Gender equality: role in national development

Gender equality is a fundamental human right crucial for the development of a just and equitable society. It means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal access to resources, opportunities and decision-making power. It also means that everyone has the right to express their gender identity without facing any discrimination or persecution.

While gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it is still far from being fully realised in our society. Gender equality is the equal valuing of the different roles of a man and a woman in society which is essential for national development guaranteed by the following Articles of the Constitution:

25. Equality of citizens. (1) All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law. (2) There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex. (3) Nothing in this Article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the protection of women and children.

25A. Right to education. The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.

26. Non-discrimination in respect of access to public places. (1) In respect of access to places of public entertainment or resort, not intended for religious purposes only, there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the ground only of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth. (2) Nothing in clause (1) shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children.

27. Safeguard against discrimination in services. (1) No citizen otherwise qualified for appointment in the service of Pakistan shall be discriminated against in respect of any such appointment on the ground only of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth.

34. Full participation of women in national life. Steps shall be taken to ensure full participation of women in all spheres of national life.

35. Protection of family, etc. The State shall protect the marriage, the family, the mother and the child.

38. Promotion of social and economic well-being of the people. The State shall— (a) secure the well-being of the people, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, by raising their standard of living, by preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production and distribution in the hands of a few to the detriment of general interest and by ensuring equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees, and landlords and tenants; (b) provide for all citizens, within the available resources of the country, facilities for work and adequate livelihood with reasonable rest and leisure; (c) provide for all persons employed in the service of Pakistan or otherwise, social security by compulsory social insurance or other means; (d) provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief, for all such citizens, irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race, as are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment; (e) reduce disparity in the income and earnings of individuals, including persons in the various classes of the service of Pakistan…

Besides the mentioned constitutional guarantees, the enactment of the Women Protection Act of 2016 shows the country’s seriousness on ensuring gender equality.

Gender equality is not just a matter of human rights, but it is also essential for economic prosperity. Studies have shown that gender equality can lead to economic growth, higher levels of productivity and better working conditions. On the other hand, gender inequality can result in economic stagnation and poverty.

Furthermore, gender equality is necessary for social justice. It perpetuates discrimination and violence, limits the potential of both men and women, and can lead to unequal access to education, healthcare and other services. However, it is encouraging to note that in our country, girls are achieving excellent results in comparison with boys, which is a positive sign for the future.

Gender equality is a basic human right and must be upheld and respected. It is the key to a fair and equitable society that provides equal opportunities and values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2023.

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