The actress said in an interview that domestic violence against married women in Pakistan is a common problem that can affect any woman, regardless of education, independence or social status.
Faryal Gauhar claimed that many women endure violence within the four walls of their homes and are forced to hide their injuries from others.
Talking about her personal experience, the actress said, “I was also subjected to violence in my childhood, but I do not want to reveal all the details in this regard.”
She claimed that “after marriage, I was repeatedly tortured with a leather belt and also suffered a miscarriage due to the intensity of the violence.”
Faryal Gauhar said, “I was only 23 years old when I got married and this relationship was initially established of my own choice. The family was also happy with this relationship, one of the reasons for which was my husband’s connection to the Syed family.”
Faryal Gauhar said, “As a result of the violence, I had to hide my injuries. Sometimes I could not even go to classes due to injuries. I faced severe physical pain, even kidney problems because I was hit in the back by knees. During this time, I also underwent surgeries.”
She said, “I was not allowed to leave the house freely, even for a walk. Whenever I had to go out, I sometimes traveled in a rickshaw while I also had to wear my mother-in-law’s burqa to hide my identity.”
Faryal Gauhar said, “The last time I miscarried, I had twins and I really wanted them to be my twins. The pregnancy was lost due to violence, so the doctor said, ‘Before getting pregnant again, you should look at your marriage to see what situation it is in. At that time, I thought of ending the marriage.'”
The actress emphasized the need for women to recognize their worth and have the courage to get out of harmful situations, saying, “The most important thing is for a person to realize that he deserves a better life and then have the courage to get out of such situations.”
Faryal Gauhar also emphasized the education and training of men in society to end domestic violence and said, “It is important to make men understand the importance of healthy relationships, respecting each other’s boundaries and avoiding violence.”
She said, “Domestic violence can be combated not only at the family level but also through a change in attitudes and thinking in the entire society.”