Rape and Justice in Pakistan: Live Chat Transcript

When 13-year-old Kainat Soomro accused four men of gang rape, she risked everything: her reputation, her education and even her life.

That’s because in Pakistan, women and girls who allege rape are often more strongly condemned than their alleged rapists. Deemed impure, some are even killed by their own families.

Kainat’s family stood by her—but her problems were just beginning.

In Outlawed in Pakistan, FRONTLINE filmmakers Habiba Nosheen and Hilke Schellmann chronicle Kainat’s continuing fight for justice — and the awful price paid by her and her family for daring to speak out.

Why is it so hard to try a rape case in Pakistan? Why are women stigmatized for reporting rape? Is there any hope for change? And what’s the latest on Kainat and her family?

We’ve asked Habiba and Hilke join us in a live chat to answer those questions — and take yours.  They’ll be joined by Declan Walsh, The New York Times‘ Pakistan Bureau Chief.

FRONTLINE would like to thank the Lede blog at The New York Times for partnering with us on this chat.

You can leave a question in the chat window below, and come by at 2 p.m. ET on May 28 to join the live discussion.