Misogyny pandemic                         Author – Aasim Sajjad Akhtar

The article peels back the mask on Pakistan’s deeply rooted patriarchal system, exposing how misogyny bleeds through every layer of society, from religious institutions to social media platforms. The passing of a bill to ban underage marriage in Islamabad, though a rare legislative win, was overshadowed by the cold-blooded murder of 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, who was gunned down for rejecting a man’s advances. Rather than mourning her death, a swarm of online users blamed the victim, painting her as immoral because of her online presence. The piece argues that misogyny in Pakistan isn’t a standalone affliction but a symptom of a larger triad of oppression—capitalism, colonial statecraft, and patriarchy—working hand in glove to suppress and silence voices like Sana’s.

Zooming out, the writer links Pakistan’s crisis to a global pandemic of gendered violence, stressing that this rot isn’t confined within borders. From Baloch women defying state repression to the objectification of women in war-torn regions like Gaza, the same script plays out with different actors. Figures like Donald Trump, celebrated despite long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct, mirror Pakistan’s own leaders who trivialize gender violence. The writer makes a compelling case: unless men confront their fragile masculinities and become active allies in dismantling patriarchal systems, the world will continue to fail its women. The battle cry is clear—there’s no turning a blind eye anymore, and change begins when we stop shifting blame and start shifting the power dynamics.

Overview:

This article by Aasim Sajjad Akhtar reflects on the systemic misogyny entrenched in Pakistani society and beyond. It uses the case of Sana Yousaf to illustrate how even in death, women are vilified for asserting agency. The article critiques not just cultural norms but the intersection of patriarchy with capitalism, religious conservatism, and colonial legacies. It also broadens the lens to show similar patterns across the globe, urging collective and conscious action to address this power structure.

NOTES:

This article offers a critical lens into the intertwined structures of patriarchy, capitalism, religious conservatism, and colonial statecraft that collectively sustain gender-based violence in Pakistan. It highlights the legislative progress symbolized by the anti-child marriage bill, while simultaneously exposing how deeply rooted misogyny continues to plague societal attitudes and institutions. The murder of Sana Yousaf becomes a poignant symbol of how digital empowerment clashes with patriarchal backlash, where women who challenge traditional norms through social media are vilified rather than protected. The article lays bare the systemic abuse within religious institutions, echoing global patterns like the Catholic Church scandal, yet stressing Pakistan’s lack of internal reform. Domestic violence is linked not just to cultural norms but to structural disenfranchisement stemming from economic and political oppression. Furthermore, the narrative draws global parallels by criticizing militarism, political violence, and misogynistic leadership across nations, illustrating how gender-based repression transcends borders. It calls for transformative masculinity, urging men to dismantle the toxic constructs they often uphold. For CSS exams, the article provides analytical depth on gender studies, societal power dynamics, and structural inequality, offering rich material for essay writing, gender discourse, and current affairs analysis.

Relevant CSS Subjects and Topics:

• Gender Studies: Patriarchy, Feminism, Violence Against Women
• Pakistan Affairs: Role of Religion in Politics, Legislation on Women’s Rights
• Current Affairs: Human Rights Issues, Global Feminist Movements
• Sociology: Social Stratification, Role of Institutions in Gender Norms
• International Relations: Gendered Impact of Conflicts, Colonial Legacies

Notes for Beginners:

This article shows that misogyny isn’t just about individual attitudes; it’s part of a much bigger system involving culture, religion, economics, and politics. Take Sana Yousaf’s case: a girl using TikTok was murdered and then blamed for her own death. That’s a classic example of victim-blaming, where instead of punishing the criminal, society points fingers at the victim. The writer connects this with how in many homes, women are beaten—sometimes because poor men feel powerless outside and vent at home, and rich men do it to keep their authority. The article also reminds us that this issue isn’t just Pakistani but countries like the US and even Israel show similar patterns in different forms. The message is clear: men need to change too, not just women.

Facts and Figures:

• Domestic violence exists in around two-thirds of Pakistani households
• Sana Yousaf, 17, was shot for rejecting a man
• Child Marriage Restraint Act passed in Islamabad, but opposed by religious leaders
• Donald Trump, despite allegations of sexual harassment, remains a political hero for many
• Global rise in female-led protests, such as those by Baloch women

To sum up, this article hits home with the uncomfortable truth: we are neck-deep in a misogyny pandemic that’s woven into the very fabric of our systems. The murder of Sana Yousaf wasn’t just a tragedy, it was a mirror. Until we stop brushing these events under the rug and start questioning the very structures that enable them, nothing will change. The call to action is not just for lawmakers or women—it’s for men to drop the toxic ego, wake up, and take responsibility. Because true liberation isn’t possible until we all rise together, or else we fall divided.