Divorce in the Hazara Community: A Study of Socio-Cultural Determinants and Women’s Lived Experiences in Quetta, Pakistan

Divorce is a significant social phenomenon that profoundly affects individuals, families, and societies. Several studies highlight changing gender roles, education levels, economic pressure, cultural practices, and legal frameworks as key factors contributing to divorce globally. In Pakistan’s context, cultural norms, socio-economic factors, the legal framework, and individual experiences within marriages influence divorce among women. This study draws attention to divorce in Pakistan, examining the lived experiences of Hazara ethnic women in Quetta, Balochistan. The factors for them include ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and cultural norms. This research study employed an exploratory research design, conducting seven semi-structured interviews that focused on factors influencing divorce among Hazara ethnic women in Quetta. The findings reveal that cultural norms, socio-economic constraints, legal factors, and individual factors play a pivotal role in divorce among Hazara women. Further research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of divorce among women in Pakistan and to develop targeted interventions. By understanding these factors, policymakers and practitioners can address the challenges associated with divorce and help to establish support systems for women after divorce.