TTP Ideological stance for Women in the NMDs

Abstract

 Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) continue to exploit religion to justify unwarranted restrictions upon the female agency in the garb of the ‘ideology’. Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) is no exception to this mode of behaviour and thought pattern. This research aims to unravel the untold and often silent narration of female victimisation in the name of Islam by TTP in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). The psychological scars, physical dislocation, educational embargo on the girls continue to haunt them as recorded in the off-record conversations with the author. This qualitative research analyses TTP’s ideological views about women in NMDs, wherein it maintains a highly conservative and restrictive ideological position. Notwithstanding the endeavours of governmental bodies and civil society organisations to advance gender equality and empower women in these regions, the pervasive impact of TTP's ideology persistently presents significant challenges to advancing the welfare and rights of women, which this study dwells upon through empirical data.