It is time the state take all the necessary steps to ensure gender equality and women empowerment
LAHORE: Ever since the creation of Pakistan, women have played an important role in the development of society. Women in Pakistan can be broadly categorised as housewives and working women. The role of women in general varies with class, the rural-urban divide and region. Despite increasing awareness, women in the country generally are still subjected to sexism and misogyny at some point in their lives — because Pakistan is basically a patriarchal society.
As per 2011 figures, 49.9 per cent of the total population comprises women of working age; it is therefore essential for Pakistan to ensure equal job opportunities for women, so as to assure the speedy development of Pakistan. For a progressive, prosperous Pakistan, it is essential to change the general perception in society about women being subordinate to men. From Fatima Jinnah to Benazir Bhutto to Malala Yousufzai, women in Pakistan represent change in the sociopolitical dynamics of the country. Let us not forget what the Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan, said: “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.” It is, therefore, time the state took all the necessary steps to ensure gender equality and women empowerment.
Aneela Ahmed
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2015.
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