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The main objective of the research was to explore the perception of Eunuchs regarding the legal protection of their rights that Supreme Court has given to them. Research technique used was qualitative in nature. By using convenient sampling technique 12 eunuchs and 3 gurus from Dhok Khaba and Murree road Rawalpindi were included in the study in order to get their perspective regarding the decision. The tool used for the study was semi-structured interviews guideline and interviews were conducted. The Supreme Court of Pakistan in its landmark decision has given Eunuchs the basic human rights, like health, education; identification and security, to name a few. The Action of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has resulted in a verdict that make it obligatory for the Government to entrust the basic human rights to this marginalized section of the society. Result of the study was based on thematic analyses of the interviews conducted. The study has revealed that the eunuchs have very low social status in the society. Their deprivation is grounded in their non-recognition as a separate gendered human being beyond the malefemale dichotomy. Majority of them have to face rejection from their families and are discriminated right from the beginning. The research has indicated that in fact, after Supreme Court Action there has been some change in the society's attitude towards them, yet they still face difficulties in getting access to these facilities. Eunuchs as citizens, and a part of society's diversity, have citizenship rights that need to be protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I explore the issue of insider/outsider status with reference to the ethnographic research especially in terms of positionality, creation of knowledge and power. The data used herein was situated in the larger study conducted for the doctoral dissertation. During the process of research I frequently had to re-evaluate my strategies to interact with the respondents and for that matter I was constantly switching back & forth between my positions as an insider and outsider. In the rural community of Cholistan desert of Southern Pakistan, where I conducted ethnographic field research for my doctoral dissertation during the year 1998-1999, I had to face the dilemma that how to position myself, i.e., as an insider or outsider. I was considered as an insider because of my ethnic roots in the area, as well as my grasp over the language. Yet, at the same time, being an urban and educated female, I was an outsider especially in the presence of their relatives from around the area. During research my dilemma was and how to locate myself in relationship to different individuals, without compromising the objectivity of my research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to compare the level of awareness about domestic violence among working and non-working women. The tool used to conduct the research was self-constructed semi-structured questionnaire including both close- and open-ended questions. The findings indicate that there is a significant difference in the level of awareness about domestic violence between housewives and working women. The research has revealed that working women have a clear idea about the definition of domestic violence and that different forms of abuses, like physical, verbal and mental abuse, fall under the category of domestic violence. They are also more aware of their rights. On the other hand, the majority of housewives are not well-aware of what constitutes domestic violence and consider only physical and verbal abuse as domestic violence. The findings indicate that housewives are more at risk of domestic violence because they are financially dependent on their husbands. The results indicate that, because of economic empowerment working women have a greater role in decision making when compared to non-working women. Therefore improving job opportunities for women may be a contributing factor in deterring domestic violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]