Women’s equality

VANCOUVER: This is with reference to Nojeba Haider’s blog of June 7 titled ‘Violence against women going unchecked’. I hate to bring up the feminist comment again, but I am put off by your claiming that men and women are unequal based on men’s biological strength. Personally, I believe it is just your place in society and how you are treated that measures one’s “equality”. Men and women are created equal, we are all created uniquely, and yet women are overwhelmingly put into a subordinate position worldwide.

I agree with the comments made about female celebrities speaking out on behalf of women who have been silenced by years of fear and violence. They can be vessels of hope for women who have no one and can spread messages to a vast audience. Women must work to pass on education and liberate the oppressed. Together we must blossom a consensus where it is understood that a better world is possible and that those that live with violence are not alone nor forgotten.

Though I do not believe that the social/religious/political overhaul rests on the movement of women alone. I believe it falls on men as well to step down from their privilege and speak out against the widespread abuse of women in Pakistan (and everywhere). Until the sexes are allied on this issue I do not believe that there will be a revolution.

Governments should also be held accountable for allowing acts of misogyny to go unpunished. Also, worldwide pressure needs to be applied to show these women their allies are everywhere.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2010.