The following reports from two cities in relation to treating women were shocking and while clearly speaking the truth about two cultures, yet were not given attention they deserved by media and press:
First report was about a woman who gave birth to a baby and left the newborn at the door of a church. Apparently, the mother either was not able to raise the child or she was not ready to reveal her identity for reasons- we do not know. This happened in Massachusetts where, there are many churches, charities, and humanitarian organizations who have announced that they are ready to take care of newborn babies when their mothers are not able to keep their children for any reasons. Doctors who were treating the newborn, even went so far to plead the mother to come forward to receive medical treatment. They assured her that there would be no questions or any liabilities. They were equally concerned for the life of the mother.
This culture, law or tradition saves the life of the newborn, saves the mother from the embarrassments for any reasons and will bring joy and happiness to the life of families who cannot have their own children , but can afford to raise a child in a loving family.
Report from the "Culture of Death" zones was from Bruce Loudon in Islamabad, about "Honor Killings" of:
Saira Nusrat Bibi who was forced to marry a 45-year old man at the age nine. She had a long eight years legal fight-- seeking annulment in court. A judge in Punjabi city of Sahival eventually granted her annulment request at age of 17, but, coming out of court she was surrounded by group of men and shot to death in view of police.
The murder of Saira Nusrat Bibi is not an isolated incident and it is not confined to Pakistan rather, it is an example of the "Honor Killings" and the main characteristic of the "Culture of Death". It happens every where the Culture of Death people exist.
Reports from Baluchistan village of Baba kot, just few weeks ago indicates that three teenage girls who wanted to marry men of their choices,in defiance against their elder male relatives wishes were driven to desert, shot, and while bleeding their tribesmen buried them alive. Reports adds that two elderly female who tried to rescue the girls were shot and buried in the same manner.
The above two stories are just samples of crimes committed against women in the name of "Honor Killings"everywhere in the world. we hear some horrific crime stories against women everyday.
The people of the "Culture of Death" are not only in Pakistan, Baluchistan or in the Middle East. As we say 'the man may be out of his country but the country is not out of him", the people of the "Culture of Death" are everywhere even in the USA where a Pakistani father kills her own grown up daughter for divorcing her husband against her father's wishes. Or an Iraqi father kills her daughters because they dress as Americans.
The question is-- where is the anger of Women's Organizations, human rights group, judicial watch groups, and United Nations Human Rights Commission. How long and how many more victims like Sarias and hundreds of victims of bride burning and self emulation should we witness to WAKE UP and STOP THIS MADNESS.
I am not encouraging out of wedlock and teenage pregnancy, all I am advocating is to be able to issue laws to save WOMEN everywhere from the barbaric act of "Honor Killing".
I like to invite people--men and women from all walks of life to debate this issue in a civilized manner. May we as members of human family find solution to this problem.
Please write your comments and suggestions.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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