Muqaddisa Mehreen's presentation: Gender and Violence in Pakistan

"Ajrak"- textile print typical to the Sindh region of Pakistan Muqaddisa Mehreen from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, made a presentation in January ' 06 on Gender and Violence in Pakistan. She focused on the social role of women in South Asia in general and Pakistan in particular. Some visuals were presented that depicted ruthless acts of violence perpetrated against women as also those of women in places of work, from the farms to convention halls. She pointed out that acts of violence commonly known as "honor killings" are culturally propagated in certain regions. The failing support systems for women render their position as those who have brought shame on their families. Prevailing customs like Karo (literally a black man) Kari (literally a black woman) in the Sindh region were sometimes used to end an act of defiance, with the sanction of the communities involved. Please visit the following URL to view some of the slides presented by Muqaddisa. http://www.flickr.com/photos/42433998@N00/sets/72057594060168807/