The Wire

Imagine being subjected to such abuse at the hands of your husband that you feel you have no way to escape other than to attempt suicide. For many Muslim women in Afghanistan and Pakistan, burning themselves to death- known as self immolation- has become a growing trend in countries where women can’t seek divorce from abusive husbands. Shakira Hussein is a writer and researcher on gender and Islam. Nicole Dikkenberg asked her what drives these women to burn themselves.