Abused Who?

Mukharan Mai’s a Rape Victum

Musharraf in the eyes of many is a symbol for change in Pakistan. His

polices are fair and he has stood like a rock for the betterment of Pakistan. I
have personally seen the change in Pakistan ever since Musharraf has
stepped in. Now we must admit that not everything in his administration is
perfect. But we have to keep in mind the society, the culture and the history
of politics when judging the accomplishments of Musharraf. What he has
done for Pakistan few have been able to achieve. He has been a beacon of
hope for Pakistan in the mind of many Pakistani’s all around the globe; until
now.

Rape is a crime which takes away the dignity and strikes at the very heart of
every woman’s self esteem. When Phulaan Rani (Bandit Queen) was raped
in front of the village in India she was mentally so distort by the horror of it
that she killed twenty two perpetrators one by one. She later became an MP
for the Samajwadi Party in India. We should all keep in mind what a huge
accomplishment this is not only for her but for abused women around the
world to be inspired from.

Mukharan Mai’s story in Pakistan is not too different. She was brutally raped
in front of everyone in her village. Instead of gunning down the men who
brutally raped her she instead built schools and shelters for abused women.
She went out of her way to protect women and provide a decent education
for children who are not cared for.

But every step that she has taken to highlight her plight for women in
Pakistan. The government of Pakistan has taken equal steps to stop her in
her tracks. From banning Mukhtaran to come to U.S. to house arrests and
threats it seems as if her every effort to get justice has been slapped by the
Government. However the worst was yet to come.

The recent comments made by General Musharraf hit the women of Pakistan
worse the Katrina hit the residents of the Gulf coast. Instead of making
Mukhtaran a symbol of hope for the plight of women in Pakistan he instead
made a statement which shocked the world. His words,”…a lot of people say
if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a
millionaire, get yourself raped.” According to the Wikipedia encyclopedia,
“Rape is a crime wherein the victim is forced into sexual activity against his
or her will, in particular sexual penetration” Based on this definition one can
easily deduct that since a woman has to be forced into sex against her will,
then the premise of getting a visa for canada as a prize of her rape is
something beyond my humble comprehension. This statement was a slap to
not just the abused women- it hit us deep in our core. I think this is one story
which can't be exploited. When someone is gang raped in front of a village
by six men- there is nothing more to say. The heinous nature of this crime
speaks for itself. This is one story that needs to be told over; and over; and
over- until the society realizes the abuse done to the women of Pakistan.
Instead of killing her perpetrators like the Indian bandit queen; she instead
built hospitals, schools, and even has ambulances for abused women.
Pakistan should make Mukhtaran Mai a symbol of someone who is fighting
the horrors of society rather than someone is taking advantage of her
situation.

Today I stand before you with these words, shame on Musharraf. And shame
on the Government of Pakistan for inflicting pain on those who need to be
renowned for their courage.