Despite much awareness against rape culture and victim-blaming, many influential people have come up with controversial remarks regarding rape and why it occurs. While some have blamed a woman’s outfit for rape, others have questioned women for being present on the streets at night.
In a similar incident, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan went on record to say that rape is a consequence of “vulgarity”, reports The New York Times. Following this, he justified the practice of ‘Purdah’, which refers to the seclusion (physical segregation of women and men) and veiling (covering their entire body besides the eyes) of women and said that it stops “temptation”.
“What is the concept of Purdah? It is to stop temptation. Not every man has willpower. If you keep on increasing vulgarity, it will have consequences,” he said.
Adding to this, he further said that the increasing vulgarity and obscenity that is shown in Bollywood and Hollywood movies these days have a major impact on people’s minds, reports BBC. He said because of some Bollywood movies, rape cases are increasing in Delhi and called the city the “rape capital”.
Here’s a video capturing his statements. Have a look:
People online, including his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, slammed the Pakistan Prime Minister for his regressive views. While many pointed out that he was victim-blaming, others asked him to hold rapists accountable instead.
“Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts." Quran 24:31
The onus is on men. https://t.co/StkKE3HIPM
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 7, 2021
if you're promoting changes to women's behaviour to ‘prevent’ rape, you're really saying ‘make sure he rapes the other girl’ https://t.co/DTBJDKX91T
— ash (@wallxfIower) April 8, 2021
how about instead of telling women to censor themselves, we ask men to have the "willpower" to leave people alone. the way we dress does not mean yes, and if you can't control yourself, maybe you need restraining. https://t.co/YhGIJpue9E
— representation matters (@yourstorymeans) April 9, 2021
The ultimate ‘victim blaming’. Makes me feel furious. But fearful for women the world over. https://t.co/o5DKfP2Sw3
— Fiona McLeod Gregory 🇦🇺 (@findingfifth5) April 8, 2021
I am constantly amazed by the idea that "men are animals who can't control their sexual urges" is supposed to be a defense rather than an indictment https://t.co/RkhUO83rml
— Maggie Astor (@MaggieAstor) April 8, 2021
I hate this world it makes me sick. Everything is the women's fault. Everything. When men rape "oh she should have dressed more conservatively" or "oh she shouldn't have been out so late". RAPISTS ARE THE PROBLEM. rape happens irregardless of how we dress. https://t.co/wSgTlEke3H
— Sabeeha (@Sabeehahahaha) April 8, 2021
Not raping a woman counts as having willpower now? Disgusting. https://t.co/8xem3BXdMv
— shanaya. (@anevilsoulll) April 8, 2021
A woman should have the freedom to wear what they want without having the fear of being sexually assaulted. It is a shame that women who are rape victims are being blamed for being assaulted and are being used as an excuse for a man's poor behavior. #NNHSPersevere #NoExcuses https://t.co/D0kBcHrB5A
— Peyton (@Peyton92376220) April 8, 2021
its not a women issue, its a social issue..People like u don't even spare Goats n Dogs..and No woman is asking to be assaulted based on what’s she’s wearing..Stop victim blaming and start holding assaulters accountable instead of excusing their actions. https://t.co/0lZKoGYsCT
— Ankita Thakur (@ankita_thakur2) April 9, 2021
It is downright shameful for one of the world’s prominent leaders to make such statements, at a time when awareness against rape culture is at its peak. Instead of trying to justify a rapists action by putting the onus on women, why not teach men that no amount of vulgarity on screen or on road is an invitation for a woman to get raped?