*Write the first draft of your literature review. In this, you will outline the ways in which your project contributes to *two* (you may do up to 3) topical areas of research. These two to three area-

GLOA 605

STATEMENT OF RESEARCH

Statement of Research Problem

Are Pakistani women safe, or do they need to be saved from the very people within their own country? Gender-based violence (GBV) stands as a pervasive and pressing issue in Pakistan, with countless women falling victim to various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, honor killings, sexual harassment, and forced marriages. This project undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the consequences that women experience after being subjected to GBV, while also scrutinizing the legal actions that have been implemented against perpetrators of such violence.

Despite notable legal reforms aimed at protecting women's rights, deeply entrenched cultural and patriarchal norms continue to perpetuate violence against women in many regions of Pakistan. These societal attitudes create an environment where women often face severe psychological, physical, and socioeconomic repercussions following instances of GBV. The mental health impacts may include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while physical consequences can range from injuries to long-term health issues. Socioeconomically, victims may experience job loss, reduced income, and social ostracism, further exacerbating their vulnerabilities.

This research aims to thoroughly examine the multifaceted effects of GBV on Pakistani women, shedding light on the myriad challenges they encounter daily, including limited access to legal support, inadequate shelters, and the stigma associated with reporting such incidents. By highlighting the gaps in existing support systems and the urgent need for comprehensive services, this study seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of GBV and advocate for meaningful change in both policy and social attitudes.

The central research question guiding this project is: "What are the psychological, physical, and socioeconomic impacts of gender-based violence on women in Pakistan, and how do legal and social barriers affect their access to support and justice?"

1. How does gender-based violence in Pakistan affect the mental health and emotional well-being of women survivors?

2. What are the common physical injuries and health complications faced by women survivors of gender-based violence in Pakistan?

3. How does gender-based violence hinder the economic independence and social mobility of women in Pakistan?

4. What are the main legal and social barriers that prevent women in Pakistan from accessing justice and support after experiencing gender-based violence?

These questions will assist me in drafting a structured paper, ensuring that I explore all aspects in an organized manner.

Sources

Ali, Imran, et al. 2021. "Domestic and Gender-Based Violence: Pakistan Scenario Amidst COVID-19." Asian Journal of Social Health and Behavior 4 (1): 47–50.

Farooqi, Halah, and Annas Ghafoor. 2021. "A Systematic Plague: Addressing the Culture of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Pakistan." Harvard Public Health Review 52.

Mukhtar, Sonia, Shamim Mukhtar, and Waleed Rana. 2022. "Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan and Public Health Measures: A Call to Action." Bulletin of the World Health Organization 100 (7): 462–64.

Parveen, Rakhshinda. 2011. "Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis." Aurat Publication and Information Services Foundation.

Shaikh, Tazeen Saeed, et al. 2022. "Perpetuation of Gender Discrimination in Pakistani Society." International Journal of Health Sciences 16 (6): 1–2.

Zaman, Sarah. 2023. "Mapping Violence Against Women in Pakistan: A Galtungian Analysis." Journal of South Asian Studies 40 (1): 123–45.

Professor Dr. Yasemin Ipek

Keywords:

1. Khadija Siddiqi (@khadijasid751)

2. Dr. Courtney Hughes Rinker ([email protected])

3. Dr. Yasemin Ipek ([email protected])

4. Sheema Kermani

5. Hamna Khan ([email protected])