“One by one, they raped me”: Sexual violence against khwaja sira in Swat, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to explore themes related to sexual violence against khwaja sira in Mingora, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Method: We conducted 45 in-depth interviews with khwaja sira in Mingora, Swat on their lived experiences with sexual violence. Interviews were digitally audio recorded in Pashto, then translated into English for coding, interpretation, and thematic content analysis of the transcripts. Results: We identified the following themes regarding sexual violence against khwaja sira: (1) childhood experiences of sexual violence are highly prevalent, (2) adult experiences with rape increase in violence, and (3) social norms harm or ignore khwaja sira. For the first theme, we identified the following subthemes: (a) experiencing sexual abuse at school, (b) the bathroom as a site for sexual violence, and (c) youth experiences in sex work. For the second theme, we identified the following subthemes: (a) kidnapping, robbery, and physical violence and (b) negative perceptions of sex workers. And finally, for the third theme, we identified the following subthemes: (a) experiencing repeated gang rape, (b) cutting hair as punishment, and (c) police complicity with violence. Conclusions: Study findings highlighted an important unmet need regarding sexual violence against khwaja sira in Swat, Pakistan. Many participants experienced intersectional stigma as their experiences with sexual violence were also connected to negative community perceptions about their identities as sex workers and third gender people. Social interventions and policies should more fully address these issues to help ensure the safety of khwaja sira communities.

“I would prefer to be dead than to live this way”: Lived experiences of stigma and discrimination against khwaja sira in Swat, Pakistan

“…Abuse involving third gender individuals often remain undocumented and unaddressed (Fatima et al, 2022 ). Khwaja sira in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan have faced social exclusion and limited opportunities throughout their lives, including family and social rejection (Azhar et al 2023 ; Azhar, Ahmad and Tariq, 2024 ).…”

“…However, many participants reported that their family members distanced themselves in order to protect themselves from public shame or dishonor (Alizai, Ahmad and Tariq, 2017 ). Khwaja sira have also endured recurring sexual violence, often starting in childhood and persisting into adulthood (Azhar, Ahmad and Tariq, 2024 ). In Mingora, KP, khwaja sira have experienced significant physical and sexual violence, including kidnapping, robberies, beatings, and multiple gang rapes (Azhar et al, 2023 ).…”