- By: Wajeeha Kifayat
In Pashtun society, gender-based violence and extremism pose serious challenges, largely fueled by deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that restrict women’s involvement in public life. These issues are closely linked, as gender inequality lays the groundwork for both violence and radical ideologies. By embracing gender inclusiveness, we can disrupt these cycles of oppression and pave the way for a more just and peaceful society.
Gender-based violence manifests in various forms within Pashtun society, such as domestic abuse, honor killings, forced marriages, and limitations on mobility and education. The horror of such violence was recently witnessed in March 2025, when a woman, her one-year-old son, and her father-in-law were shot dead in the name of so-called ‘honour’ in the Taja Banda area of Rustam, Mardan. According to police, the woman’s cousins were allegedly behind the murders, exposing once again the brutal consequences of deeply rooted patriarchal customs.
Such incidents are not isolated. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, over 450 cases of honor killings were reported nationwide in 2023 alone, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa among the provinces witnessing a significant number of these crimes. The real figure is likely much higher, as many cases go unreported due to societal pressures and lack of accountability.
Extremism flourishes in a setting where women are sidelined, reinforcing oppressive systems that curtail their rights. When women are excluded from decision-making spaces, it not only perpetuates violence but also allows extremist narratives to thrive unchecked.
Advocating for gender inclusiveness ensuring that all genders have equal opportunities in education, employment, and governance can be a powerful strategy to combat these intertwined issues. Educating women stands out as one of the most effective means to counter extremism. When women gain access to education, they acquire the knowledge and confidence needed to resist oppression, engage in public life, and advocate for their rights. Providing girls with equal educational opportunities contributes to a more progressive and resilient society.
Financial independence is another crucial element in the fight against gender-based violence. Economic reliance often traps women in abusive situations, while job opportunities empower them to seek better living conditions. Supporting women’s involvement in entrepreneurship and professional sectors not only benefits them personally but also strengthens communities by challenging stereotypes that confine women to domestic roles.
Political representation is equally essential in this battle. Women in governance play a vital role in shaping policies that protect and uplift their communities, ensuring that the voices of all genders are heard and valued. When women participate in policymaking and peacebuilding, they help shape inclusive narratives that can dismantle extremist ideologies from the ground up.
The road to a peaceful and equitable Pashtun society lies in rejecting harmful traditions that normalize violence and in fostering inclusive practices that empower all individuals especially women to participate fully in societal development. Gender inclusiveness is not just a matter of equality; it is a powerful antidote to the forces of violence and extremism.