KARACHI:
Women constitute approximately 49.2% of the population of Pakistan yet they are absent from many different spheres of society. This is because women are still denied basic rights due to which they are unable to educate themselves — like their male counterparts — and improve their prospects. This is more apparent in rural areas where girls remain unaware of the importance of education. While some of them are able to acquire primary education, most are limited to their houses and married off at young ages.
With the deprivation of basic rights and lack of agency over their own lives, many women have lost hope and committed suicide in recent years. It is about time for the state to begin protecting and promoting women’s rights across the country. Women should be treated as equal citizens and provided the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Most developed and successful countries of the world emancipated women a long time ago, which is why they have witnessed development and growth.
The government should launch informative campaigns regarding women’s rights and their education. All girls should be encouraged to receive education up to secondary school. This will ensure a more educated and progressive population because many women will consider undertaking higher education. It will also enhance their employability and increase the number of women entering work. Consequently, bringing greater economic returns. Also, educated women will be more aware of their rights and prevent social evils and cultivate progressive values in their families and society. It is extremely crucial that the relevant authorities work on the provision of education for women and safeguard women’s rights through appropriate laws.
Imdad Ilyas
Balnigwar
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2021.
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