Exploring the Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Female Suicide in Yasin District Ghizer: Perspectives of Influential Stakeholders

Authors

  • Nadia Abbas Lecturer, Karkaraum International University Gilgit, Sociology and Anthropology Department Author
  • Faiza Nosheen Lecturer, Karkaraum International University Gilgit, Sociology and Anthropology Department Author
  • Sehrish Fatima Karkaraum International University Gilgit, Sociology and Anthropology Department Author
  • Wazir Barkat Ali Lecturer, Karkaraum International University Gilgit, Sociology and Anthropology Department Author
  • Samreen Zahra Karakorum International University Gilgit, Sociology and Anthropology Department Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59075/xa83vh14

Keywords:

Suicide, Gender roles, Male dominance, Forced marriages, Depression, Social rejection, Honor killings, Marital conflicts, Domestic violence, Mental health stigma, and Poverty

Abstract

Female suicide in Yasin District Ghizer, Pakistan, is a critical social issue deeply rooted in socio-cultural, economic, and psychological factors. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of influential stakeholders, including a social worker, a media professional, and a police officer, to understand the underlying causes and risk factors associated with female suicides. The findings reveal that traditional gender roles, male dominance, early and forced marriages, and societal expectations significantly restrict women’s autonomy, contributing to depression, social rejection, and suicide. Marital conflicts, domestic violence, and communication gaps further exacerbate vulnerabilities, while cases of honor killings are often misreported as suicides, obscuring the issue’s true extent. Stakeholders emphasized the role of poverty, mental health stigma, and limited awareness of rights in perpetuating these challenges. They called for enhanced community awareness, improved mental health support, and gender-sensitive policies to address systemic inequalities. While this study provides valuable insights, its scope is limited by the small sample size and the exclusion of direct female perspectives. Future research should include broader community participation and prioritize gender-inclusive approaches to develop effective interventions for preventing female suicides in traditional societies like Yasin. This qualitative study investigated the issue of female suicide in Yasin District Ghizer by employing semi-structured interviews to gain in-depth insights. Using purposive sampling, four influential community members were selected as participants. The interviews, guided by a structured framework, explored themes such as socio-cultural roles, socio-economic pressures, community awareness, and law enforcement policies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with responses transcribed, coded, and categorized to identify recurring themes. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity, were strictly adhered to. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the small sample size and the absence of direct female perspectives in this phase of the research.

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Published

2025-01-11

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