Despite remarkable progress in multiple sectors, the women of our nation still face countless challenges that disrupt their participation in the social, economic, and political spheres of the country. A glaring example of gender inequality stands within the educational sector where girls are being deprived of quality education, especially in rural areas, due to child marriages, cultural restrictions, and financial problems.
At workplaces, women are often paid lesser than men despite working at equal positions. Not to mention the cultural and social expectations that usually confine women to domestic duties right after they come home from work. They are often expected to prioritise family commitments above everything, including their career and their own wellbeing.
To address these issues, strengthening educational policies is crucial so that children have equal access to education regardless of gender. Strict workplace laws should be enforced to ensure that no one is being discriminated against on the basis of gender. And communities should take initiatives to shift the societal attitude positively towards women’s capabilities and individual dreams.
Syeda Arfa Ali
Karachi
