September 10, 2010
2:15 pm
Since the recent floods in Pakistan, many families have been forced to seek shelter and supplies in overcrowded refugee camps. The over population of these camps has made it difficult, if not impossible, to achieve the appropriate amount of modesty and physical segregation of women from men that are not relatives. This stringent custom of the separation of women is known as Parda (also referred to as Purdah). Parda is a way of ensuring familial honor by displaying chastity and obedience of women; this ancient practice is designed to also help protect and defend women’s honor from harassment and physical harm. However, the defense of this code can be taken too far, as the country’s media circulates reports of “and enraged male- from across Pakistan’s multiethnic spectrum- who has killed a female relative or relatives for some perceived infringement of ‘honor.’” Seclusion in their homes is by far the safer route for the majority of Pakistani women. However, in light of the flood that has swept through the region, the dense crowding of the camps makes male tensions run higher and patience thinner. Men have to take a more aggressive attitude towards others to defend their children and spouses from any potential or perceived threats of dishonor against their women. Families with relatives in the less affected areas often send their younger children, specifically their daughters, to live with them in safety.
This article is interesting because it starkly contrasts our own society’s customs towards women and families. The familial strain is compounded by the facts that not only are people displaced from their homes due to the flood, but also the social and moral constraints that are placed upon women demand an unachievable amount of privacy. With shelter and food being a limited commodity, I think it is possible for violence to skyrocket with the close quarters refugees are forced to share; not to mention that although many of the refugees are Pashtun (aka Pathan), there are still differences in practices and varying perceptions of what constitutes conservative behavior for both men and women. While I hope these people are able to find tolerance for one another in these extreme and trying circumstances, I wonder if it will cause more violence against women because of perceived injustices/dishonor, or just violence against different sects of Pashtuns.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2016193,00.html
1 comment:
I also used an article about Pakistani women during the country's flood. However, my article focused more on pregnant women who were trapped in their houses. I do not believe that keeping women in their flooded houses is the best answer because it is so hard to reach help in the event of a medical emergency. Pregnant women are prone to having complications because of their lack of medical resources anyway, but it is especially worse in times of natural disaster. Women who are not pregnant are at risk as well. They would not be able to reach medical attention in time if needed. While it is important to maintain their religious segregations, it is just as important, if not more, to keep women and men in safe and dry housing. I think more should be done in regulating the peace between genders and in keeping them seperate.
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