One of the most overlooked segments of our society is rural women. They form the backbone of community life, contributing tirelessly to agricultural work and household responsibilities. Despite their central role, they remain undervalued.
According to Pakistan’s 7th Population and Housing Census conducting in 2023, females make up around 48% of the country’s population, while males comprise about 52%. The rural–urban divide stands at 61% rural and 39% urban. These figures clearly show that women, especially rural women, constitute a significant majority of the nation’s demographic landscape. Yet women empowerment and gender equality efforts remain largely confined to urban centres, leaving rural women far behind.
Even today, early marriages, honour killings and restrictive education continues to plague these far-flung areas. Access to healthcare is also severely limited. According to the Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey, rural women are 26% more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than urban women. Many have little awareness of their legal or basic human rights, enabling exploitation to continue unchallenged.
These women are not weak; they are unheard. They possess skills, contributing significantly to both household income and the wider economy. What they lack is recognition, opportunity and institutional support.
The government must urgently prioritise their needs by ensuring access to education and healthcare, giving them the economic opportunities they deserve. Rural women do not need sympathy. They want representation.
Therefore, the progress of our society depends on their upliftment. True development will begin only when the potential of rural women is acknowledged and valued.
Maria Imran
Sukkur
