How a woman, as a minister, would feel if her male counterpart would call her a “Low-IQ Woman” who earned fame due to her personal accessories such as sunglasses and handbags? Contemptible? Despicable?
Such hateful remarks impact the targeted person emotionally and psychologically and goes beyond the national boundaries.
Language holds immense power to shape situations positively or negatively. Uncontrolled language usage can lead to hate speech and conflicts, while careful use of language may build relationships and contribute to peacebuilding. The right to free expression is one of the important human rights; but there are certain limits to it.
A stereotypical speech amounting to libel, slander or insult may not be termed as a free speech as it exceeds the boundaries of decency of free speech. Spoken, written or non-verbal communication may be the tools of hate speech. Hate speech is often disseminated by prominent political, social or religious figures having huge fan following on social media.
Factors contributing to its spread include educational curricula, religious extremism, gender biasness, political and economic influences, class divisions or lack of dialogue. It triggers conflict, insult or abusive remarks to demean individuals, groups, communities, or institutions. Hate speech fuels violence and extremism.
Unfortunately, Pakistan exemplifies the hate speech patterns. In Pakistan, hate speech poses a significant societal issue. The vulnerable segments of society including women, transgender religious minorities are the easy target of hate speech. Nonetheless, women in politics seem to be more vulnerable.
Pakistani women suffer from hate speech extremism. The JUI-F Chief Moulana Fazal-ur-Rehman, at a rally in Shikarpur in November 2022, allegedly made derogatory remarks against women who support PTI leader Imran Khan. He criticised that society is being negatively influenced by the conduct of such women who follow Imran Khan. He further questioned the deteriorating moral values whereby younger generation is being distracted. It sparked outrage on social media. Many online users have condemned this allegedly hateful remarks. There are many online platforms.
Women should actively engage themselves in national life- whether it pertains to participating in elections, pursuing education, or seeking employment. However, the use of language exhibiting hate speech, sexist remarks or patriarchal mind-set makes the public life difficult especially for women in politics. An article analysing hate speech tweets against women concluded that “Women are viewed as object of physical pleasure and are evaluated negatively based on their appearance rather than their ability, hard work, talent or intelligence.”
Women in Pakistan constitute 49% of the population. Article 34 of the Constitution of Pakistan envisages that ‘step shall be taken to ensure full participation of women in all spheres of national life’. How can women contribute to all spheres of national life actively if they are continually subjected to hate speech and stereotypical attitudes?
To address hate speech, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that promotes peaceful language practices and inclusivity. This effort requires countering hate speech, advocating for respectful dialogue, and creating a more harmonious society. It’s evident that language has the potential to harm individuals and society at large.
The efforts of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) in proposing a Code of Ethics aimed at preventing hate speech against women in politics is an effort to make level playing field for women in politics. The objective of this Code of Ethics is to ensure that women participating in politics may freely engage in political activities and contribute to national life without facing discouraging, derogatory language or abuse. Moreover, the NCSW highlighted that the use of derogatory language against women by political leaders is fostering intolerance within society.
The NCSW presented the proposed Code of Ethics to the Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Omer Hamid Khan. This Code will apply to political parties, candidates, political workers, and polling agents.
Election Commission is thankful to Hon’ble Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson (NCSW) and her team for sensitizing ECP on the subject is an effective manner and look forward to work in close coordination with NCSW for the future.
Key principles of the Code of Ethics as proposed by the NCSW include respecting diversity, taking responsibility, refraining from using abusive language against women, promoting free speech, and maintaining respectful communication both online and offline. The proposal was developed after consultations in different provinces, involving parliamentarians, representatives from the election commission, security agencies, civil society, and media professionals. NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar expressed gratitude to all participants for contributing to creating a safer environment for women.
It is strongly suggested that hate speech should be banned for several compelling reasons such as for promotion of equality, social cohesion, political participation, safety and wellbeing, educational opportunities, psychological impact, economic empowerment, cultural progress, and positive role modelling. Therefore, banning hate speech against women is an essential step towards building a fair, inclusive, and thriving society that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender
The write is a Gold Medallist in MPhil Applied Linguistics and a Senior Research Fellow at School for Law and Development.
