Mukhtaran Mai is a name familiar to most Pakistanis. In 2002, she was raped by 4 men from a rival tribe as per the decision of local elders in a tribal jirga. The story of the jirga decision is a fascinating tale itself in how our judicial and extra-judicial systems sometimes work in rural Pakistan.
While many women quietly suffer an ill fate at the hands of such tribal decisions, and sometimes committ suicide from the ‘shame’, Mukhtaran Mai fought back. Her prepetrators of the crime were tried in the anti-terrorism courts and death sentences were handed down to the guilty. Since then, the judicial process has taken the case back and forth and most recently the Supreme Court has decided in her favor.
Mukhtaran Mai has become a symbol of resistance and hope for women in Pakistan, and all over the muslim world. In addition to fighting the case in courts, she has become a movement for bringing education to her village, and attention to the broader issue of women’s rights in Pakistan. She buillt the first two schools in her local village of Meerwala, in Southern Punjab and now campaigns internationally.
But now one can read a weekly blog by Mukhataran Mai, her own own internet diary about her life, her village, and the work she is doing internationally to promote women’s causes. Her blog is in urdu and is hosted by the BBC Urdu service. Since Mukhataran cannot read or write, she tells her stories to a local BBC journalist, who types it up as a web diary.
About her blog, she says:
“Mostly I talk about incidents which are cruel and painful. I try to discuss only the most serious things in my blog: the poor treatment of women, sometimes leading to killing,” she says.
“I sometimes talk about my childhood memories – events that take place at my schools; or perhaps just about the household chores.”
“I don’t think that the people in our village know what it’s all about and what I am writing. But I’ve received a few e-mails from other places – people who have reading my blog on line and who encourage me to continue.”
Mukhataran Mai’s presence on the web, in the form of a blog, is a wonderful reminder of how digital access can open doors for a better communication between people lwho otherwise may never meet each other. Mukhataran’s audience is global, and while most support her cause, not all people agree with the path she has chosen; some may not even sympathize with her. But at least a healthy discussion is happening where a village woman can be a party to share her thoughts and opinions. Even about the naysayers, she says:
“It’s their kindness that they read the material. I am grateful to them. They encourage me to continue in my work in the village, and for women everywhere in Pakistan.”
Mukhataran Mai is great. Hope the international community who could reach her, would stand by her and help her in work for women. Women in Pakistan had long been enslaved by those who forget that they were once in a woman’s womb, sacrificed their lives for the men, that they have sisters, daughters and mothers. The men in Pakistan are afraid of women; they are not following the teachings of Mohamed but only the law of the jungle! Without women, mankind will not exist.
Mohtrama Hina Zafar Sahiba,
The points you have raised in your comment have already been answered in detail on this thread. However, let me try to clarify some of the points once again.
1. Yes, the imam of the local mosque was the first person who raised the issue publicly and even encouraged Mukhataran Mai (MM) to go to the police station. The imam must be commended for his action. All the responsible NGOs, both in Pakistan and abroad, have mentioned this fact in their reports. The film that you saw in Toronto, which also mentioned this fact, was presumably made by a non-profit organization. But the point is that other than this solitary imam of village Mirwah, not a squeak was heard from any pulpit or loudspeaker throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan. All these muftis and mullahs who are today blowing hot and cold and vowing to protect the “hudoodullahâ€
[quote comment=”2493″]Good point, Mast Qalandar.
Why are our mosques silent on this issue? Do they think such issues should not be discussed, or at all contemplated upon? What are they afraid of, when their pulpits are ideal for teaching and preaching civility and justice? Those of us who raise concern on such issues from outside Pakistan are often chastened for washing our dirty laundry in public. If there was enough wasing going on inside, there would be less need to do it outside as well.[/quote]
Hello MQ,
I kind of discovered this site and looked up Mukhtara’s case deliberately. At the Toronto Film Festival this year, “Shame” a documentary on Mukhtara’s plight was probably one of the films which had a full-house screening (possibly because of its controversial subject matter and the media hype around it). I also like many others only knew bits and pieces about it and the documentary served to fill in the gaps pretty accurately. One of the positive things about the film and my reason for adding this comment is that it was an Imam from a nearby mosque who was the first one to convince Mukhtara to report the rape and took her to the nearest police station to lodge the complaint. Also the same imam also raised the issue after one of the prayers in front of the villagers.
But then as far as NGOs and all other instituitions are concerned, I would agree that they all do have their own axe to grind. The person who made the documentary, the people and the “prestigious” Pakitani organizations who met Mukhtara while she was in Toronto all had their own personal agendas. I only met Mukkhtara for a few moments after the film screening and couldn’t help but appreciate how far she had come, and all power to women who can turn their misfortunes into something positive. Though I have to agree that Mukhtara may not very well be able to comprehend the extent of her accomplishment, but I don’t think she cares. In her small way she wants to continue giving back to the girls of her village and yes she may be forming alliances with the media to reach that objective, big deal! The culprits who have played a major role in making Pakistan appear so negative in the western media are probably our liberated Pakistanis in North America who have exploited the situation for their own ambitions.
Saadia it’s a shame that his “dictatorship” is not working afterall. I wonder what would have happened if he actually was a dictator?
[quote comment=”2502″]Its sad to that Pakistan rape reform has been failed after President Musharraf’s govt. caved in to religious conservatives by dropping its plans to reform rape laws. Its really disgusting that he had to do this only because of some illiterate Mullahs and MNAs pressure….What a shame!!![/quote]
I am glad to read this and also the comments. All of you Pakistanis are correct in being proud of her courage. As a woman, I am too.