Samra Zafar, a survivor of an abusive arranged marriage as a teenager, speaks out against the resurgence of traditional gender roles and the erosion of women’s rights in a press article. Zafar shares her harrowing experience of being forced into marriage, losing her freedoms, and enduring physical abuse in a patriarchal society. She warns against the glamorization of “tradwives” who willingly give up their rights and independence in the name of tradition and family values, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and setting women back in their quest for equality.
Zafar also highlights the dangerous implications of tying “family values” to nationalism, as seen in the conservative playbook Project 2025, which seeks to uphold a traditional family structure as the foundation of society. She stresses the importance of women’s autonomy and the right to make choices about their own bodies, pointing out the detrimental consequences of regressing into outdated gender norms and restrictions. Despite facing immense challenges, Zafar emphasizes the resilience and strength of women in moving forward, healing from trauma, and striving for a future where freedom of choice is upheld and protected.
Source
Photo credit msmagazine.com
