Measure of Silence: "Horrors of Honor" Around the World
What Defines “Honor”?
A big fat wedding is an “Honor” to a family. Children being settled is an “Honor” to a family. A respected job is an “Honor” to a family. A well-settled business is an “Honor” to a family.
But is “Killing” an “Honor” to a family?
Honor is ingrained in the society. People have abtract notions of Honor based upon their culture, societal religion and political landscape. But Is it enough to claim life of a person…
Shocking Facts About Gender-Based Violence
According to United Nations Women, the statistics on gender-based violence are alarming:
- In 2023, approximately 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members.
- On average, 140 women or girls are killed daily by someone in their own family for “Honor.”
- While intimate partners or family members commit 60% of all female homicides, only 12% of male homicides occur in the private sphere.
140 women are killed every day. Isn’t that shocking?
The Menace of Honor Killings in India
India, home to the largest population in the world, is not untouched by this issue.
- As per the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India’s population report, honor killings have risen significantly in recent decades.
- However, honor killings are not reported separately in India—they are categorized under general murders, and many cases remain unreported.
Honor killings are a global menace, not limited to a single culture or region.
Is It Awareness or Something Else?
Rana Husseini, a journalist, feminist, and human rights defender from Jordan, has worked towards creating awareness of honor killings for over two decades.
She stated, “Honor killings are part of the culture, not a religion.”
This issue transcends specific religions like Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity—it is deeply rooted in cultural practices passed down through generations.
Husseini emphasizes that change requires active engagement, not passive acknowledgment.
“Measure of Silence: Horrors of Honor” – The Documentary
While filming the documentary “Measure of Silence: Horrors of Honor,” we uncovered disturbing real-life stories of honor killings, including:
- The case of Nina Aouilk
- Rama Kunwar’s honor killing case
These stories reveal the grave and long-lasting impacts of this menace. In regions where honor killings occur, women’s human rights are often neither recognized nor accepted.
Modernization should extend beyond material aspects to include mental and cultural evolution—this can save countless lives.
What the Documentary Highlights
“Measure of Silence” aims to bring social change by exposing these heinous acts and breaking the silence that enables them.
- The film presents real-life stories, expert insights, and perspectives from jurists, local-level government representatives, and LGBTQIA+ survivors.
- It explores interpretations of “honor” across cultures and societies, shedding light on the oddity and complexity of honor killings.
While “Measure of Silence” may not single-handedly solve the problem, it aspires to ignite a global movement toward lasting change.