Noor Mukadam, born on October 23, 1993, tragically met her demise on July 20, 2021. Noor, the daughter of a former diplomat, Shaukat Mukadam, was just 27 years old when she fell victim to a heinous crime in an upscale neighborhood of Islamabad.

Her brutal murder shook the nation and exposed the pervasive issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in our society. As today is her birthday, we must reflect on the distressing reality of SGBV and our collective responsibility to put an end to it.

Noor Mukadam's tragic tale serves as a grim reflection of the harrowing experiences endured by numerous women and girls within our society.

For two dreadful days, she was held captive, subjected to brutal torment using a knuckleduster, and ultimately met a gruesome end through decapitation by a knife. Noor became a victim of abuse, violence, and a heart-wrenching murder, sadly echoing a distressingly familiar narrative in our society.

It is deeply troubling to witness the increasing reports of violence against women and girls in our society. They not only endure torment but often face brutal violence that leads to their untimely deaths.

The dismembered remains of victims are discovered in various locations, reflecting the gruesome nature of these crimes. Families of victims are left in anguish, waiting for elusive justice.

Forced marriages of young girls remain disturbingly prevalent, even in regions where legislation exists to combat this practice. The provinces of Sindh, Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan all grapple with this issue.

Tragically, many young brides succumb to the physical and emotional toll of early motherhood, leading to anemia, malnutrition, poverty, social injustices, and a lack of adequate medical facilities.

To truly understand the extent of sexual, physical, and gender-based violence in impoverished and backward regions of Pakistan, one need only turn to the dedicated NGOs working tirelessly to address these issues. Civil society, media, and individuals play a pivotal role in shedding light on these dark realities.

While incidents like Noor Mukadam's murder, Daya Bheel, the Ranipur case, and many others receive widespread attention and spark protests, it is essential that this attention is sustained.

In the modern era, civil society and various media platforms have emerged as crucial pillars of support for the oppressed. These platforms ensure that the plight of the helpless and oppressed is not forgotten, leading to progress and change. However, the commitment to combating SGBV should not waver, from the initial spotlight on a case to its ultimate resolution.

On Noor Mukadam's birthday, let us make a collective pledge to combat oppression and injustice comprehensively. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the suffering of young girls and women no longer goes unnoticed. We must stand unwaveringly committed to ending sexual and gender-based violence, taking action at all levels, and ensuring that the days of suffering come to an end.

The time for change is now, and it starts with each one of us. Noor Mukadam's memory should serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address and eradicate SGBV in our society. Let her tragic story motivate us to work towards a safer, more just world where no one else has to suffer as she did.