KARACHI:
From a young age, boys are encouraged to aim for higher achievements whether it is in education or extracurricular activities. Despite performing better, girls do not receive the same encouragement or support for their academic pursuits. Resultantly, they lack confidence in their abilities even if their performance is at par or better than boys.
Today Pakistani women are lagging in most fields and only 21% are a part of the workforce. Most Pakistani women are still involved in full-time housework, which is unpaid and is frequently seen as a duty rather than real work. Women who pursue professional careers struggle with gaining recognition and are not awarded the same positions or opportunities as their male counterparts. The absence of female role models further makes women feel less visible and they find it difficult to speak up. In contrast, men find it easier to express their opinions at work. Persuasive, vocal, and assertive men are viewed as leaders but when women express self-assured behaviour, they are viewed as bossy or shrill. This all leads to a dangerous cycle where women tend to attribute their success to others, which undermines their role in their achievements.
The oppressive environment generates a sense of marginalisation and hampers one’s self-confidence. The imposition of gender roles coupled with conservative societal norms has impeded women’s ability to build their self-confidence. It is about time that as a society, we dismantle the oppressive and conservative norms. We should encourage women and motivate them to seek their goals.
Eman Mudassar Tarar
Sargodha
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2022.
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