Culture of Silence, Societal Acceptance and Institutional Response” at the Sukkur Arts Council, speakers cautioned that legislation alone is insufficient to combat gender-based violence without a drastic shift in public mindset and state accountability.
The event, co-hosted by the Sindh Women Lawyers Alliance, the National Commission for Rights of Women, and the Community Development Foundation (CDF), highlighted the stark contrast between written law and reality on the ground.
Keynote speaker Ms Rubina Brohi categorized violence against women as a severe breach of fundamental human rights rather than a private domestic matter. While acknowledging that protective legislation exists on paper, she noted that systemic failures within law enforcement and the judiciary routinely deny survivors timely justice.
“The lack of effective implementation remains our greatest hurdle,” Ms Brohi stated, calling for a proactive, accountable approach from the police, prosecution departments, and the judiciary to guarantee survivor protection.
Panelists also observed that a pervasive ‘culture of silence’ — fueled by intense social pressure, fear of retaliation and cultural stigma — continues to prevent victims from reporting abuse, effectively shielding perpetrators from legal consequences.
The delegates argued that legal frameworks must be paired with grassroots community mobilization to dismantle misogynistic social attitudes.
Representatives from various civil society organizations outlined a multi-layered support strategy, advocating target-driven awareness campaigns to dismantle systemic biases, alongside streamlined, state-funded legal aid for survivors navigating the courts. Furthermore, they stressed the critical need for dedicated psychosocial support services, including counselling and robust mental health infrastructure, to assist traumatized victims. - Dawn
Courtesy Dawn
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