Blood, Tears and Lives to Live - Women in Cross fire,

Shah N.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 1998

This research attempts to bring to light the effects of ethnic violence on women. Conducted in Hyderabad and Karachi divisions of Sindh it aims to present some of the common features of the ordeal suffered by women in conflict situations such as women's ignorance of and non-involvement with men's life outside their homes. With the help of case studies it also points out the difficulties faced by women in tracing the missing members of their families, their indescribable shock at suddenly receiving lifeless bodies of their dear ones, their vulnerability to more tragedies after the death of the bread winner and their abject surrender to the demands of corrupt administration. Though the sample is too small for generalization nevertheless it serves to emphasize the tremendous sufferings of women caught in ethnic conflict in Sindh. Through a survey it compares the socio-economic status of these women before and after the conflict, as well as the nature and impact of the conflict. Even though the conflicts in Karachi have ended these women continue to suffer every day.

Key Words: Ethnic Conflict, Police Arrest, Testimony.