This year, Mashion’s Mashaadi sheds light on abuse women face in relationships; from physical, emotional, gaslighting and much more. The 5 minute video resonates with many of the viewers and serves as a dose of courage for those struggling to take a stand for themselves and exit an abusive relationship.
Mashaadi 2022 & Its Message
The under 6 minutes video shows Mahira Khan as Maheen, a bride, all set to walk the aisle but as painful flashbacks hit her, she is reluctant to proceed with the wedding. Her mother, played by the evergreen Huma Nawab, comforts her by saying “relationships mein aisa hota rehta hai” essaying the societal mindset that women must adjust, come what may.
Behroze Sabzwari, who plays the role of Maheen’s father, advises that no one should settle for an abusive relationship and that this is Maheen’s fight and she should be allowed to handle it as she best chooses.
Maheen decides to take a stand for herself and walks away from a potentially abusive marriage.
Violence Against Women In Pakistan – Stats
Pakistan is a country that faces the wrath of generations of patriarchy. As a result, unfortunately, women are vulnerable to abuse in various forms ranging from domestic, emotional, and physical. According to the World Health Organization, one in every three women report facing physical violence from their partners, making 70-90% of the female population vulnerable to domestic violence.
Does Pakistan Have Laws Against Violence Against Women?
Unfortunately, violence against women has little recognition. Recently, in 2020, the Government of Pakistan passed the bill Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2020, which aims to ‘establish an effective system of protection, relief and rehabilitation of women, children, elders and any vulnerable persons against domestic violence.’
Domestic violence is considered a taboo topic in the region as it has traditionally been considered a private matter between a husband and wife. However, some cases do make it to the courts and others are ‘resolved’ between the families themselves, mostly through local jirgas.
Awareness On The Topic
Mainstream media and production houses have shed light on such topics. Dramas such as Udaari, Qissa Meherbano Ka, and Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay, all shed light on domestic violence and violence against women in general. These narratives helped raise awareness & initiate conversations around the topic, making them a relevant watch.
A Round Of Applause For Mashion!
Mashion addresses violence against women in its latest Mashaadi campaign in collaboration with MoltyFoam.
Perhaps the single most relevant takeaway from the message is uttered by Maheen’s father when he says:
” Mere cricket ke coach hamesha yahi kaha kartay thay. Ghalat ball par kabhi shot nahi maarna chahiye. Well left beta.”
Women must know they have a choice. And they must exercise the right to use it before it’s too late. Families must support that choice and give them the courage to act on it. The message is clear – every womam has the right to fight for herself and stand up for her rights
A special shout out to Mahira Khan, Behroze Sabzwari, Huma Nawab, Sikander Rizvi, Tania Hussain. Masab Fazal Misri, Sheheryar Munawar and the entire team at Mashion and MoltyFoam for bringing this campaign to life.
In case you missed it, catch the campaign here:
(Sources: Ministry of Human Rights GOP, Global Human Rights Defense)
