The Cost of Honour: Women’s Sacrifice in Izzat Tradition

The issue of women’s sacrifice under the concept of izzat, or honour, is deeply rooted in South Asian society. This cultural expectation often places the burden of familial and community honour squarely on women, leading to tragic outcomes.

The Legacy of Izzat: Women’s Sacrifice in South Asia

The term “izzat” translates to “honour,” yet in many South Asian households, it manifests as a heavy burden, leading to violence against women. The alarming reality is that women’s lives are often sacrificed to protect male-dominated concepts of honour.

Cases That Highlight the Crisis

• Kausalya Shankar: A survivor of an honour killing in Tamil Nadu, Kausalya’s husband was murdered in 2016 by her family due to their inter-caste marriage. She testified against her parents and became an advocate for women’s autonomy.
• Partition’s Toll on Women: During the 1947 Partition, over 75,000 women were abducted, with many killed by their own families to avoid perceived dishonour.
• Farzana Parveen Iqbal: In 2014, Parveen was stoned to death by her family for eloping. Her case exemplifies the manipulation of izzat to justify familial violence.
• Neha Rathore: In 2024, Rathore was killed by her family a day after marrying outside her caste. Her case underscores the tragic realities surrounding caste-based honour crimes.

Regional Patterns of Violence

The violence women face is not confined to individual incidents. It highlights a systemic pattern woven into the societal fabric across countries like India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

• In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return has further entrenched male dominance, where women seeking freedom are punished under the guise of moral law.
• In Pakistan, the extrajudicial killing of women often follows public incidents that are deemed dishonourable, underscoring the community’s role in perpetuating violence.

Understanding Izzat Beyond Violence

Izzat should not merely be viewed as a tool for violence; it can be redefined as a source of compassion and dignity. Male insecurity often fuels the violence surrounding this concept, while women are taught to uphold their family’s honour at their own expense.

The Path to Redemption

To shift the narrative of izzat from fear to compassion, society must reevaluate its values. The stories of women like Kausalya and Neha reveal the urgent need for change. Izzat should symbolize respect and dignity, shared by all, not a pretext for control and violence.

True honour lies in a collective commitment to support and protect, rather than punish, women. Reimagining izzat in this way may be the first step toward creating a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive without fear.

In conclusion, honour must evolve to embrace empathy and kindness. Only then can we hope to witness an end to the sacrifices made by women in the name of izzat in South Asia.