There is nothing honourable to call it ‘honour killing’
2 min read
Mysuru: Honour / Shame killing can be interpreted as the ‘murder’ of an individual who is a family member or an outsider for bringing shame or dishonour to the so called honour of the family. This is mostly aimed at women over men.
It is believed that the very concept of Shame killing emerged in the tribal communities. Shame killing have been chronicled from the early Roman empire where men were given the rights to kill his daughter or wife who has been engaged in pre- marital relationship and adultery respectively.
An old Jewish law states any women engaged in adultery should be stoned to death. It is a matter of disturbance that not one of these laws mentions any punishment for men. There are many acts which are considered shameful by the people who practice Shame killing, some of this include engaging in pre- marital relationship, homosexuality, victims of rape, especially if they are pregnant.
The act of Shame killing is still prevalent in many countries in the world, including the developed. This act is very common in patriarchal societies where women are considered inferior to men and they are objectified.
It is stated that on an average 5,000 women are killed every year because of Shame killing, this is just a rough number. Researchers believe that the accurate number maybe three or four times greater than this number.
In India 1,000 women are killed every year because of this very practice. It is to be noted that India does not have any specific law which provides trial against Shame killing, this is what should be considered as Shameful.
The National Crime Records Bureau, states that for every 3 minutes a crime is committed against women. The rights and emotions of a women are not been given any importance or value, this is a matter of serious concern. There is no sin greater than killing an individual in the name of honor, its time to change the mindset of the patriarchal society and provide equality for all.
Fathima Ummer
Christ College, Mysuru
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
