ABOUT US

More than 90% of the women in the Desi community have faced domestic violence at some point in their lives. There is a lot that needs to be done on a socio-economic level to help survivors of family violence and abuse. The Jugnu Project is a small step in that direction. We are a digital resource center working to help survivors and advocates heal from and prevent / contain domestic violence.

The Jugnu Project was started in 2021 by Zohra Ahmed after her aunt (Khala) passed away. Born and raised in Pakistan, Zohra witnessed countless women, both in her immediate family and social circle, who faced domestic violence at the hands of their family, husband and / or in-laws. Her passion for helping victims of gender-based violence and abuse grew when she first started working as a journalist, covering stories for honor-killing, abuse and domestic violence. She believes that the resounding silence that surrounds such crimes, regardless of socio-economic differences, has always echoed with the widespread acceptance of such crimes in our society.

In order to make the lives of survivors across Pakistan easier, The Jugnu Project team consistently updates and compiles resources in one place for ease of access. The Project is dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence by providing resources, education and support to those in need. We believe that everyone deserves access to a better life and we work to make that a reality.

STARTING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

We believe that it is important to have difficult conversations in order for desired change to become a reality. About 90% of women in Pakistan face one or more forms of domestic violence at least once in their lifetimes. Yet, this is still a topic that most families would like to avoid like the plague! In a society were the fear of gossip and disrepute dictates most peoples’ life choices, a rampant culture of domestic violence and abuse is sustained by widespread silence; ensuring the continuity of inhumane cultural practices, such as gender-based violence and femicide, without must opposition.

Women and girls that are married are (usually) immediately cut off from their entire social support system. The cruelty that ensues as a result of the lack of conversation – and accountability – is mind-numbing. The Jugnu Project aims to establish proper dialogue to combat such practices and change mindsets.

We are working to create lasting change regarding the way in which domestic violence is perceived in our society, be it at a socio-economic or at a policy level, in order to break through the taboos that allow for such cruelty to be played our openly and in perpetuity.

We are no longer willing to remain silent.