Zoya Ahmed, facing a bitter divorce in Karachi, reports her husband filed false accusations, including claims of an extramarital affair. She describes the courtroom experience as traumatic, dominated by male judges and audiences. Sexual incompatibility was a significant factor in the marriage's dissolution. Women initiating divorce in Pakistan often face financial penalties, further complicating their situation. Despite Islamic law permitting divorce, societal stigma and emotional fallout continue to deter women from pursuing legal separation. Financial dependence traps many in unhappy marriages across Asia, reinforcing their hardships.
"This [extramarital affair case] is very anti-women. The kind of shame I have to face in the courtroom. Our courtrooms are full of men ... the way everyone looks at me, it's a different horror experience."
"You wanted sex. Now you'll get it." This statement by Ahmed's husband illustrates how weaponized intimacy contributed to her emotional distress during the divorce process.
In many Asian countries, financial dependence is one of the main reasons women stay in unhappy marriages, highlighting the systemic barriers faced by women seeking divorce.
Divorce remains deeply stigmatized across Asia, and despite rising rates, women often face severe emotional and financial repercussions from such decisions.
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