Conservative philosophies regarding the role of women and our emblematic rituals are dampening the efforts of women
KARACHI: Very often, the outspoken woman is painted as angry and bitter in spirits. Outspoken men, on the other hand, are praised as revolutionaries and heroes. Gender discrimination has always been a part of our society but unfortunately, it has now augmented to alarming levels. I have seen many abused women who are victims of domestic violence. Women are subjected to physical abuse, not only in Pakistan but also all across South Asia. But sadly, not much is being done by our government to thwart this deplorable mindset.
Women, today, have reached heights that were unimaginable a couple decades ago. Take Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy for instance; who would have thought that a Pakistani woman would make it to the Oscars and help project Pakistan in such a positive light?
It is a fact that women are now pursuing higher education — working and excelling in nearly every field in Pakistan.
But, conservative philosophies regarding the role of women in our society and our emblematic rituals are actually dampening the efforts of women.
They have to survive in a society which is brimming with not just social crimes like gender discrimination, but also offences, such as violation of human rights, child abuse, rapes, child marriages and harassment at the workplace.
Most people might assume that gender discrimination doesn’t really transport any negative effects to the community and society. They couldn’t be more wrong. Pakistanis are unable to comprehend the severity of gender discrimination to the community — fact is that the population of women is shrinking in China as a result of gender selection. We don’t want our country suffering such a fate.
Abeer Hussain
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2016.
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