Empowering Pakistan’s women is a requisite for nation-building
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“No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.” – Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Women in Pakistan have played a significant role throughout the country’s history. Whether it was the domain of politics, social work, military, sports or space, they have made an indelible mark in promoting the country’s soft image in the international arena and have contributed to the country’s development.
The role that young girls and women have played in the independence movement of the country is remembered in golden words in history. To name a few, whether it was Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan, Begum Salma Tassaduq Hussain, Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz, Lady Abdullah Haroon or the 14-year old Fatima Sughra who for the first time in 1946, took down the British Union Jack from the Civil Secretariat Lahore and pulled up an ad hoc Muslim League flag made from a dupatta, they all set an example of bravery, courage and perseverance for generations of Pakistani women to follow.
Since the inception of the country, Pakistani women have made their mark in every walking sphere of life; be it in the field as a farmer, or in the highest echelons of power – they have climbed the highest mountain peaks and even reached space. They have made their mark as soldiers and fighter pilots and generals. Globally, the credit for becoming the youngest female Prime Minister to ever serve in office remains with Benazir Bhutto who was also the first female Prime Minister in the Muslim world.
According to the national census held in 2017, women comprise 49 percent of the total population. But the gender disparity and discrimination they face exceed their numbers by a multifold.
Pakistan’s performance in the domain of bridging gender discrimination is abysmal, despite the country being a signatory to a number of international conventions owing to the lack of implementation of existing laws. As per the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2020 index, published by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranks 151 out of 153 countries. According to the UNFP, because of the existing gender disparity, ‘women suffer from pervasive gender-based violence, from domestic abuse, honour killings, sexual violence to institutional discrimination.’
It should be remembered that women are key to sustainable development, and play a critical role in ensuring sustainable development globally despite having less access to resources.
Sehar Kamran
Pakistani women also bear the burden of doing hours of unpaid work. According to data published in the UN Women’s flagship ‘Progress of the World’s Women 2019-2020’ report: “For every one hour a man spends on unpaid care and domestic work, Pakistani women spend 11 hours doing the same. In contrast to Pakistan, women in fellow Muslim states Egypt and Oman spend nine hours and two-and-a-half hours on unpaid work for every one hour men in those countries do the same.’
Women are at a disadvantage as compared to men. They are less educated, own a small amount of property, and have fewer avenues for seeking higher degrees in comparison. It is rare for even the majority of female degree holders to work outside their homes. As per an Asian Development Bank report, only about 25% of Pakistani women who have a university degree work outside the home.
However, it is unfortunate that over the years owing to patriarchal elements in society, any legislation, movement or activity which highlights the issues faced by women or promotes women’s rights or empowerment, are criticized. It should be remembered that patriarchy not only hampers female empowerment but also hinders national economic growth and development, as one half of the work force remains un-utilized.
The founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, firmly believed in gender quality and the empowerment of women and this is guaranteed in the Pakistani Constitution.
Notably in Pakistan, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has been the flag-bearer for women empowerment and bridging gender disparity over the years. The credit for the creation of the women parliamentary caucus in the parliament of Pakistan also goes to the PPP. The caucus has ensured effective parliamentary oversight for implementation of international and regional commitments, national policies and programs, and has also played a major role in building consensus on landmark legislations on women’s rights.
Similarly, Benazir Bhutto was a guiding light and a symbol of inspiration for women. She was a true visionary who truly empowered women and ensured their role in the sustainable development of Pakistan.
A recent example of following in her footsteps, is the landmark amendment passed by the Sindh province’s legislative assembly which recognized – for the first time – the role of women farmers in water management in January 2021. This will help improve their socio-economic status and elevate their status as decision-makers.
It should be remembered that women are key to sustainable development, and play a critical role in ensuring sustainable development globally despite having less access to resources.
Pakistani women have proven their mettle time and again, but now it is time their role and importance in society is acknowledged and respected. A serious commitment by all policy stakeholders is the need of the hour.
– Sehar Kamran is the President of the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS), she is a prominent politician, acadmeician and practitioner in the areas of regional, international defense and strategic studies.
Twitter @SeharKamran
