Gender Justice

We take a feminist, survivor-centered approach to enhance legal protections for women and girls, especially in the context of family law, gender-based violence (“GBV”), and institutional responsiveness. 

Pakistan ranks 148th out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, making it the lowest globally  in gender equality across health, education, economic participation, and political empowerment. In 2024, over 32,617 GBV cases were reported across Pakistan, including 5,339 rapes and 24, 439 kidnappings or abductions – yet conviction rates remain alarmingly low: just 0.5% for rape, 0.1% for abduction and 1.3% for domestic violence. Despite the existence of progressive laws like the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016, enforcement remains inconsistent and survivors frequently face delays, insensitive court processes, and stigma. Menstrual health remains a critically neglected dimension of gender equality in Pakistan. An estimated 79% of women lack the products, privacy or facilities needed to manage menstruation hygienically, leading to increased health risks, social stigma and school absenteeism among adolescent girls.

Musawi also addresses discriminatory interpretations of family law that disproportionately harm women, especially in matters of custody and dissolution of marriage. A persistent myth wrongly claims that mothers automatically lose custody of their children upon remarriage, leading to coercion and injustice in family court decisions. Additionally, patriarchal biases within courts and police continue to hinder women’s access to justice. Through legal reform, institutional training, and public awareness, Musawi works to bridge the gap between laws and their implementation, challenge harmful social norms, and build a justice system that survivors can trust and rely on.