Playing Victim: The Cultural Script for Women’s Survival

In Pakistani culture, girls are raised under specific rules that are considered necessary for their survival. They are often expected to do the work of their brothers, to be more obedient, and to sacrifice their own wishes for the men of the household. Their success is measured by how well they please everyone rather than how true they are to themselves.

When these girls grow up into women within this culture, they often feel helpless to change their circumstances. They tend to blame problems on others like husbands, in-laws, or society instead of taking personal responsibility. Since they are not able to express their emotions openly in words, they may use sadness, tears, or silence as tools to influence decisions within the household. They begin to believe that survival depends on others’ approval rather than on their own choices. This is why many women play the victim card to gain sympathy, protection, and validation.

The victim role may serve as a shield to avoid conflict or as a strategy to gain validation. However, over time it limits a woman’s growth, independence, and self-identity, keeping her trapped in dependency rather than empowering her to stand in her own strength.

The true power of a woman begins where the victim role ends.

Amber Razzaq

EI B#5