KARACHI:
Misogynistic and patriarchal culture coupled with a lack of women empowerment has widened the gender gap. Resultantly, Pakistan constantly ranks poorly on global gender equality indices. Abject poverty and high illiteracy have prevented women across the country from attaining education and liberating themselves. Although many rural women work in agriculture or migrate to cities to find employment and are the sole breadwinners of their homes, they still do not have any agency.
Even in urban areas, many women are still unable to study or work and are dependent on their fathers, brothers, or husbands. This constant reliance on male family members and the inability to achieve things on one’s own has increased gender inequality. Men usually acquire the most senior positions in companies and organisations. In the political arena, female parliamentarians are still much lower in proportion compared to their male counterparts. The social and cultural barriers and a dearth of female role models are demotivating for younger women.
To achieve societal development and growth, we need to bridge the gender gap and include women in the workforce. Countries with high gender equality have progressed much faster. Therefore, the government, business community, and civil society need to create opportunities for women to learn and develop their skills. Laws protecting women’s rights should be tightened and rigorously implemented to ensure the safety of all women
Pirzada Hassan Raza
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2022.
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