Status of Women in Pakistan

Outlines:
Introduction
Women and Islam
Historical Perspective
Women right’s Movements
Impediments in the way of women
 No say in decision making
 Women seats filled on selection basis rather than election
 Poor health status/mal-nourishment
 Honour killing
 Dowry abuse
 Acid throwing
 Sexual harassment
 Poverty
 Poor governance
 Feudal mind set
 Zia’s draconian laws
 Lack of economic opportunities
 Low status of education
 Male child preference over female
 Rigid social structure
 Patriarchy
 Swara, vani, satta watta, marriage with Quran
 No women’s specific laws
How the status can be improved?
• Through proper socialization/awareness
• Promotion of equality
• True spirit of Islam
• Seats in assembly on election basis
• Improvement of health services
• Provision of education
• Provision of economic opportunities

Conclusion:


“No nation can rise to the heights of glory until your women are side by side with you.”
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
We cannot get along without women. The diaspora of Pakistan has produced women like Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Buthoo, Malala Yousafzai and many more. Article 25 (2) of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, guarantees that‘’There should be no discrimination on the basis of sex or gender’’ and safeguard women’s rights. But, unfortunately, it can be clearly stated that despite all constitutional guarantees, religious teachings and human rights women are still mal-treated. According to recent report of World economic Forum, 2016, shockingly, Pakistan is ranked 143 out of 144 countries, holding the worse scorecard in South Asia as well as around the globe. The ranking is truly, troubling reminder of poor state of women in the country. Both the conservative Saudi Arabia and war-torn country Syria are in much better position than Pakistan. We have still long way to go and much territory to traversed, in order to shape better future for our forgotten half. In fact, we are trying our best to make congenial environment for women to grow. Women equality is the hall mark of democracy and good governance. We have to give up our conventional behaviour toward women.

Historically, women played their due role in Pakistan independence. Among these notable figures are; Fatima Jinnah, Raina Liaqat Ali Khan, Begum Shahnawaz, Salma Tassuduque Hussain and Fatima Sughra.

Since inception, women in Pakistan are striving to make a well-defined place in the society. They fight tooth and nail for equity and rights. The notable figures among them are; Begum Raina Liaqat Ali Khan (Fouder of All Pakistan Women Association APWA , 1949), Fatima Jinnah, Fouzia Saeed, Malala Yousafzai (Young Nobel Prize Laureate) and many others. These women are equal to the occasion. They rejected the status-quo. They break the stereotype. They worked for multifaceted women’s issues.

Islam and Quran is the first religion which systematically empowered women when they are totally subjugated and subservient to men. Islam gives women it due place in the society when Arab Society were too much rigid and cruelled. The Prophet (SAW) discussed Hazrat Fatima (RA) the marriage proposal of Hazrat Ali (RA). Interestingly, Male chauvinism and many others horrible things came from Hindus society and mixed with our pure culture, and distorted the real essence of Islam. Woman is the perfect creation of God. As a mother she is paradise under her feet, as a sister she is blessing and as a wife she is perfect gift of God. Islam gives women their due rights: right to inheritance, right of property, right of mate selection etc.

In the very first Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan, there were only two female members namely, Shah Nawaz Begum Jehan Ara and Begum Shaista Ikram Ullah (renowned advocate and the first Muslim woman who eared Ph.D degree from London). The number increased up to 10 according to, 1973 constitution. The Gen. Musharf proves more generous-hearted and increased this number up to 60. We have currently almost 17 per cent women seats in our legislative assembly. This number is far better than many South Asian countries. But they are misrepresented. They actually do not represent the bourgeois. There is no general seat for women. The selection on reserved base seats is not satisfactory. These women came from notable political families. Non-political background women are vehemently discouraged in this regard, which is actually a flaw in the system. It happens once in a blue moon. Veeru Kohli a Hindu bonded labourer from Hyderabad and Badam Zari a housewife from Bajaur Agency broke the stereotypes and contested the election. But these two examples are sufficient. For Pakistani’s woman it is difficult to find a platform where she contested her election. They are in complete dismal state.

Generally, women are more prone to health issues as compare to their male counterpart. Sadly, the government spends 0.9 per cent of its GDP on health sector, which is clear indicative of lack of interest. in addition, the strict conditions of IMF Structural Adjustment Program badly suffer women status. Health services to women in Pakistan are simply inaccessible. Almost every year, 375,000 suffer and as well as we losing three women per hour due to pregnancy associated complications. Estimated abortion per annum is more than one million. Two in every five females experience anxiety, mental and psychological disorders. This elucidates the gloomy picture of women poor health status. Their male counterparts are most often oblivious and show callousness about their health due to poverty or any other reason.

