Undoing Silence: Barriers to Women's Rights NGOs Addressing Violence Against Women in Pashtun Society

Abstract

This study explores challenges faced by women's rights NGOs in preventing violence against women (VAW) among Pashtuns in Pakistan. Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected 11 participants from five women's rights NGOs in Peshawar, Pakistan. Guided by Sylvia Walby's theory of patriarchy, findings show that entrenched patriarchal mindsets and Pashtunwali norms of male honor are major barriers. NGOs’ efforts are often framed as foreign-driven and culturally threatening, limiting their effectiveness. The study offers insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners on socio-cultural obstacles that perpetuate VAW, contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors shaping Pashtun women's rights and lived realities.

Keywords

women's rights NGOs violence against women patriarchy Pashtuns Western agenda

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