Aatika Saghir
Empowering women in Pakistan is a complex and evolving issue, shaped by cultural, religious, economic, and political factors. While efforts like legal reforms, economic empowerment initiatives, and increased political representation are underway, deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and social barriers continue to hinder women’s advancement. Pakistan Vision 2025 has embedded five components of women’s empowerment into its objectives, including activities that promote women’s self-worth, right to determine their choices, access to opportunities and resources, right and power to control their lives – both within and outside the home – and ability to influence social change. However, these still remain outside of the grasp of women in Pakistan.Gaps in empowerment are seen at the earliest stages of a girl’s life. At every step, girls, adolescents and women face challenges and obstacles in making their own choices and determining their own path in the lives they wish to live.
Progress in Women’s Empowerment in Pakistan is still under way, in Education female literacy rates have improved, though disparities persist between urban and rural areas. Many rural girls drop out due to lack of schools or early marriages. Beside these more girls are enrolling in primary and secondary schools, and women now make up a significant portion of university students. Initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program and scholarships for girls have encouraged education.
While there’s been an increase in women’s representation in political offices, including reserved seats, more effort is needed to ensure their active participation and influence. Reserved seats for women in the National Assembly 60 out of 342 and provincial assemblies as well and they are playing their vital role. Election Commission has worked to increase female voter turnout. If we look on economic empowerment of women lot of progress have been done but still a long way to go forward. Patriarchal norms, social taboos, and cultural practices continue to limit women’s decision-making power, mobility, and access to opportunities. Education is crucial for women’s empowerment, but access to quality education, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge.
Most of girls completing higher education and entering in the work force, particularly in education, financial institutions ,healthcare, and IT sectors. Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative by the State Bank of Pakistan supports female-led businesses. But there is still lot of number of women who have not their bank accounts, Government is focusing on this issue and through banking sector launching schemes’ for women. Female labor force participation remains low around 22%. Wage gaps and lack of access to financial resources limit economic independence. Pakistan has enacted laws like the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act and Provincial Home-Based Worker Laws. The National Commission on the Status of Women analyzes gender policies and provides recommendations.
In legal reforms Laws against honor killings in 2016, workplace harassment law in 2010 and domestic violence law in 2020 in Punjab & Sindh have been introduced and promulgated. The Hudood Ordinances have seen some reforms. Hundreds of women are killed annually in the name of “honor.” Despite laws, underage marriages persist, especially in rural areas. The Transgender Persons Act in 2018 recognizes the rights of transgender individuals, indirectly supporting gender equality.
Low conviction rates in cases of gender-based violence is high.
Discriminatory laws sometimes favor male perpetrators. Maternal mortality rates remain high due to limited healthcare access. Road map to success is Stronger Law Enforcement needed. Ensuring existing laws are implemented effectively. More vocational training and support for women-led businesses. Changing societal attitudes through media and community engagement. Expanding access to technology for rural women. Initiatives focused on reproductive health, protection from violence, and access to healthcare services are also important aspects of women’s empowerment.
Overall, while there are positive developments in women’s empowerment in Pakistan, significant challenges remain. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach that includes legal reforms, economic empowerment programs, increased political representation, and a shift in societal attitudes towards gender equality.
While Pakistan has made strides in women’s empowerment, deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers remain. Grassroots activism, policy reforms, and education are key to ensuring gender equality in the future.
