Women empowerment in Pakistan is not just a social necessity; it is a national imperative. In a country where nearly half the population is female, real progress is impossible without the active participation and development of women. Empowering women means giving them the tools, opportunities, and rights to make decisions in every sphere of life—education, economy, politics, family, and personal well-being. While there have been significant milestones, Pakistan still faces deep-rooted challenges when it comes to achieving gender equality and true empowerment.
Understanding Women
Empowerment
Women empowerment refers to the process through which women gain power and
control over their own lives and acquire the ability to make strategic choices.
It includes access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, legal
rights, and a voice in decision-making. In Pakistan, where patriarchal norms
dominate both rural and urban landscapes, the journey towards empowerment
involves challenging cultural barriers, discriminatory laws, and institutional
biases.
Historical Context
The status of women in Pakistan has fluctuated through the decades. At the
time of independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited a colonial system where
women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere. However, women were
part of the independence movement, and leaders like Fatima Jinnah played key
roles in shaping the country.
During different regimes, women’s rights saw both progress and regression.
For instance:
·
1970s–1980s: Under General
Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, several discriminatory laws were introduced, such as the
Hudood Ordinances, which severely impacted women’s legal rights.
·
1990s onwards: Democratic
governments and civil society began pushing back. Women like Benazir Bhutto
rose to prominence, becoming the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim-majority
country.
Despite such highs and lows, the women's rights movement in Pakistan has
grown stronger, more vocal, and more organized.
Current Situation:
Achievements and Challenges
Progress Made So Far
1.
Education
o
More girls are now enrolling in schools,
especially in urban areas.
o
Government initiatives like the Benazir
Taleemi Wazaif aim to increase female school attendance.
o
Women now constitute over 50% of university
students in many major cities.
2.
Political Participation
o
Pakistan reserves 33% of seats in local bodies
and 17% in national and provincial assemblies for women.
o
Women parliamentarians have played an active
role in drafting pro-women legislation, including bills against domestic
violence, sexual harassment, and honor killings.
3.
Economic Involvement
o
Women are entering sectors like banking, IT,
education, medicine, and even law enforcement.
o
Platforms like SheMeansBusiness and Kamyab
Jawan Program support female entrepreneurship.
4.
Legal Reforms
o
Laws such as the Protection Against Harassment
of Women at the Workplace Act (2010), Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention
Act (2011), and Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act (2021) have been
passed.
5.
Media and Activism
o
The rise of female journalists, vloggers, and
social media activists is amplifying women's voices like never before.
o
Movements like Aurat March and
campaigns like #MeToo have started conversations once considered
taboo.
Persistent Challenges
1.
Cultural and Religious
Misinterpretations
o
Deeply ingrained patriarchal customs and
misinterpretation of religious texts continue to restrict women's mobility and
choices.
2.
Low Literacy Rates
o
According to Pakistan’s Economic Survey 2023–24,
female literacy lags significantly behind male literacy, particularly in
Balochistan and rural Sindh.
3.
Gender-Based Violence
o
Cases of honor killings, domestic abuse, acid
attacks, and child marriages remain disturbingly common.
o
Many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of
backlash, or lack of trust in law enforcement.
4.
Economic Inequality
o
Women’s participation in the labor force remains
below 25%.
o
Wage gaps persist, and women are often found in
lower-paying, informal sectors.
5.
Political Tokenism
o
While reserved seats exist, women politicians
often lack real authority or are sidelined in major policy decisions.
Urban vs. Rural
Divide
The state of women empowerment varies widely between urban and rural areas.
·
In urban areas, women are more
educated, financially independent, and socially active.
·
In rural Pakistan, traditional
norms dominate. Women are often deprived of education, healthcare, and property
rights, and are expected to live under the control of male relatives.
This urban-rural gap highlights the need for localized, culturally sensitive
approaches to women's empowerment.
Role of Religion
and Misinterpretation
Islam, in its true essence, upholds the dignity, rights, and status of
women. It grants women the right to education, inheritance, employment, and
participation in social life. However, in many areas of Pakistan, cultural
practices are falsely justified in the name of religion, leading to gender
injustice. Educating people about authentic Islamic teachings is crucial in
correcting these misconceptions and promoting empowerment.
Civil Society and
NGOs
Non-governmental organizations have played a vital role in promoting women
empowerment in Pakistan. Groups like:
·
Aurat Foundation
·
Women’s Action Forum (WAF)
·
Acid Survivors Foundation
·
The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
…have worked tirelessly to improve education, provide legal aid, support
survivors of violence, and raise awareness.
Women in Leadership
Pakistani women have shattered many glass ceilings:
·
Benazir Bhutto: Former Prime
Minister, a global icon of women's political leadership.
·
Malala Yousafzai: Youngest
Nobel Peace Prize laureate, a symbol of resistance and education.
·
Justice Ayesha Malik: First
female Supreme Court judge.
·
Dr. Sania Nishtar: Global
health expert and architect of the Ehsaas Program.
These role models inspire countless girls across the country.
The Role of Men in
Empowerment
Empowering women is not just a “women’s issue.” Men must be active allies.
Fathers who educate their daughters, husbands who support their wives’ careers,
and policymakers who prioritize gender equity are all key to changing societal
norms. True empowerment requires collective change.
Way Forward:
Recommendations
1.
Strengthen Female Education
o
Invest in girls' schools, particularly in remote
regions.
o
Address safety, sanitation, and cultural
barriers.
2.
Promote Economic Empowerment
o
Offer interest-free loans, skill-building
programs, and market access for women entrepreneurs.
3.
Legal Reforms and Enforcement
o
Amend discriminatory laws.
o
Ensure strict punishment for violence against
women.
o
Train police and judiciary in gender-sensitive
procedures.
4.
Awareness Campaigns
o
Use media to challenge stereotypes and promote
positive role models.
o
Encourage religious scholars to speak out
against harmful cultural practices.
5.
Digital Inclusion
o
Increase women's access to technology and the
internet.
o
Support female-led startups and online
platforms.
6.
Supportive Workplaces
o
Enforce workplace harassment laws.
o
Promote flexible working hours and childcare
support.
Conclusion
Women empowerment in Pakistan is a long journey—but one that is well
underway. It is not about making women superior to men, but about creating a
just society where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal rights,
opportunities, and dignity. Empowered women raise empowered families, and
empowered families build stronger nations.
The dream of a prosperous Pakistan will remain incomplete unless women are
at the heart of its development, not as passive recipients, but as active
contributors and leaders.
