Violence Against Women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Socio-Cultural Analysis

Abstract

Violence against women (VAW) remains one of the most pervasive human rights and public health challenges worldwide, disproportionately affecting women in patriarchal societies where socio-cultural norms often reinforce gender inequality. In Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), women continue to experience various forms of violence, including physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, despite legislative reforms and institutional interventions. Deep-rooted patriarchal values, honor based traditions, economic dependency, limited educational opportunities, and weak institutional responses contribute to the persistence and underreporting of violence. This study aims to examine the socio-cultural determinants of violence against women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to explore how cultural practices, gender norms, and socioeconomic conditions shape women's vulnerability to abuse. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative survey data collected from women across selected districts of KP with qualitative insights obtained through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis to provide contextual understanding of the findings. The study is expected to identify patriarchal attitudes, honor-related beliefs, economic dependence, and limited awareness of legal rights as significant factors associated with violence against women, while education, women's empowerment, and institutional support are anticipated to function as protective factors. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing body of literature on gender-based violence in Pakistan by providing evidence on the socio-cultural mechanisms sustaining violence in KP. The study concludes that addressing violence against women requires integrated legal, educational, economic, and community-based interventions that challenge discriminatory gender norms and strengthen institutional accountability. The findings offer practical policy recommendations for government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners seeking to design culturally responsive strategies for preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.