Gendered Power Relations and Experiences of Violence: A Qualitative Study on Women Living in Slums of Rawalpindi

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue across the world, particularly affecting people of low-socioeconomic class. It undermines the physical and psychological well-being of victims as well as sustains the cycle of inequality and marginalization within the lower class communities. Therefore, the current study focused on the victims of GBV living in the conditions of poverty, who are facing multiple issues ranging from hunger and poverty to domestic violence and disrespect. The participants of the study were women who were facing multiple types of violence in their day-to-day lives. The qualitative research design has been employed for this study, and data is collected through in-depth interviews with women living in poverty. Forty women participated in the present research. Thematic analysis has been used for data analysis. The themes discussed in this study were about their relationship with their husbands, gendered power relations within the family and at their workplaces. Moreover, the themes also include their experiences of violence and perceived reasons, their participation in decision-making, religious affiliations and influence of religion on their lives, and their perception of the practices of violence (being unfair or justified). The findings of the study reflect that the majority of poor women perceive Gender-Based violence as a social issue. They face physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse from their husbands and if working then at their workplace as well, and are forced to cope with it, due to societal pressure of living with the husband. Through this research, the authors intend to get insights into how gendered power relations within the family and in public affect women's well-being and make them vulnerable to Gender-Based violence.