In a landmark step forward for the rights of women in Pakistan, rape has been taken out of the sphere of religious law and put under the penal code as part of an amendment to the country's controversial rape statute, making it easier to try sexual assault cases.
This change has come about as a result of a 4 Year fight by Mukhtar Mai who instead of keeping silent in shame, fought and won her case against neighbours who gang raped her on the orders of a council of elders in June 2002, as punishment for the alleged dishonourable conduct of her then 12 year old brother. In the past rape was dealt with under Sharia law, where a rape victim could be prosecuted for adultery unless 4 male witnesses could testify to her ordeal.
The case sparked international outrage when it first came to light and has made Mukhtar Mai an international figure. Mukhtar has used her compensation to open a school in her village in the hope of changing attitudes, as she says “I believe education is the key to ending the cruelty I see around me every day".
Her story In the Name of Honour is to be published in February 2007.
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Her book was published and is in English and available at Borders and elsewhere for about $25. I have a copy and it reads well.
Great to know it's worth picking up a copy.
Feb is the UK publishing date but thanks for the tip about its availability in the States - seems everything comes out to you all first!
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