It is deemed immoral and unethical— by a large part of religious extremists, and invincible supporters of patriarchy— to talk about women’s status in society because men hold complete monopoly and hegemony over their lives owing to their financial dominance and physical strength. Some men are by nature egocentric and want to rule things according to their will neglecting women’s will and consent. Women, being the strongest and most trustworthy companion of men, have been marginalized historically by misogynists and many others who believe in patriarchy.
To end this prevalent gender inequality, we just need to stop differentiating between boys and girls. Male entitlement should be discouraged. Parents should not put a whole premium on boys’ education. Girls should be educated because it unlocks a woman’s potential, and is accompanied by improvements in the well-being of their families
Women in our society are perpetual victims on account of their gender in the current social justice environment. This need had provoked Feminism owing to the marginalization of female gender. The principle on which it circulates is often misinterpreted and miscalculated. It generally conveys the simplest message that can be grabbed easily by human intellect and mind; It says “Women are not superior creatures; women can do better than men”.
Feminism has given much voice to their unheard voices. Feminism is a socio-political movement with the aim of creating an egalitarian society and putting an end to gender bias. Sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, unequal pays, disdain for equal rights, oppression against women are the reasons women and men appear in feminist movements like Aurat March which exhorts women empowerment in society. It is a revolutionary attempt by some brave Pakistani women which represents the unheard voices of millions of oppressed women across the world who lost their agency, honour, life due to the historicised masculinity.
Women are more prone to domestic violence in societies that lack power balance. However, in South Asian countries, the male partner always has certain powers over the other. This power imbalance begins early in life— when the male-child is given preference over the girl-child, girls are not given equal opportunities for learning and growth— and when one parent overpowers the other. It is indeed this male entitlement which becomes the root cause of their superiority over women. Girls are taught to be subservient to their families and partners. So, if intimate partners subject them to abuse they are unable to identify it. Even if they recognise abuse and want to escape it, they have to overcome many barriers.
Pashtun society has been less inclined towards education and equal opportunities. The notion that they are educationally backward are mostly debunked. It is exuberant to see a paradigm change in the thinking pattern of many sections of Pashtun society in Balochistan questioning the idea that women are best suited for household chores and therefore should remain within confines of four walls. Many sections of the Pashtun community don’t believe in patriarchy but they love to see women contributing in the society and laud their trustworthy companionship in many aspects of life. Women are now contributing equally as men do. Pari Gul Tareen, Balochistan’s first woman appointed as Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) in Quetta, is a woman who has surmounted all odds. The same goes for Assistant Commissioner Farida Tareen, who is a woman who paved the way for other women to hold such honourable distinctions.
The overall literacy rate for women in Pakistan is around 52 percent while only 33.5 percent of women in Balochistan are literate. Women are at a loss to attain education owing to cultural barriers, and unavailability of schools near their homes. The Government of Balochistan should establish schools and provide a conducive environment as a carrot to entice them towards education.
Emotional and financial independence of women is the best tool to lessen male manipulation and exploitation. The government of Balochistan should catapult women into the economic realm to be self-sufficient through different schemes by utilizing women’s inborn skills through which they can make their lives economically sustainable. Women should be educated because educated women are tantamount to being proud wives, mothers, and daughters of the nation. Only educated women can make informed and independent decisions in every stage of life.
To end this prevalent gender inequality, we just need to stop differentiating between boys and girls. Male entitlement should be discouraged. Parents should not put a whole premium on boys’ education. Girls should be educated because it unlocks a woman’s potential, and is accompanied by improvements in the well-being of their families.
Thus, inquiring about one’s right when it is infringed is not disobedience. It adds a new soul to your consciousness and body to value your existence and position in society.
