Gender equality: Levelling the playing field

Gender equality is not only a desirable goal but also one which will help Pakistan realise its untapped potential.

Just last year, Pakistan was ranked the third worst country in this world to be a woman in by the Central European Journal of International and Security Studies. Yet many Pakistani women continue to make inroads in male-dominated fields and craft powerful careers despite the prejudicial thinking of those around them.

On the occasion of the 36th International Women’s Day, we ask a few of these women what ‘gender equality’ means to them. How can women best equip themselves to fight against gender stereotyping and be seen and heard in the public and professional spheres? How can gender equality become a reality in a country torn between patriarchy and illiteracy? Let’s read what they have to say below.

JEHAN ARA

A powerful motivator and the President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITES, Jehan Ara, for over 29 years now, has proved her capabilities as a strong leader and an innovative marketer across Asia, including Hong Kong, UAE and Pakistan.

“The fact that my parents brought me up to believe in myself helped me overcome gender discrimination and have confidence that there was nothing I could not do if I put in the hard work. Even when I felt a little nervous about challenges that I faced, and when I was surrounded mostly by men, I knew what I was capable of.”

“There were times in my career  — especially during the early years  — when the people I worked with could have underestimated me and exploited me, but you have to command respect and you can only do that if you are dedicated, diligent, result-oriented and passionate in the work that you do.”

“My vision for Pakistan is to see young, confident women eager to do whatever drives them with no one telling them they can’t. I want to see women respected and recognised for their contribution to the country, to the home and to the community. This patriarchal society has to change so that the birth of a female child is welcomed with as much glee as the birth of a male child and she is made to feel as special and as valuable an addition to the family and to society. I grew up in a family where my siblings and I were treated equally. That is why all of us grew up to be confident human beings who respected each other and gave each other the space that was needed. That is what I want for each person in Pakistan  — male or female.”

“Gender Equality means that the same opportunities should be available to girls & women that are available to boys & men. Everything should be based on merit. Gender should not be the decisive factor.”

“Sometimes women hold themselves back. Often it is the lack of finance, the lack of infrastructure or lack of security that keeps them from venturing far from home. Women are still seen in many circles as being the weaker sex. Sometimes, in addition to men, it is other women who perpetrate this kind of attitude. Gender equality has a long way to go in Pakistan but a lot of people are putting in the effort to ensure that it happens so I have a lot of hope.”

RAHAT KUNAIN

Rahat Kunain has served at SECP as the Executive Director, and is now working as the Chairperson for the Competition Commission of Pakistan. She is also a busy mom of four children.

“I guess the one trait that has helped me overcome any discrimination throughout my career is ‘professionalism’. In my view, professionalism is gender blind; it means that you deal with things on merit with competence, hard work and conduct yourself without any pretence in your behaviour. However, it is important to acknowledge that this approach is an outcome of the values inculcated by my parents and the support that I have had from my spouse.

“I don’t believe in women’s empowerment based on gender only but I do believe in the empowerment of women based on merit and through providing an enabling environment.  My parents raised their seven daughters with the belief that women who are viewed and raised as an ‘asset’ are likely to become an asset for their family and those who raise them as a ‘liability’ often make them one! I think it is best to have a gender blind vision. I wish that neither women should be allowed to use the gender card to their advantage nor men be permitted to use it as a disadvantage against them. It is a merit-based environment that we need to build and pursue. We need to recognise that true empowerment comes only through education.”

SABA GUL

Saba Gul has worked as an engineer at the famous Silicon Valley, is an alumna of MIT and also the CEO and founder of BLISS, a company that sells socially-conscious bags created by underprivileged girls while providing them quality education. She is a passionate social activist who devotes her time to the development and empowerment of young women.

“To me, gender rights are human rights and gender equality is the equality of all humans. It’s not having barriers to your growth as a human or your progress as a professional based solely on your gender. It’s knowing that the opportunities at your disposal are not limited by whether you are a man or a woman. It’s knowing that people will not treat you or talk to you or view you as a lesser mortal based on gender. It’s knowing that your merit as a professional, your value as a human, your intelligence and capability are not viewed through the lens of your gender.”

“The qualities that have driven my success are my faith in my potential as a human, and persistence and perseverance in breaking down the barriers that threaten to limit it. I think ultimately the belief that you deserve and can have everything that a male counterpart can have goes a very long way. You push back and speak up against the injustices, you challenge the status quo and start eroding the barriers, you keep chugging along, and don’t get disheartened easily.”

“Gender equality is one of my biggest dreams for Pakistan. I dream of a Pakistan where girls and women are offered the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Whether it is being allowed to go to school as a girl-child, or being able to pick your own life partner, whether it is being able to walk on the street and ride on public transport and be seen in public spaces without being stared down because you’re a woman, or being offered the same professional opportunities to grow, I dream of a Pakistan that doesn’t limit the potential of its citizens on the basis of their gender. I also dream of a Pakistan where not only women, but men are also participating in the quest to create an equitable world for their daughters, wives and sisters.”

Clearly these women are an inspiration for all those who aim to break the barriers of distorted conventional thoughts and contribute towards the development of our nation. This Women’s Day, let’s all remain optimistic on greater participation of women in all walks of life and reassert that talent, creativity and perseverance have no gender.

The Express Tribune conducted an online poll on gender equality. Here is what you had to say in response to our questions:

Do you feel the issue of gender equality has gained momentum in Pakistan?



Do you think gender equality will be achievable in Pakistan in your lifetime?



Is gender equality a desirable goal or not?

° Different social roles must be acknowledged. Otherwise you will have birth rates below replacement level

° Gender equality is not only a desirable goal in itself but also one which will help a country like Pakistan realise its untapped potential and create a more productive and progressive society

° We are all human and should be treated equally; any kind of discrimination is morally untenable

° Gender equality will result in more harm than good

° Irrespective of our customs and traditions, which have not given women their due status, we need to move on and realise that there is no reason women should not have equal opportunity in every sphere of life

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, March 10^th, 2013.

Like MsT on Facebook for your dose of girl talk.