GENDER VIOLENCE AND GENDER CONFIGURATION IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

This research study is a secondary review that focuses on gender violence and gender configuration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, gender violence is entirely culture-centric and this problem breeds from the patriarchal mentality. Since, the decision-making power in the family is vested in man, therefore, neglect of women’s share in inheritance and compromise on their participation in education and jobs is very common. Denial of women’s share in inheritance makes them economically more vulnerable and dependent on men. This dependency breeds many problems for women, particularly domestic violence which results in depression, chronic stress, suicidal ideation, social seclusion etcetera. Man has power to control and occupy property, land and labour while woman does not have such power to occupy property. Women’s fate is usually decided by man, either by her brother, father or husband, while women wage for justice for years and years but remain in vain. The only solution to the problem of gender violence is to follow and practice the Islamic laws of inheritance in true spirit to make women economically independent and powerful.