Moreover, women are tortured, humiliated and physically abused. They are killed in family disputes like recklessly. They are killed like a bird. They are raped, murdered, abused, and tortured. They are killed in the name of honour of family. The recent example is the murder of social media star Qandeel Baloch. She was strangled to death by her brother in the name of so-called honour. According to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report, from between Feb 2014, to Feb 2016, the number of honour killing 1,176 cases came in to forth in which about 400 did not have FIR’s registered and most of them were killed with guns. However, the incumbent government passed ‘Honour Killing Law, 2016’ which is a fresh breath for women.

Similarly, the evil of dowry system is an old evil which still exist in Pakistan. ‘Jaheez’ being another name for it. Some relates it to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who gives some items to Hazrat Fatima (RA). Nowadays traits such as beauty, fair complexion, curly hair, good background, education and skills are not enough. They dowry are mostly demanded by the groom’s family, in various parts of Pakistan, which halted early marriage and a kind of impediment in way of women. For an average Pakistan family and girl it is exceedingly difficult to make arrange hefty dowry for her marriage. Pakistan has no definite law for this evil custom.

In addition to, acid throwing is another heinous crime which is prevalent in Pakistan. From 150 to 400 cases of acid throwing are reported every year. More than 80 per cent are women and shockingly, 70 per cent of them are below the age of 18 years. Such attacks distort the figure or face of victim or can often cause blindness, deafness and mental and physical problems. As many as, 98 per cent reported cases of them never decided to the existence of various loopholes in the law.

Additionally, harassment is so rampant everywhere in Pakistan. Female are most often victim of their lecherous bosses particularly in offices, universities and shops. Harassment in a nutshell, includes gaze and glance, unwanted text messages, invitation for lunch or dinner outside office. Divorced women, single mothers and unmarried are particular vulnerable to harassment. The Protection against Harassment of Women at Work Place, 2016, is the hallmark of previous government in this regard. But surprisingly, these laws are most operated by male administrative which is the prime reason its un-implementation.

Equally important, women in Pakistan are vulnerable to poverty. Women equal participation in economic activities has great nexus with high GDP. The prime reason of women deprivation is gender stereotypes and inaccessibility to marketplace. Women in Pakistan have scant economic opportunities. This rate is exceptionally low as just 13.7 per cent as compared 70.4 per cent to men. According to World Bank report; women employment in non-agriculture sector is desperately low. This ratio is just 13.7 per cent as compared to 70.6 per cent that of males. They are mostly low paid and have scant chances of upward transition and mobility. Majority of women despite well-educated and skilled have no permission at all to work outside the home chore.

A good government is one who works indiscriminately for the betterment of the people regardless sex, cast and creed. Gender equality or gender parity is a sine qua non for good governance. According to recent report of World Economic Forum, 2016 Pakistan placed 143rd out of 144 countries. The prime reason of gender disparity is poor governance, lawlessness, corruption, nepotism etc. Good governance has great nexus with women equality. Achieving good governance without equality is mere day dreaming.

Most of the cases, our sardars, nawabs, and die-hard statemen do not want any law which are adverse to their ulterior motives and their avarice nature. They oppose any such law which lessen their importance. They vehemently hamper and resist change. They are usually stuck to their forefathers’ traditions and customs. These stiff traditions do not allow a man to give the right og woman in inheritance. They even do not allow women to get higher education.

Moreover, women were greatly suffered during Gen. Zia’s regime. He autocratically promulgated controversial Hudood Ordinance in 1979. Two laws of them zina and hazzaf were most notorious. He ghastly confined women to the chore of house. A copious crowed of women activist and civil society members came out to streets chanting slogans; man, money, mullah, military.

Regrettably, woman deprivation in Pakistan starts even before her birth. In our patriarchal and male dominated society male child is strongly favoured over female child. Son is considered gun and the source of income. Male child birth is celebrated. One who has bounteous sons is considered respectable and strong. Female child are often due to their frail nature considered dependent on male members of their family. Her life is a journey of subservience and servitude. Her decisions such as marriage, education etc. are decided by her father or any other male member of her family. After which after getting married the reins of decision, goes to her in-laws hands. After in old age her fate is decided by her son or sons. Thus it will not wrong to say that a woman is synonymous of endurance and servitude in Pakistan. They are bound to obey are fulfilled certain norms and more of the society.

Despite all things, constitutional freedom, Islamic teachings and Human Rights women are strangulated, ablaze or burn alive and attacked. These things entrenched in our blood from various customs. We often follow the old evil customs of our forefathers. Our society is no doubt male chauvinistic and patriarchal in all respect. Women are hampered from getting education particularly with males. They are deprived from one of the basic right. Islam allows women to get education, but our society does not.

