Some 350 words on Status of Women in Punjab

[SamiPerhar]

Status of Women in Punjab

by Samina Perhar

Women in Pakistan continue to suffer in the face of oppressive patriarchal structures, rigid orthodox norms, and stifling socio-cultural customs and traditions. Women face inequality of opportunity and inequality in awareness of and access to options, which is reflected in a lower status than men. Men control all aspects of women’s lives; domestic, reproductive, socio-cultural, legal etc. It become more sensitive during the disasters, for the effected and IDPs as we are facing it since 2005-earth quick and now in the flood-2010 affected areas.

In terms of gender break ups, Pakistani females are much more deprived than their male counterparts, particularly in rural and least developed areas. Women in Pakistan have seen virtually no change in the general condition of their lives. Women’s health indicators have shown some improvement but education and economic opportunities have lagged behind. More than half the women in Pakistan are plagued by poverty of opportunity. What is indeed worrying is that gender gaps for human development indicators in Pakistan are rising over the last 25 years.

The most basic human rights are to lead a long and healthy life, to be educated and to achieve a certain level of material well being. The denial of these basic human rights diminishes the opportunities available for human development. When these human rights are denied selectively on the basis of gender, geographic location, ethnicity, political affiliation or religious orientation, grave disparities emerge within the societies, ultimately leading to frustration and social tensions.

The profile of Pakistani women is far from being satisfactory with female literacy rate of only 24% (34% in urban and only 6% in rural areas). In primary schools, girls’ participation is only 32% of the relevant age group with only 20% in rural areas. At the secondary level, girls’ enrollment is 12% of the relevant age group with only 3% in rural areas. Similarly, Pakistan’s rate of Maternal Mortality (MMR) 340/100,000 live births is one of the highest in the world.

The combination of poor economic indicators, low literacy rates, lack of adequate health facilities, traditional society and gender based disparities has contributed in the low status of women both at family and community levels, particularly in the rural areas of Punjab.