KARACHI:
Women’s education plays a momentous role in establishing a civilised society and transforming communities. Women’s education is a prerequisite for the well-being and prosperity of the country. However, many women across the country face substantial hurdles in achieving quality education. It is important to first identify how women’s education nurtures society. Women’s education is essential for human development because well-educated women will ensure good education of their children as well. They will support their children in becoming responsible citizens and inculcate good behaviour that can help the country progress.
In Pakistan, most of the women face several obstacles that prevent them from gaining an education. Gender discrimination already reduces women’s chances of getting adequate education, which are further lowered by early marriages in many parts of the country. Once girls finish either primary school or matriculation, families begin searching for partners for them. Due to a lack of education and young age, women are often unable to ensure a good upbringing of their children as well. Early marriages jeopardise both mother’s and children’s futures.
The government should introduce programmes that inform people on the importance of educating female citizens of the country. Education up to secondary school must be made compulsory for girls in all parts of the country. The absence of schools in different parts of the country prevents girls from going to school because they cannot travel long distances due to safety concerns. Relevant authorities should work on ensuring that women in all parts of the country have some access to educational opportunities.
Muhammad Afzal
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2021.
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