"Violence against women is against Pashtunwali or Pashtun traditions." is a shallow myth with no evidence in history. Many Pashtuns don't like it but it is a fact that Pashtunwali reinforces patriarchy and is hard on women in times of war & peace alike.
The relation of Pashtun society with its womenfolk is a complex phenomena to understand & decode. Pashtuns have fought against imperial armies in the past to defend the honor of their women. Many enmities among Pashtuns themselves are result of standing up for 'honor' of women.
On the other hand, Pashtuns have been treating their women like cattle, depriving them of many rights that humanity, or for that matter, religion grant them. Many enmities among Pashtuns are settled by giving virgin girls to the opposing party of the enemy. 'Honor' is a paradox!
There have also been instances of Pashtun armies subjecting women of enemies to violence. Enslaving enemy's women in one way or another has also been part of the warfare of Pashtuns. The kidnappers of the non-combatant women of the enemies are still celebrated as heroes.
Pashtunwali, like many other patriarchal systems, doesn't treat women neither as equals nor with respect. As we know that Pashtunwal isn't any written formal code among Pashtuns, its survival as a whole or in part depends on its practice, enforced or voluntary.
That is the reason that a significant majority of Pashtuns of today have drifted away from it & are treating their women as they should be treated. There is still a long way to go but there are encouraging signs that speedy & silent reforms have been taking place among Pashtuns.
That all said, the assault on the woman SHO is shameful and disgusting. She wasn't taking over the mosque but was there to enforce a govt ban for the well-being of mosque goers, their families, and the society.
Her language and words were aimed at the hypocrisy of Pashtuns who claim to have all the respect for women but in reality they are no different than those who subject women to violence and abuse. This is how I interpret and see what she said and did.
