If we analyze the status of women in the light of Islam. We find that Islam is for all of mankind and makes no preference for gender. It gives both genders equal rights no one has greater value or importance in the eyes of God. It has provided ample status and opportunities to women for establishing themselves as an important part of the society. Prophet Muhammad PBUH fought against the social evils related to women persisted in Arab society for his entire life. But in Pakistan, a country that came into existence in the name of Islam, this social evil is deep-rooted. It is very unfortunate that religious and Quranic principles are frequently avoided and twisted, especially regarding the status of women.
Father of nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah who had the support of Fatima Jinnah, Begum Liaquat Ali Khan and many women in the struggle to form Pakistan had the Ideology that “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless their women are side by side with them…It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the houses as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live.” As many other ideologies and guidance, our society has forgotten this as well.
Although having guidance from the Islam and clear ideology of founding father of Pakistan, parochial system and other cultural norms overshadows the Religion and ideologies. Since Pakistan came into being many laws have been formulated to protect women and give them rights by understanding the need. The Constitution of Pakistan says:
- Article 14: There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex along;
- Article 15: Steps shall be taken to ensure full participation of women in all spheres of national life;
- Article 16: The state shall protect the marriage, the family, the mother and the child;
18th amendment to the Constitution (2010) granted greater autonomy to the provinces in matters related to the advancement of women along with other issues.
If we talk about the status of women in Pakistan we feel disappointed. Gender inequality and biasedness exist all over the world. Pakistan also falls into the category of those countries who follows the patriarchal system. Being a male obsessed country Pakistan seldom gives a chance to the female population to flourish and develop. Social systems like Patriarchy, sexism and male supremacy lead gender inequality.
According to the ‘Global Gender Gap Index 2018’ report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan is a second-worst performer in the world in terms of gender parity. Pakistan rank 148 out of 149 countries which projects a bad image of the country. The country which has given International Politics –Benazir Bhutto the first Executive head of an Islamic country, and also other famous females from every field of life. But still, the overall situation is not so good for women that is why we rank worst. The report focuses on four areas: educational attainment (Pakistan’s ranking is 139); health and survival (145); and political empowerment (97); economic participation and opportunity (146).
Low participation in the educational, political, economic and social activities is the main cause of gender inequality. Women cannot achieve their rights and remain depended on men for everything they need. This economic and social dependence causes oppression of women. They experience discrimination and violence in many forms just because they are inactive in these fields.
Female literacy is very low due to cultural norms and values, social conduct and perceptions, poverty, lack of educational facilities around them, unsatisfactory educational infrastructure and negligence of the government. Basic education is the right of every human being regardless of gender. Thirty-two percent of primary-school-age girls are out of school in Pakistan. Most of them not even complete their primary education. By ninth grade, only 13 percent of girls are still in school. Researches have shown that an educated woman is less likely to be discriminated and victim of violence.
Majority of Pakistani women are also deprived of basic healthcare. According to a report, 48 percent of women even cannot take decision on their own health care. Half of the women population is not allowed to visit a doctor or undergo a medical treatment by their families. Pakistani women facing Malnutrition, hygiene issues, weak reproductive health, chronic diseases and many other health issues. But in Pakistan lack of resources and cultural practices, many women die without getting treatment. However, the most disadvantaged ethnic group often varies between the Sindhi, Saraiki and Pashtun women.
The idea of shame and honor is also associated with girls so they cannot go outside especially to earn. The overall participation of women in economic activities is very low. Women are working in every field of life now and contribute to their families and the Pakistani economy too. But still, most of the women are not independent they cannot be a provider for the family and remain in the four walls to protect the so cold honor of the family/clan/community. The women who are earning face discrimination, harassment and many other problems at the workplace. On the other hand, most women have no choice to use their money according to their will because the money is controlled and spend by the males of the family.
A few women participate in political and social activities. Those who participate, most of them have a background in politics and they belong to the privileged class of the society. Most of them have done nothing to bring some significant change, empower women and reduce the menace. They also belong to the same patriarchal system and support it. Until the women from the grass-root do not enter in the field, betterment cannot be achieved.
Pakistani women suffer discriminatory laws, customs, prejudices, Vani (Child Marriage), Ghag (forced marriage), acid attacks, Karo Kari (honor killing), Walwar (Selling of Bride), Swara/Qasas (given as blood money), Watta Satta (acquire a wife by offering a woman), dowry death, Haq Bakshish (Marriage to Qura’an) and several inhumane behaviors/practices.
There are laws which are made and regulated in the light of Islamic laws but the customs and traditions are more important to the people. So, they violate the rights of women and do not let women cherished rights provided by Islam, state and law. Weaker systems, corruption, lack of implementation and other weaker segments of the society encourage these violations to happen. To improve the status of women we must focus on changing discriminatory social norms and closing gender gaps on all levels (educational, economic, and social).