Girl mangled by dogs shot in ‘honour’ ...
Girl mangled by dogs shot in ‘honour’ killing
Date: January 1, 1970
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The article describes how a 17-year old girl had dogs set on her and was subsequently shot, allegedly by her in-laws, for refusing to hand over her piece of land to them.
This article may be used to:
- Raise awareness about gender violence.
- Demonstrate cultural beliefs that are harmful, i.e. the practice of “honour killings.”
- Raise discussions about justice system
- Raise discussions about human rights and marriage.
Trainer’s notes
The article draws attention to the gender violence faced by women in marriage, especially marriages governed by traditional or tribal laws in countries such as Pakistan. The women are often found guilty and punished by a jirga (Tribal Council), which is not women- friendly. The rulings are often unfairly harsh against women. Adultery carries a death sentence. In the few instances that men are found guilty, they often get away with a fine. The fact that the man in the story accused of having an affair with the girl received a fin, while her killing was condoned as an “honour killing” indicates the inherent problems in the system.
Furthermore, the article highlights the brutality in which sentences are carried out. The young girl met her death in one of the most horrific ways ever. She was repeatedly beaten, had a hound of dogs set on her and was later shot.
Moreover, attention is drawn to the little, if any, property rights held by women in Pakistan. The source of the dispute, according to her parents, is that the girl refused to transfer her land and pay money to her in-laws.
Discussion Questions
- What are the tensions between respect for religious and cultural traditions and human rights? How do you address these?
- Discuss women’s property rights in Africa. What are the challenges?
- Discuss gender violence perpetuated by families and in-laws. Is this a problem in Africa?
Training exercises
- Ask participants to familiarise themselves with the UN Declaration on the Elimination of all forms of Violence against Women. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject ask participants to familiarise themselves with the UN Declaration on the Elimination of all forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on religion or belief www.un.org/documents/ga/res/36/a36r055.htm Write a commentary on the tensions between religion and rights.
- Investigate marital laws within your country. What are the differences between traditional laws and constitutional laws?
Other training resources
Visit the Amina Lawal story, made famous in 2001 when she was sentenced to death by stoning under Islamic Shari’ a court.
Gender Links "I" Stories Project
Related GL Commentaries
Related GL Commentaries
Download : Girl mangled by dogs The Star2008 SA
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