Is it really a Western agenda that prompts us to raise our voice for women’s rights?
LAHORE: International Women’s Day recognises women for their contributions and achievements in different fields of life. This year’s theme was Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality. In connection with this year’s theme, the publication of the first Gender Parity Report in South Asia by the Punjab government is not only a moment of pride for the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif-led government but for the whole nation as well. The Punjab government has taken a lead by launching this report in order to take measures for the welfare and betterment of women so that they may play a constructive role in the socio-economic development of society.
However, is it really a Western agenda that prompts us to raise our voice for women’s rights? Why should it not be our own agenda? We have enough precedents in our history that acknowledge the rights of women. How did we regress to a position from where 1400 years ago, a woman was respected, owned property, did business, and chose her own life partner? The status given to women by the faith of the majority in this country is something unique and has no parallel in any other faith system. Since the dawn of civilisation, women have been respected and worshipped in our land as angels and goddesses. They have been adored from time to time as virtues incarnate.
Unfortunately, there are people in our society who promote violence and mistreatment against women and advance barriers to halt their social and economic development. It is shocking to note that violence touches not only the boundaries of houses and workplaces in rural Pakistan but also where educated people live or are employed. The pervasiveness of violence against women is common in our society because here, women are mostly marginalised and considered subordinates to men.
To change the attitude of people towards women, the government should recognise their importance and impose equal rights. The patriarchal mindset that gives women a subordinate status is the biggest impediment in granting her a just status in society. This is the change that we must speak for because discrimination against women impedes development. Mass media and education are two powerful ways to challenge such societal norms. It must be kept in mind that gender-based violence is an abuse of human rights and every effort should be made to recognise women as equal citizens. Words alone will not do anything until they are followed by actions.
Syed Ali Qasim
Published in The Express Tribune, March 10th, 2016.
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