Exploring Common Perceptions of Educated Youth About 'Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016' - Gender Based Narratives in Focus

The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore common perceptions about Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act 2016 through focus group discussions with educated youth from Southern-Punjab, Pakistan. Two homogenous group discussions were conducted with 20 individuals having sufficient awareness of the Act. Both male and female students (Mean age = 25.80, SD = 2.02) were engaged. The data was classified into three codes including meaningful verbatim, selective codes and context codes. Two prominent narratives came up including an increase in the female sense of protection and lack of security and frustration among male youth. There was a consensus about the impending danger of potential increase in the divorce ratio in Punjab as a result of execution of this decree. The implications are discussed.