Course Contents

1. Feminist Movements: 1.1. Historical roots of the women’s movements in Pakistan 1896 – 1947: A period of awakening 1.1.1. The impact of colonization 1.1.2. Education and the Women’s reform movement 1.1.3. Women’s Rights 1.1.4. Women in politics 1.1.5. Women in the Pakistan movement 1.2. Women’s Rights and Organization 1.2.1. The early years 1947 – 1958 1.2.1.1. Efforts at organizing 1.2.1.2. All Pakistan Women’s Association 1.2.1.3. Other organizations 1.2.1.4. Struggle for rights 1.2.2. Ayub Khan’s period 1958 – 1969 1.2.2.1. The Family Law Ordinance 1961 1.2.2.2. Women in politics 1.2.2.3. Women’s Organizations 1.2.3. The Bhutto Era 1970 – 1977 1.2.3.1. The politicization of women 1.2.3.2. Women’s organizations 1.2.4. Zia and the creation of Women Action Forum (WAF) 2. Gender and Law in Pakistan 2.1. Fundamental rights in the constitution of Pakistan 2.2. Shariah Law 2.2.1. Law of Evidence 2.2.2. Hudood Ordinance 1979 2.2.3. Law of Qisas and Diyat 2.2.4. Women Protection Bill 2.3. Islamization of Law 2.3.1. Family Law 2.3.2. Marriage 2.3.3. Polygamy 2.3.4. Talaq 2.3.5. Khula 2.4. Dowry, will and Inheritance 2.5. Gifts, Parents and Child’s Guardianship, will and Inheritance 2.6. Legal Status of women in Pakistan 3. Women and Violence 3.1. Definition and Concept of violence 3.2. Domestic violence and its types 3.2.1. Physical violence 3.2.2. Sexual violence 3.2.3. Emotional Violence 3.2.4. Financial Violence 3.2.5. Psychological violence 3.2.6. Religious violence 3.2.7. Conjugal violence 3.2.8. Incest 3.2.9. Wheel of violence 3.2.10. Remedies 3.3. Community Violence and its types 3.3.1. Sexual Harassment 3.3.2. Sexual Offences 3.3.3. Trafficking 3.3.4. Honour Killing 3.3.5. Acid Burning 3.3.6. Stove Burning 3.4. Social / Economical and Cultural causes of violence against women in Pakistan

Course Synopsis

The focus of this course will be to trace the historical background of Muslim women in the subcontinent. It will put the attention towards the role of different governments for the development and uplifting of women after independence. It will also cover different topics including Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of Pakistan, Islamization laws, Shariah Law, and violence against women.

Course Learning Outcomes

• It will keep students engaged in addressing the current challenges by tracing the historical roots • Students will be able to understand the nature of violence women are experiencing in their daily life Students will come to know whatever rights they are enjoying nowadays have an ongoing struggle • Students will be able to examine past and present through a gender lens.