Gender inequality in the worst of its forms is seen in violence against women folk. Women across the world face violence in various forms,, such as physical, psychological and economic violence. It is believed that two third of victims of intimate partner violence are women. According to WHO, one in every five women in European Region has been a violence victim. In Pakistani society, women face violence and prejudice in the shape of mental, psychological, physical and emotional abuse. According to an estimate, around 70% to 90% of Pakistani women suffer domestic violence. A survey conducted on 1000 women in Punjab revealed that at least two women are burned every day in domestic violence occurrence. Certain heinous social practices like honour killing, marriage with the Quran, Karokari and Swara have become a matter of daily practice in the remote rural areas of Pakistan.
As regards the provision of and access to healthcare system, gender disparity continues to plague many societies all over the world, especially the developing regions such as South Asia, West Asia and China. Regrettably, women all over Pakistan, particularly in the remote rural areas, face an extremely awkward situation with respect to health related issues. Pakistan cuts a very sorry figure in terms of the maternal mortality rate when compared with other countries in the region. It is for various cultural, economic and administrative factors. Due to the non-availabilty of adequate health facilities and qualified female staff, a large number of women lose their lives or their infants during child birth. Generally, a woman is closely tied to the izzat(honour) of the man due to which the free and unattended mobility of women is strictly restricted. This makes it harder for women to receive healthcare services and resources when they need it direly. Resultantly, the health condition of women is much poor in comparison with men.
Question 1: What forms of violence do women face according to the passage?
Answer: Women face physical, psychological, and economic violence.
Question 2: What percentage of Pakistani women suffer from domestic violence, as per the passage?
Answer: An estimated 70% to 90% of Pakistani women suffer from domestic violence.
Question 3: What are some heinous social practices mentioned in the passage?
Answer: Honour killing, marriage with the Quran, Karokari, and Swara are mentioned as heinous social practices.
Question 4: How does gender disparity affect access to healthcare in Pakistan?
Answer: Gender disparity in healthcare access in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, is affected by factors like cultural norms, economic constraints, and lack of qualified female staff.
Question 5: What factors contribute to the high maternal mortality rate in Pakistan?
Answer: Factors contributing to the high maternal mortality rate in Pakistan include inadequate health facilities, lack of qualified female staff, and restricted mobility of women due to cultural norms.
Question 6: Why is the health condition of women comparatively poorer than men in Pakistan?
Answer: Women's health condition in Pakistan is comparatively poorer due to restricted mobility, limited access to healthcare services, and cultural norms tying a woman's honor to the man.
