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Sakina Haider

Project lead, Sakina in pink salwar kameez

Contact details

 Email:

Sakina.Haider@warwick.ac.uk

Postgraduate student studying MASc Community, Engagement, and Belonging at the University of Warwick.

Paradox Of Peace - Community Justice Systems and Resolutions At The Cost Of Women's Rights, Agency and Be-longing In Rural Pakistan

In rural Pakistan, traditional tribal councils such as Jirga, Faislo, and Panchayat resolve local disputes and maintain social order through community-specific norms. However, this often comes at the cost of women's agency, rights, and sense of belonging. This dissertation examines the paradox of peace—a situation where communal harmony and “peace” is preserved through practices that systematically oppress women. Customs such as Vani/Swara (forcible exchange of young girls either in marriage or otherwise), Badla-e-Sulh (revenge rape), Honour killings, Ghag (forcible violent proposals) etc are carried out under the guise of cultural traditions and family honour.

By critically analyzing how these resolutions affect women and investigating the cultural norms and patriarchal structures sustaining them, this study highlights the ways tribal councils perpetuate gender inequities. It also explores the justifications provided for these practices and proposes interventions to reconcile the preservation of peace with advancing gender equality and human rights.

Academic supervisor: Dr Lauren Bird

Project Goals

The primary aim of the research is to critically investigate, understand, and examine the customs and decisions made by tribal councils and their impact on women’s rights and agency in rural Pakistan.

The study uncovers how the resolutions and customs enforced by these councils in the name of “peace” affect women’s rights, autonomy, and sense of belonging within their communities and how these practices shape community dynamics, particularly in reinforcing patriarchal structures and social cohesion.

Project Outcomes

This dissertation reveals how the systemic oppression of women in rural Pakistan is deeply embedded in cultural norms and patriarchal control. Women are often treated as property, excluded from decision-making, and subjected to customs that strip them of their rights and agency. Tribal councils prioritize tradition over logic and individual rights, perpetuating harmful practices that instrumentalize women’s bodies as tools for negotiation. The societal conditioning of women begins in childhood, shaping their perception of oppression as a shared responsibility and burden. This internalization of patriarchal norms creates a fragmented sense of belonging and identity.

The reluctance to report crimes further marginalizes women, as fear of dishonour and mistrust of formal systems deter victims from seeking justice. Tribal councils are preferred over courts due to their perceived role in maintaining communal relationships. However, their decisions often reinforce violence and inequality. Resistance to these practices is met with severe backlash, as evidenced by women and families challenging jirga rulings, only to face violent repercussions.

The dissertation also reveals the paradoxical clash between tradition and women’s rights. Customary norms outweigh state laws in rural settings. This reflects a broader legal and cultural divide, where laws are symbolic and fail to effect tangible change. Women’s subjugation is normalized through cultural practices, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, forced marriages, and lifelong servitude. The dissertation highlights the psychological and societal toll on women, revealing how patriarchal customs fragment their sense of agency, belonging, and identity.

Future Research Aspirations

I intend to pursue further in depth research on the influence of tribal councils in rural Pakistan and its impact on the non-disclosure and unreliability of evidence in gender-based violence (GBV) cases. These councils perpetuate and condone GBV, significantly hindering women’s access to healthcare and legal justice. This obstruction not only perpetuates cycles of violence but also amplifies the socio-economic and political challenges in effectively addressing and mitigating GBV. By examining these barriers, my research aims to propose solutions that enhance the legal and healthcare response to GBV, ultimately improving support for victims and fostering greater social and institutional resilience in rural Pakistan.

The findings will be disseminated in a non-linear format, leveraging my experience as an Creative Lead at Publicis Groupe (Digitas) Pakistan. Using non linear media formats I will engage multiple audiences such as policymakers, activists, and affected communities. This approach will ensure the research reaches a wide range of stakeholders, fostering dialogue and driving change to address the critical issues of GBV, healthcare access, and legal justice in rural Pakistan.