Gender Equality: Education is the only way to social change, say experts

Pakistan ranks second worst in the division of resources between male and female populations, report.

KARACHI: Gender equality and the provision of equal resources and opportunities to men and women remains a vague concept in Pakistan. Though there has been considerable work undertaken in various sectors, such as health and education, the inequalities still exist.

These ideas were expressed by experts convened at the second conference on gender equality, organised by the Aga Khan University’s Work Group for Women. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2013 published by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranks second worst in terms of the division of resources and opportunities between male and female populations, out of the 136 countries assessed.

The director of Centre for Budget and Policy Studies in India, Jyotsyna Jha Ananthatmurty, was of the view that education can play a vital role in furthering gender equality. “Teaching young minds about gender equality can lead to social transformation in terms of empowerment for women and greater political participation.” Educating women can make society more gender responsive and help build a better society, she said.

The KUU’s Working Group for Women is a forum that promotes equal opportunities for women in all sectors. The group’s representative, Dr Nargis Asad explained, “Working Group for Women provides a platform for understanding gender and promoting the equal rights of women and girls and supports their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2013.