Women’s struggle for equality

The opposition to the ‘Aurat March’ by the religious affairs’ minister and certain conservative segments of the society should not come as a surprise as it is a reflection of a deeper problem facing Pakistan. In their perception the conduct of women in society has to remain highly restricted and be in accordance with their interpretation of the religious dictates and moral standards. These group of religious leaders consider themselves the guardians and protectors of women folk and get unnerved by their smallest protest. The clergy use the cover of tradition and certain religious dogma to mold the world view of men and women to ensure that they remain subordinated to their dictates.

Over the years our girls and women despite being handicapped due to political and traditional constraints have moved forward and acquired a genuine sense of confidence and ability to control their individual and collective destiny. By also demonstrating their talent in the field of academics and winning accolades from national and international organisations in several fields of activities our girls and women have moved ahead. Whether it be Malala Yousufzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, women ambassadors that stand out, or in other disciplines such as information technologies, Pakistani women are being internationally recognised and are even recipient of global awards. The ones who are leading the Aurat March are no ordinary persons either. They are fearless, standing up against all odds for their commitment and passion to restore the rights, freedom and dignity of womenfolk. What is surprising and a matter of serious concern is that the Aurat March is being viewed as against Islamic values and the Minister of Religious Affairs has issued a call for supporting the hijab movement and asking the government to ban the Aurat March. The opposition to the Aurat March by the minister needs to be dispassionately reassessed. It would be as though Pakistan is replicating the Taliban type of governance and abandoned its credentials as a modern Islamic democratic country. It would only reinforce the mindset of those elements in society including the clergy who refuse to reconcile to women taking their rightful position in the society and exercise their right of freedom. Any deviation from their world view and vision is labeled as vulgar and unacceptable. Of course, all well-meaning people aspire and work for a morally correct society and would fully support that law should take its course if it is broken. But individuals do not have the right to set their own standards of morality and social behaviour as it defies logic and is not good governance. In any case, in Pakistan even women folk in countryside and of humble background have taken control of their destiny and marching ahead setting aside the archaic taboos that once were arbitrarily imposed by men of closed mind. In fact, restricting the freedom of thought and action by certain segments of society reflects their lack of confidence in themselves. What they fail to comprehend is that by suppressing women they are pushing Pakistan further back. The political and religious leadership would be well advised to focus on the increasing incidence of child molesting and character building in schools. Incidence of indecent conduct in schools and madrassas by the staff is being generally ignored which has long-term consequences. It is a matter of serious concern that the present cabinet does not have sufficient women ministers and most of the major national policies and decisions are taken by men.

Interestingly, there are significant changes taking place even among the most conservative Muslim countries of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, a highly conservative society, is changing as its leadership has realised the significance of opening up and women gradually taking their rightful place in society. The UAE has gone even further and opened up to cater to changing social dynamic and economic compulsions of staying ahead. In Iran, despite a clergy-dominated government, women are working in government and private sector and occupy important positions in the education and health sectors. The progress of the West and that of China and Russia is closely interlinked with the high priority these countries accord to women’s emancipation. I recall the preeminent role of women in China even during the cultural revolution and more so their contribution in its subsequent rise has been phenomenal. In the field of sports and athletics women in these countries are excelling, contributing to overall health and raising the image of the nation.

It is critical that we as a nation be clear about our concept of morality. Our clergy and self-appointed guardians of society need to differentiate between the fight for women’s genuine rights and issues of immorality. We also need to discuss the morality of men which neither the media nor the clergy does although it has a far greater impact than that of women. The increasing number of cases of rape and molestation of children should raise alarm bells and clergy and government should take notice of it.

At the global level, stark revelations of the Roman Catholic clergy of child abuse should have shaken the conscience of the Christian world, but the response of the leaders was somewhat muted apart from taking action against highly publicised cases. Even the Church authorities are probably dealing with it low key to avoid a backlash.

We fail to realise that no country can truly progress and keep pace with the fast-moving world without the full participation of women while maintaining certain ethical and moral standards. Besides, it leads to an unjust and weak governance that will have serious ramifications on the unity and progress of Pakistan. We need a fairer and more balanced representation in all major national institutions — parliament, senate, cabinet and its committees. Fundamental issues — health, education, economy, politics, etc — suffer seriously without the women’s full participation. The impact of an educated and enlightened mother on the child is phenomenal. And that is what Pakistan should aspire to and achieve.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2022.

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