Honor and Control: Understanding ‘Honor’ Crimes Against Women
By: Advocate Sidra Sadozai
A young girl in a small village is murdered by her brother because she chose to wed a man of her choosing. For allegedly bringing “dishonor” to the family, a mother is burned alive by her in-laws in a city neighborhood. Such terrifying tales are all too common in Pakistani cities and villages; they are dismissed as “matters of honor,” excused by antiquated traditions, and, all too frequently, disregarded by the legal system.
Honor crimes are violent crimes committed by family members who say they are protecting the family’s reputation, usually against women. Honor has nothing to do with these crimes. They are about control, specifically control over a woman’s freedom, choices, and body.
Honor crimes continue in Pakistan and other parts of South Asia in spite of legislation, demonstrations, and public outcry. We must comprehend the patriarchal foundations of this crisis, its cultural rationalizations, and the shortcomings of the legal and social structures that protect women if we are to effectively address it.
“Honor” Crimes: What Are They?
In the name of preserving or regaining a family’s “honor,” honor crimes include murder, acid attacks, forced marriage, incarceration, disfigurement, and emotional abuse. Although men have also been targeted for marrying against family wishes or being suspected of having relationships, women and girls are typically the victims.
Typical justifications for this kind of violence include:
Selecting a spouse on one’s own or getting married without family approval
Turning down an arranged marriage
Divorce filing
Possessing or being suspected of having a romantic relationship
Infidelity allegations (with or without evidence)
acting “too freely” or dressing “immodestly”
According to the law, none of these are crimes. However, the perpetrators are frequently praised in their communities for “restoring honor,” while women are cruelly punished for these alleged breaches of family authority.
The Foundation: Patriarchy Disguised as Tradition: Honor crimes stem from deeply rooted patriarchal values that view women as men’s property, not from religion, culture, or the law. In these societies, a woman’s worth is determined by her silence, obedience, and chastity. The male-dominated social order is perceived as being threatened by any form of independence, whether it be romantic, sexual, or personal.
These ideas are reinforced in rural areas by feudal mindsets and tribal customs. However, cities are not exempt. Women are punished for defying invisible boundaries of “acceptable behavior,” even in well-educated households.
The fact that honor crimes are perpetrated by the victim’s closest relatives—fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, or in-laws—makes them especially dangerous. For women attempting to live freely, the home—which ought to be a place of safety—becomes the most hazardous place.
Reforms and Gaps in the Law
On paper, Pakistan has advanced. Following the murder of social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2016 was a historic reform. It fixed a significant flaw that permitted murderers to be pardoned by the relatives of the victims, who were frequently the ones who committed the crimes.
Honor killings are now regarded as crimes against the state as opposed to just against people. Even without the family’s approval, the state may still pursue legal action.
Enforcement is still lacking, though. Police officers are reluctant to get involved in “private family matters,” investigations are frequently flawed, and witnesses fear reprisals. In many instances, offenders go free because courts lack the necessary proof or the will to convict.
Honor crimes are a social epidemic that cannot be resolved by the law alone; they are not merely a legal problem.
The Function of the Media in Society
The media has had a dual role. On the one hand, outrage has been triggered by courageous journalists and documentaries who have revealed the horror of honor crimes. However, some TV dramas and news programs romanticize the concept of family honor by depicting women who don’t fit the mold as bad people or victims of their own decisions.
Not only do we need new laws, but we also need new ways of thinking. It is necessary to separate the term “honor” from violence. Human life should never be sacrificed to preserve family honor.
A nationwide effort to redefine what true honor is—honesty, justice, compassion, and respect for others’ rights—must involve religious leaders, educators, influencers, and artists.
The Cost to Women
Honor crimes affect more than just the people who are killed. Many women fear violence, forced marriages, or social rejection because of their lifestyle choices. Some people live on the streets or in shelters after fleeing their homes. Others are motivated to commit suicide or experience mental health crises.
The threat of honor violence is frequently used by families as a control mechanism, forcing daughters into unwelcome marriages, silence, or submission. In order to protect them from “corruption” or “bad influences,” many girls are pulled out of school early.
Long-term effects result from this. Because society values its image more than individual rights, entire generations of women are denied education, autonomy, and dignity.
What Must Be Modified
Criminal laws alone are insufficient to eradicate honor crimes. It necessitates a national commitment to cultural change, legal enforcement, and gender equality. Among the crucial actions are:
1. Tough Law Enforcement
Police officers need to be trained to deal with honor crime cases quickly and delicately.
Courts must expedite these cases and guarantee prompt and transparent justice.
Campaigns for Public Education
Human rights, consent, and gender should all be discussed in schools.
The media should oppose toxic masculinity and advance messages for women’s rights.
3. Participation of the Community
Talk about true Islamic and constitutional values that uphold women’s dignity with elders, religious scholars, and tribal leaders.
Honor local heroes who defend women’s autonomy and oppose violence.
Secure Shelters and Support Networks
Increase the quantity of shelters that provide protection to women who are at risk.
Provide survivors with counseling, legal assistance, and rehabilitation services.
5. Safeguard witnesses and whistleblowers
Fear prevents many honor crimes from being reported. To break this cycle of silence, it is essential to defend those who speak up.
Conclusion: Humanity’s Honor Lies, Not Control
It is a terrible irony that women are killed in order to maintain “honor” in a culture that values hospitality, family, and religion. Violence lacks honor, and silence breeds shame. Women in Pakistan will continue to suffer for perceived slights until we acknowledge that tradition is not justice and control is not love.
It’s time to consider this: If a society cannot defend its daughters, is it really honorable?
So that no woman ever has to die to protect the pride of another, let’s replace the culture of control with one of equality, dignity, and compassion.
