Broken Laws, Broken Lives Gender Violence and the Enforcement Crisis in Pakistan and South Korea Page 01-10

Abstract

This research investigates the connection between the execution of gender violence laws and
legal frameworks in South Korea and Pakistan, two nations with very different sociocultural
contexts. Despite enacting laws to curb gender violence, significant discrepancies remain
in their effectiveness and impact on women's safety and empowerment. The research uses
historical data and contemporary case studies to illustrate the challenges faced in enforcing
gender violence laws, such as cultural resistance and institutional inadequacies. In Pakistan,
societal norms and a lack of resources hinder law enforcement, leading to underreporting
and inadequate support for victims. South Korea has seen more proactive measures but
still grapples with deeply ingrained gender biases. The study proposes a dual framework
to assess the impact of legislation on real change, focusing on enforcement mechanisms
and societal attitudes toward gender violence. Preliminary findings suggest that legislative
measures are crucial for establishing a foundation for change, but their true effectiveness
lies in comprehensive implementation strategies that promote awareness and community
involvement. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender violence by
providing insights into the legislative and implementation gaps in both countries and
offering actionable recommendations for policymakers to enhance the efficacy of gender
violence laws and promote gender equality.