MEN in society have always been blamed for ‘gender-based violence’ by the grief-stricken individuals, especially by grieving women in Pakistani society. In response to some gruesome, barbaric tragedy involving harassment or honour killing of women, this is a very natural and primal reaction. While the intention behind such outbursts may be benign, it is grave oversimplification of a much broader and deeply rooted issue within society.

The broader picture suggests that while men do commit these crimes, they make up a smaller portion of the crimes committed overall. According to a report in The Guardian, men account for around 80 per cent of all homicide victims globally. Only 12pc of male homicides occur within domestic or family settings, whereas 60pc of female homicides do.

A broader narrative may help us delve into the matter. First, the crimes committed by men have no sole correlation with ‘gender-based’ violence. It is not in the innate nature of men to target women based on their gender alone. The problem has its roots in weak law and order system, and the situation gets worse with sub- standard education. This leads to the principal argument that men are not the enemies; illiteracy, poor legislation and incompetent institutions are. Crime has no face, no faith, and no gender. Blaming all men for the crimes of a few is like blaming Islam for the unacceptable acts of hardcore terrorists. We condemn Islamophobes for taking such a stance, and should, logically, take a similar stance against those propagating the notion that ‘all men are the same’.

In combatting the totally undeniable patriarchal norms, society needs united movements with clearly defined and actionable goals. Recent movements, such as the ‘Ni Una Menos’ in Argentina, ‘Black Protests’ in Poland and ‘Together for Yes’ in Ireland, have achieved tremendous success in their way of proving that targeted activism can bring serious social change. Lamenting the actions of a few and blaming all men for them will actually be a deterrent to the common masses joining any such movement, especially in developing countries.

We are in dire need of such movements that target a collective approach to the task of putting an end to patriarchy in society. We need men to be frontrunners alongside women. Men need to go beyond gestures. They need to show solidarity as well as companionship and camaraderie.

It is the basic duty of every father, every brother and every husband to be the actual flag-bearer of equal rights, fair treatment and compulsory education for one and all. By eradicating the outdated patriarchal system, improving education and overall law-enforcement, we can do wonders. Blaming an entire gender will only deprive such a movement of half its strength.

Arslan Mirani
Daharki

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2025