Honour

Moral quality of self that is based on the collective values of honesty and integrity and which seeks recognition and respect from others in the form of reputation. Historically, women’s honour has been predicated on virginity and chastity, i.e. control over their sexuality and reproduction. Women’s honour is socially controlled because its loss affects not only the woman’s reputation, but also her entire family group, which is impacted by the shame of the events. In many social contexts, survivors of sexual violence are still stigmatized and blamed for the violence they have suffered (they may even be disowned by their husbands) because, according to patriarchal traditions and customs, they have lost their honour. The stigma and social isolation of women who have suffered sexual violence because they have lost their honour often also involves the child born of rape. Thus, in many war contexts, the rape of women becomes a weapon of war against the enemy. In numerous countries, while rape is prosecuted by law, cultural, religious and social codes that purport to preserve women’s honour force the survivor to marry her rapist.