STRUCTURAL AND DIRECT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PAKISTAN AND SOUTH KOREA.

Abstract

Violence against Women (VAW) is a severe problem across the world. Despite its severity, however, some countries do not even have laws to combat VAW, and others have laws in name only. This study investigates violence against women in Pakistan and South Korea, analyzing both structural and direct violence. It examines how systemic factors and direct actions perpetuate gender-based violence. The literature review highlights historical and contemporary perspectives, focusing on cultural, legal, and social frameworks. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from surveys and official statistics with qualitative insights from women interviews and case studies. This research paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of structural and direct violence against women in two contrasting socio-cultural contexts: Pakistan and South Korea. The study examines the history, contemporary challenges, and legislative responses to violence against women in Pakistan and South Korea. It highlights issues like honor killings, domestic violence, and gender-based workplace discrimination. The research also highlights the implementation of international conventions like CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration, which are crucial for evaluating women's rights globally. The empirical results demonstrate that an increase in the percentage of women in parliaments leads countries to adopt and implement laws addressing VAW. The findings have implications for policymakers, activists, and scholars working towards gender equality and combating violence in diverse cultural settings. The research aims to guide informed interventions, legislative reforms, and societal transformations. In addition, addressing structural and direct violence against women in Pakistan and South Korea requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal reforms, economic empowerment, education, public awareness, support services, international cooperation, and political commitment.