The Philosophy Behind Violence Against Married Women: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Married women in Pakistan in general and traditional communities in Gilgit-Baltistan in particular are often victims of violence in many forms and manifestations from their intimate partners and family members. On the other hand, certain Gilgit-Baltistan communities give women equal opportunities in terms of employment and education. To enhance knowledge of the notion underpinning violence against "married women," this research centers on significant participants who experienced physical, psychological, and sexual abuse inside the context. A referral, snowball sampling strategy was employed by the researchers to determine which respondents were most relevant for data gathering. To gather detailed information for a thematic analysis of the data, in-depth interviews were conducted. The findings revealed that the dynamics behind violence against married women is influenced by a deeply established and seemingly embedded patriarchal socio-cultural milieu. Lack of education, difficult financial circumstances, unsatisfactory marriages, problems with socio-cultural norms, the belief that women are less than men, and other factors have been identified as the main causes of physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women. To lessen violence against women, it is recommended that women and girls receive education from pre-school through university.