Despite constitutional freedom and Islamic teaching, women remain side-lined from economic mainstream. They are subjugated, violated and hampered from participating in any sort of business. According to World Bank’s Report, 2013 women ratio in non-agriculture sector is just 13.2 per cent. This percentage is abysmally low and disappointing. Our Politicians turned a deaf ear to this serious issue. We need to tackle this issue pragmatically in order to achieve grand scale growth and progress. Those women who earned salaries as like their male counterparts they live more prosperous and happy life.

According to Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26 (1), ‘Education shall be free at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. ... Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.’ It is unfortunate that a number of people, mostly women, have been deprived of this fundamental right. According to the most recent UIS data, there are an estimated 781 million illiterate adults in the world, about 64 per cent of whom are women. Pakistan is one of worse country in this regard. Young Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai says; ‘I dreamt of a country where education would prevail.’ Education is the need of the hour. Everyone in 21st century needed to cope themselves with latest and modern education. Our female particularly in rural areas have poorly equipped with this treasure. According to Economic Survey of Pakistan, 2016, ‘The overall literacy rate in Pakistan is 60 per cent. 49 per cent of the total number is female literacy ratio as compared to 70 per cent that of male.’

Although, these problems exists since very independence. Laws without proper action are cry in wilderness. If we really serious to eradicate this menace of inequality. We have to ensure justice and fair play in order to achieve our long term objectives. One must treat equally with his daughter as he treats with his sons. Otherwise envisage progress without this double standard will be building castles in the air.
Moreover, Islam is the leading proponent of human rights; if one has firm faith on the day of reckoning then one should treat equally. Islamic teaching is absolutely imperative in this regard. Islam is a religion of equality. Quran and hadith are the best sources to take help.

To overcome these underlying issues, short terms and long terms strategies should be adopted to cope this issue for better, prosperous future. The first and foremost thing is awareness and change of public opinion through infotainment and campaign through social and electronic media. Public should be aware that without gender balance progress is a wilderness cry. Secondly, the government needs to balance both the gender, because empower the one effect the other. Thirdly, mothers have basic responsibility to instil and socialize their children that both genders are equally ‘honourable’. But its needs support from the government as well as needs educated mothers to perform this duty with faith.

Currently, Pakistani parliament has 60 women reserved seats. This is almost 17 per cent of the total seat of the Parliament. Upper house (senate of Pakistan) has 17 seats. Members are elected according to Article 59 of the constitution. Majority of them come from political families. At least, 10 per cent of general seats should be allocated for women in parliament despite than females reserved seats. Females reserved seats should also be increased up to 30 per cent of that of the total. Women must be include in all sort of decision making and state structuring in order to build a better, equal and prosperous nation.

Women’s friendly laws should be made in order to enunciate the women from the chain of patriarchy and male chauvinism. But it is mostly impossible due to be implemented due to orthodoxy’s opposition. These laws are vehemently opposed by some orthodox and conservative politicians.
Unluckily, women in Pakistan are malnourished and even square meal to eat. They are most often more fragile and vulnerable and prone to diseases. We are losing one women after every three hour due pregnancy related complexities. Women have to fight with fatal diseases in remote and far flung areas. They have no access to hospital so the government has two options; either to improve the public sector hospitals and equipped them with up to date machinery or privatize the health sector in order to provide best services to peoples particularly females and children.

Unequivocally, Islam is a best way of life. We have substantial number of examples of last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). His conduct is beyond question and exemplary before us. If we have firm faith on day of reckoning then we must follow the teachings of Islam, which give us the teaching of equality and fair play. Once Prophet (SAW) said; ‘‘the best of you are those who are best (in treatment) to their wives.’’ Religious scholars must play their part well. They should address this issue in Friday sermons. They specially emphasised and focused on hot and sensitive Islamic issues such as Honour killing, Dowry, Swara, Women’s Rights according to Quran and Sunnah. Islam is undoubtedly a religion of equality and justice. Women related articles should be included in the curriculum in order to aware our coming generation.

In addition, education should be place on first priority. Civil society and NGO’s must play their part. The incumbent government must impose education emergency. Education in Pakistan in no wonder failed one, one of our provinces, Baluchistan female ration is stands 15 to 25 per cent. We lagged behind from MDG’s. We show and ensure 100 per cent efficiency in Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 4). Education up graduation should be free such as many European countries i.e Germany etc. The Commission on National Education acknowledged the importance of women’s education by suggesting that, ‘Unless a mother is educated, there will never be an educated home or an educated community.’

Nolen volen, economy plays greater role in prosperity. Dreaming greater and prosperous Pakistan will remain a day dream unless we introduce and provide equal economic opportunities to our women as that of men. The government and different NGOs should provide macro as well as micro level loans without interest to the female, that they run their own medium scale business. This will no doubt bring huge economic change. Home base small scale industries should be encouraged.

