
KARACHI:
With multiple controversies surrounding the recent Aurat March, it is pertinent to ask where Pakistan stands on this issue today. It is a shame that even in the modern era, we are still unable to educate people about this longstanding global issue. The main victims of gender discrimination are largely women from all over the world. There are numerous basic rights that women are denied, while a large proportion of the female population is not even aware of rights that our religion and constitution bestow upon them in the first place.
In Pakistan, it is lamentable that household chores are preferred for girls over education. It is conveniently forgotten that a girl can also have dreams, desires and aspirations. On the other hand, well-educated women, who are working hard, are paid less for the same work as compared to men. Regardless of their socio-economic level, women are forced to believe and kneel under male supremacy and chauvinism.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has stated that achieving gender equality is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge in our world. Advancing the idea of gender equality is critical to all areas of a healthy society — from reducing poverty to promoting health, education and the well-being of girls and boys. We have to take a stand in order to create a better and more equal world.
Armeen Aftab Sariyo
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2021.
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