ADB Report on Gendered Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Central and West Asia

December 28, 2023

A sobering new report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has highlighted the endemic levels of domestic violence against women in Pakistan, including disturbing rates of physical assault.

Widespread Domestic Abuse

The ADB report cited a recent survey showing 40% of women in Pakistan endure physical violence, while 46% face physical abuse from their husbands. Additionally, 27% of survey respondents knew children who were beaten by their parents.

Pakistan has among the highest rates of domestic violence in the region, with human rights activists characterizing it as an epidemic. Factors driving this violence include biases viewing women as subordinate and lack of legal protections.

Key Drivers of Abuse

Gender Inequality: Pakistan ranked poorly on the Gender Inequality Index, which measures gaps in education, jobs, maternal health, and political representation. Significant gaps remain between men and women.

Economic Dependence: Only 20.6% of working-age women have paid jobs versus 77.7% of men. Financial reliance on male relatives reinforces vulnerability.

Social Norms: Articles reviewed shed light on societal attitudes accepting domestic violence as normal and women as voiceless. Changing these norms is seen as central.

Legal Shortcomings: Weak legal frameworks fail to criminalize different forms of violence or offer women protections and recourse. Police frequently show bias against victims.

Multiplying Threats from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated risks, with lost incomes, school closures, lockdowns with abusers, and curtailed access to support services all raising abuse rates.