LAHORE:
According to the Global Gender Gap Index, Pakistan ranks second last in the world for gender equality. Even though laws — such as the National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women; the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act; and the Criminal Law (Amendment Act) — have been introduced by the government, we have still managed to drop down two points and currently stand at 151 out of 153 on the index.
Not only is there a lack of implementation of such laws but the patriarchal element in our society is alive and well. By why is this the case? The first and the foremost reason is the lack of awareness in both males and females regarding their specific rights, especially in rural areas. In such a patriarchal society, many rights go unacknowledged. As a result, majority of women are not even granted access to primary education and basic healthcare. They remain dependent on their male counterparts and are thus easily manipulated. The situation is a little better in urban areas like Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi where the education index is higher. However, even though some women are aware of their rights, they are not able to fight for them due to social pressure. Others are guided by patriarchal social norms.
Despite the ordeal, many women have started raising their voice in order to protect their due rights. The audacity to demand social rights will affect their status both socially and morally. By the same token, it is also important to realise that equality cannot be achieved without the basic principles of justice, freedom and tolerance.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2021.
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