KARACHI:
Gender inequality refers to the disparity between different genders with one gender enjoying a ‘superior’ status and availing numerous privileges, while other genders must struggle to avail even the most basic rights. Pakistan’s constant poor performance in different gender equality indices demonstrates that gender inequality and gender discrimination are deeply rooted in the country.
Despite calls for increased participation and inclusion of women in different spheres, the gender gap has widened by nearly 0.7% within the past year. Both in urban and rural areas, women are faced with a myriad of obstacles that prevent them from making their own decisions and empowering themselves. A large proportion of women are not allowed to seek education, which automatically reduces their chances of moving up the social hierarchy. Due to a lack of agency and patriarchal norms, even educated women are not permitted to seek employment. Women that are successful in gaining employment face discrimination in income, and promotion opportunities, harassment, and abuse. Just last month, in Mansehra, a female assistant commissioner was attacked by a group of men in an act of gender-based violence. Unfortunately, this was not a one-off incident, and many such incidents go unreported.
There is a need to change the regressive patriarchal mindset that considers women as inferiors. We must abandon our retrogressive ideologies and allow girls and women to prosper. Families should be encouraged to allow their daughters to study and work. Also, women should be offered a range of incentives and opportunities to further motivate them. Improving gender parity will significantly benefit the country as educated women can help stir the society towards peace and progress.
Sania Ashraf
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2022.
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