DERA GHAZI KHAN:
In Pakistan, societal norms and a patriarchal culture have set limits on women’s roles and behaviours. Little access to education and employment has further restricted women’s ability to exercise their rights. In schools and workplaces, women have to conform to strict rules otherwise they are subjected to shame and exclusion.
In recent years, the number of girls in education has increased, but many girls in rural and remote areas still do not have access to education due to poverty, conservative norms, etc. Most girls are either married at young ages or forced to work in agriculture or as domestic workers. The country’s legal system also discriminates against women. For example, the testimony of one man is considered equal to that of two women in court, and the inheritance laws favour men over women. The laws on rape and domestic violence are not as strong as they should be, which makes it difficult for women to seek justice in these cases.
Poor female representation in the political arena is another challenge for Pakistani women. Despite the constitutional guarantees of equal participation of men and women, women are underrepresented in politics with few women holding positions of power or decision-making authority. Women’s participation in the labour force is much less compared to men and women are paid less than their male counterparts in the same positions. This exclusion of women from different spheres has harmed the country’s overall growth and progress. These challenges need to be addressed through a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, education, awareness campaigns, and grassroots efforts to change societal attitudes and beliefs.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2023.
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