After securitizing the ins and outs of the problem, we can reach to the conclusion that women can play a better role in country progress. Women in Pakistan has become Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Speaker and Nobel laureate but these few cannot make sense that we are going toward progress. We have still long way to go. A woman in Pakistan is synonymous to endurance and subservience. We are still much lagged behind our developing countries. Focus on this serious issue is need of the hour. This problem should be put in to end if we really want leaps and bounds progress. Hillary Clinton says; ‘‘If a country doesn't recognize minority rights and human rights, including women's rights, you will not have the kind of stability and prosperity that is possible.’’

1.Unnecessary, it's a general essay not an Islamic studies paper:

Islam and Quran is the first religion which systematically empowered women when they are totally subjugated and subservient to men. Islam gives women it due place in the society when Arab Society were too much rigid and cruelled. The Prophet (SAW) discussed Hazrat Fatima (RA) the marriage proposal of Hazrat Ali (RA). Interestingly, Male chauvinism and many others horrible things came from Hindus society and mixed with our pure culture, and distorted the real essence of Islam. Woman is the perfect creation of God. As a mother she is paradise under her feet, as a sister she is blessing and as a wife she is perfect gift of God. Islam gives women their due rights: right to inheritance, right of property, right of mate selection etc. <br />
<br />

2.What do you mean? Bourgeois is a term used by marx to signify the oppressive ruling class:

They actually do not represent the bourgeois.


3.Please avoid " or any other reason". If you can't recall the reasons it is best to stick to the ones you know. Things like etc. or due to other reasons leaves a reader asking for more.

Their male counterparts are most often oblivious and show callousness about their health due to poverty or any other reason. <br />
<br />

4. Is that an idiom or metaphor?

They are killed like a bird.

5. This comment is vulgar to feminists and crude at best. It can be rephrased like: While requirements of beauty and 'feminine' traits did not seem enough, society has raised the evil bar even higher by blatant demands of dowry:


Nowadays traits such as beauty, fair complexion, curly hair, good background, education and skills are not enough.


6. Just say: additionally, female harassment is rampant OR additionally, female harassment has become a norm.

Additionally, harassment is so rampant everywhere in Pakistan.


7.This paragraph sways without a logical conclusion I think. How does women coming out and shouting relate to the theme of your essay? kindly explain it further as it is a cliff hanger of sorts for me atleast:

Moreover, women were greatly suffered during Gen. Zia’s regime. He autocratically promulgated controversial Hudood Ordinance in 1979. Two laws of them zina and hazzaf were most notorious. He ghastly confined women to the chore of house. A copious crowed of women activist and civil society members came out to streets chanting slogans; man, money, mullah, military. <br />
<br />



8. Again use of religious injunctions should me minimized in my opinion. I saw that in your possible list of solutions. Think of your essay being read by people of all religions.

Islam allows women to get education, but our society does not. <br />


Unequivocally, Islam is a best way of life. We have substantial number of examples of last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). His conduct is beyond question and exemplary before us. If we have firm faith on day of reckoning then we must follow the teachings of Islam, which give us the teaching of equality and fair play. Once Prophet (SAW) said; ‘‘the best of you are those who are best (in treatment) to their wives.’’ Religious scholars must play their part well. They should address this issue in Friday sermons. They specially emphasised and focused on hot and sensitive Islamic issues such as Honour killing, Dowry, Swara, Women’s Rights according to Quran and Sunnah. Islam is undoubtedly a religion of equality and justice. Women related articles should be included in the curriculum in order to aware our coming




9. Overall a good effort since I learnt a lot of facts from it for which I thank you. Secondly you asked seniors to check but I did audaciously go through it so forgive me for my personal opinions above. Your paragraphs lacked coherence and gave the impression of cramming and wordiness and many grammatical mistakes. You have the information, so just work on making your essay more interesting by being selective about the information you put and replace them with analysis.

P.S : I am a beginner myself so you can brush aside my points as rants :p

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You have a fair amount of knowledge.However,I will suggest that your organise your essay differently.For example,in your outline,after giving the intro you may give broad headings like social status,economic status,political status and write relevant points under them.This will give a more organised look than just jotting down the points without dividing them in different categories.I recommend that you analyse dawn articles closely and then rewrite them in your own words.Try to understand how the writer organises his/her articles in a logical manner.You may also consult the essays written in the book of Syed Sadat Ali Shah which is titled 'Exploring the World of English'.

Thanks you so much for correcting me. I will try my best to overcome these mistakes. Thanks once again.

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"If you don't fight for what you love, then don't cry for what you lost."