Hira Anwar’s Murder
Dishonour-Based Abuse: A Global Crisis
Hira Anwar’s murder is not an isolated case. Across the world, thousands of women and girls suffer abuse, forced marriages, and even murder under the false pretence of family ‘honour’.
Key Statistics on Dishonour-Based Abuse
- In Pakistan, more than 1,000 women are murdered each year in so-called ‘honour killings’. (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan)
- In the UK, honour-based abuse has risen by 81%, with 2,887 recorded offences in the year ending March 31, 2022. (The Scottish Sun)
- According to the United Nations, 60% of all female homicides worldwide are committed by family members or intimate partners. This means that 140 women and girls are killed every day—not by strangers, but by those closest to them. (United Nations Global Study on Homicide)
Although these numbers are shocking, they do not capture the full extent of the issue. Many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and systemic failures.
Why Language Matters: The Lie of ‘Honour’
For years, I have challenged the term ‘honour killing’ because it excuses and normalises these crimes. In my recent interview with SCREENSHOT, I made this clear:
“Using the term ‘honour’ is just lazy. It’s not respectful to the victims. Whether Hira made TikTok videos or not is irrelevant. This was the cold-blooded murder of a daughter. Language is important.”
(Read the full interview here)
At Freedom Charity, we never use the term ‘honour killing’. Instead, we say dishonour-based abuse—because the only dishonour is in the act of murder itself.
By changing the language, we remove any justification for these crimes.
There is no honour in violence.
Honour in control.
Murder is Murder
How Freedom Charity is Fighting Back
At Freedom Charity, we are leading the fight against dishonour-based abuse, forced marriage, and gender-based violence. Our work has resulted in real changes in law, education, and victim support:
- We successfully campaigned for the criminalisation of forced marriage in the UK, which led to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. (UK Government Legislation)
- We have distributed over 100,000 copies of my book But It’s Not Fair—which is now part of the UK national curriculum, helping young people understand their rights.
- We provide emergency support through the Freedom Charity Helpline and App, helping those at risk find immediate protection.
- We train police, teachers, and frontline professionals to recognise dishonour-based abuse and intervene before it is too late.
- We fought for the criminalisation of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the UK, and my book Cut Flowers continues to educate professionals and young people about the dangers of FGM.
Image: Freedom Charity campaigns against forced marriage and dishonour-based abuse.
However, legal changes alone are not enough. We need awareness, enforcement, and real action.
What Must Change Now?
Hira Anwar’s murder was preventable. Laws exist, but authorities fail to enforce them effectively.
To stop dishonour-based abuse, we must:
- Make education on dishonour-based abuse mandatory in all schools—just as safeguarding and anti-bullying lessons are.
- Train police, social workers, and teachers to identify the warning signs and take immediate action.
- Strengthen legal protections for at-risk individuals—ensuring intervention when minors are taken abroad under suspicious circumstances.
- Ensure full accountability for perpetrators—with no cultural defences or legal loopholes.
“This is not a cultural issue. This is a human rights issue. It is child abuse.”
Hira’s Legacy: Will You Speak Up?
Hira should have grown up, followed her dreams, and lived freely—just like any other teenager. Instead, she became another victim of dishonour-based abuse.
We cannot bring Hira back, but we can make sure her story is not forgotten.
How You Can Help Today
- Educate yourself and others. Read But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers. Speak out about these issues.
- Engage with policymakers. Demand stronger laws and better enforcement against dishonour-based abuse.
- Support Freedom Charity and other organisations working to protect those at risk.
And if you or someone you know is in danger—get help now.
Contact Freedom Charity Now
- Website: www.freedomcharity.org.uk
- Freedom Charity App—available for discreet, secure support.
We owe it to Hira—and to every girl still at risk—to keep fighting until dishonour-based abuse is eradicated forever.
