Abstract:
Women’s Security as a multifaceted approach encompasses numerous dimensions that includes
freedom from any discrimination, physical safety and the rights to exercise autonomy and agency.
However, in Pakistan honor killings pose greater threat to women security because of the
interconnectedness of the prescribed gender roles, societal expectations, and cultural norms. This
research study aims to explore the understanding of women security in the light of honor killings
– a premeditated murder– through the theoretical lens of Social Constructionism. The notions of
patriarchy often derived from preserving family’s honor are entrenched in the socio-cultural norms
that set standards for purity and righteousness of women. By delving into the complexities of
power structures and gender dynamics this research draws upon the theoretical framework of social
constructionism that underscore socio-cultural norms. These constructed socio-cultural norms
shape the beliefs and attitudes that not only create an environment for violence against women but
also justify them as a mean to uphold social order and preserve ‘honor’. Therefore, the research
study sheds light on the comprehensive strategies to combat such heinous crime through legislative
reforms, gender sensitized trainings, educational initiatives, and empowerment of women to
reshape prevailing structures and narratives.
