In Pakistan, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue, casting an oppressive shadow over the lives of women and girls. Embedded in societal norms, GBV manifests in various forms, including ‘honor’ killings, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation. The Pakistan Medical Association has reported a rise in such cases, framing GBV not only as a social crisis but also as a serious health issue, with devastating impacts on victims’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Tragic incidents like those in Thatta and Khairpur, and the recently a pregnant woman was killed allegedly by her mother-in-law who along with her three accomplices chopped her body in dozens of pieces before dumping it in a drain in the Punjab province of Pakistan last month November  2024.

underscore the entrenched nature of this violence. Alarming data from Pakistan’s Demographic and Health Survey and the United Nations Population Fund reveals that 39% of women aged 15-49 have experienced abuse, while 80% of married women face domestic violence. These figures highlight the widespread nature of the problem, reflecting countless untold stories of suffering and the urgent need for justice.

In a society like Pakistan, where traditional norms and systemic barriers often limit opportunities for women and girls, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, this groundbreaking document united 189 governments and over 5,000 NGOs in a shared commitment to advance gender equality worldwide. For Pakistan, the BPfA has served as a vital framework to challenge entrenched inequalities and uplift marginalized communities. Nearly three decades later, its principles continue to inspire change, offering a roadmap for empowering women and transforming society. This blog delves into how the BPfA has shaped Pakistan journey towards gender equality, driving progress while navigating persistent cultural and systemic challenges, it continues to inspire nations to break barriers for women and girls. For Pakistan, the BPfA has provided an essential framework to address systemic gender disparities while also empowering its marginalized communities.

If we get into deep down into the historical context and global significance of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), we realize that The BPfA builds upon decades of global efforts to promote gender equality as:

• 1945: The UN Charter established gender equality as a fundamental human right.
• 1975: The First World Conference on Women in Mexico City launched the UN Decade for Women (1976–1985), fostering a global commitment to gender equality.
• 1980: The Second World Conference in Copenhagen emphasized women’s access to education, health, and employment.
• 1985: The Third World Conference in Nairobi identified barriers to empowerment and proposed solutions.
• 1993: The Vienna World Conference on Human Rights declared that women’s rights are human rights.

By 1995, the Beijing Conference consolidated these milestones into two key documents:

1. The Beijing Declaration: A global pledge to advance women’s rights.
2. The Platform for Action: A detailed strategy addressing 12 critical areas of concern, ranging from education and poverty to violence against women and the environment.

The key goals of the BPfA are outlined as eliminating barriers by remove obstacles preventing women from full participation in public and private life and

empowering women to how to achieve economic, political, and social empowerment along side of third and crucial goal is accountability to create mechanisms to ensure the implementation of gender-equal policies.

A closer look into  BPfA’s Impact on Women in Pakistan and how this transformative framework has inspired significant advancements in Pakistan, though challenges remain.

The BPfA’s emphasis on addressing poverty among women has led to initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which provides financial aid to marginalized women. Programs like these have empowered women economically, particularly in rural areas.Inspired by the BPfA, Pakistan has made strides in improving girls’ access to education. Government initiatives like Waseela-e-Taleem under BISP offer conditional cash transfers to encourage school enrollment. However, disparities persist in rural and marginalized communities.

In line with the BPfA’s goals, Pakistan has worked to improve maternal and reproductive health services. Yet, challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access in remote areas hinder progress.

Pakistan has introduced legislation to combat gender-based violence, including:

• The Domestic Violence Act
• The Anti-Honor Killing Laws (2016)
• Establishment of women’s protection centers and helplines. Despite these advancements, cultural barriers often prevent women from seeking justice.

The BPfA’s focus on economic empowerment has inspired microfinance initiatives targeting women entrepreneurs, such as those led by the many social enterprises and vocational skills institutions.  These programs aim to increase female labor force participation, though entrenched gender norms remain a barrier.

Reserved seats for women in parliament and local bodies reflect the BPfA’s emphasis on political participation. Pakistan’s National Assembly has one of the highest proportions of women representatives in South Asia. Grassroots advocacy groups further amplify the voices of marginalized women. The BPfA has reinforced the need to protect and promote women’s human rights. Pakistan’s adherence to international conventions, such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), reflects its commitment to gender equality.

While the BPfA has inspired progress, Pakistan faces persistent challenges as Patriarchal Norms which is deeply ingrained cultural practices often undermine legal and policy advancements. Access to Justice and implementation gaps in gender-based violence laws hinder justice for survivors is an intense issue. Educational disparities like girls in rural areas still face barriers to education due to poverty, early marriages, and lack of infrastructure also economic inequality remain a great hinder in women’s participation in the labor force remains low, particularly in formal sectors.

As the BPfA approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the global and national focus is on accelerating progress. UN Women’s renewed efforts to mobilize investments, strengthen partnerships, and amplify youth voices resonate deeply in Pakistan. Grassroots organizations, such as the Shelter Participatory Organization (SPO), play a critical role in advancing these efforts by engaging marginalized communities and fostering inclusive development.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains a transformative framework for gender equality in Pakistan. It has paved the way for legislative, social, and economic advancements, empowering women and girls to break barriers. However, the journey is far from over. By addressing persistent challenges and embracing the BPfA’s vision, Pakistan can create a future where “Equal is Greater” and where everyone—women, men, and society at large—truly benefits.

In Pakistan, 28% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have experienced sexual violence. 34% of ever-married women have experienced spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence. Five percent of women have experienced spousal sexual violence (Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18). Domestic violence is an alarming issue in Pakistan. As reported by the HRCP in 2020,  over 90% of Pakistani women have faced domestic violence in their lifetime. Institutional apathy and judicial inaction exacerbate the crisis. The Sindh High Court’s critique of inadequate police investigations in GBV cases points to systemic failures, undermining public trust in institutions designed to protect. However, there are signs of progress. The transformation of the federal Gender Crime Cell into a Gender Responsive Policing Unit, coupled with efforts by the National Police Bureau and UN Women, marks a shift toward more effective handling of GBV cases. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s active involvement highlights growing awareness at the highest judicial levels, signaling a commitment to developing a comprehensive strategy to combat GBV in Pakistan.

Over the years, it has laid the groundwork for crucial legislative, social, and economic progress, enabling women and girls to break free from barriers that have historically held them back. Yet, the work is far from complete. Persistent challenges, from entrenched patriarchal norms to gaps in policy implementation, must be addressed with renewed vigor and commitment. By embracing the BPfA’s vision and investing in equality, Pakistan has the opportunity to create a society where “Equal is Greater”—a future where women and men thrive together, and the benefits of inclusivity uplift not just individuals but the nation as a whole.

About Samreen Khan Ghauri:

She serves as Executive Director of social development institution Shelter Participatory Organization (SPO) and leading advocate of women rights from local to global spectrum, SBCC (Social Behavior Change Communication) specialist, founding member of various enterprise and social initiatives, climate activist from the heart of indigenes community of Indus civilization at Hyderabad, Pakistan. She can be reach on samreenkghauri@gmail.com