GENDER EQUALITY PURSUANT TO ISLAM
There was a time when female children were buried alive in Arabia and women were considered transferable property but after the advent of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), while preaching Islamic teaching reformed the pagan Arab society, He particularly transformed their mindset regarding the treatment of women. Islam Proclaims Equality of Men and Women, equal but certainly in the different way. Each gender has its own unique roles and responsibilities to uphold social morality and societal balance.
Uprising of Women’s Rights by Islam
Islam abolished the practice of killing female children and raised the stature of women, honored women in society to one of dignity, esteem, and privilege by elevating them and protecting them with unprecedented rights. Islam gave women the right to education, to marry someone of their choice, to retain their identity after marriage, to divorce, to work if she wishes, to own and sell property, to seek protection by the law, to vote, and to participate in civic and political engagement.
Women also have the right to receive a certain share of her deceased relative’s property as inheritance. For Dignity and Protection from Harm, any form of abuse or domestic violence is prohibited, nevertheless Modesty is an important concept in Islam and is seen as a way to protect women from objectification.
In Islamic history, women were active participants in the cohesive functioning of the society. They were allowed and encouraged to actively participate in improving, serving, and leading the different aspects of the community. Islam has an extensive tradition of protecting the civil liberties of women based on the guidelines set by Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Women are empowered with many rights and protections under Islamic law and are honored with a dignified stature in society.
GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN PAKISTAN
Even, in the presence of divine guidance by Allah, teachings of Islam and preaching of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), unfortunately the Gender discrimination exists, in addition it is a pervasive issue that continues to plague societies around the world, and Pakistan is no exception. Women in Pakistan make up 49.6% of the population according to the 2023 census of Pakistan. The status of women in Pakistan differs considerably across classes, regions and the rural/urban divide due to the uneven socioeconomic development and the impact of tribal and feudal social formations on lives of women in Pakistan with numerous barriers hindering their progress and denying them equal rights and opportunities.
Gender Concerns International reports that “the overall women’s rights and empowerment in Pakistan have improved with increasing number of women being educated and literate”. Since Pakistani, women also have held high offices and there are immensely talented women who have played a vital role in changing the social standards and norms of the country. These women come from all walks of life and have played their role in all sorts of sectors. Women in Pakistan have progressed in various fields of life such as politics, education, economy, services, health and many more serving that they have achieved high statuses with their remarkable determinations, the enumeration might never end but here are some of them;
Fatima Jinnah, widely known as Māder-e Millat, she was a Pakistani politician, dental surgeon and one of the leading founders of Pakistan; Major General Shahida Malik, is attaining the highest military post for a woman; Lieutenant General Nigar Johar is the first woman three-star general and first female surgeon general of the Pakistan Army in Pakistan’s history; Marium Mukhtiar Shaheed was a Pakistani first Air force fighter pilot and a recipient of Tamgha-e-Basalat; Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan; she was the first Muslim woman to head a democratic government; Arfa Abdul Karim Randhawa was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy who became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, she was submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for her achievement; Muniba Mazari is a wheel chair-bound Pakistani activist, anchor artist and motivational speaker, she became the National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan; Sana Mir the cricket legend changed the face of women cricket in Pakistan, she became the proud captain of the Pakistan Women’s Cricket team and also won gold medal twice in Asian Games; Syeda Tahira Safdar, is the first woman chief justice of high court in Pakistan.
HIGHLIGHTING THE CHALLENGES OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN PAKISTAN
The status of women in Pakistan be at variance noticeably. However, there are some barriers to be discussed and this article will delve into the various dimensions of gender discrimination in Pakistan, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in areas such as society, health, education, employment, and cultural practices.
Status of Women in Society: A Submissive Role
In Pakistani society, women often find themselves subjected to gender inequality and a lack of autonomy. They are frequently seen as objects of sexual desire rather than individuals with rights and agency. The patriarchal structure of Pakistani society relegates women to a submissive role, where their decisions are often made by others, primarily male figures. Studies have consistently highlighted the limited decision-making power of women, both before and after marriage, eroding their sense of identity and agency.
Moreover, Cases of rape, harassment, domestic violence, honor killing, murder, suicide, acid burning, kidnapping and forced marriages are also reported and these are foremost blockades in women’s life. All these issues are related to constraints in empowerment of women’s due to a lack of education, poverty, disruptions within Pakistan's judicial system, governmental authorities not fully implementing crucial laws, and a prevailing underperformance within law enforcement agencies.
Gender Inequality in Health: Neglect and Limited Rights
Gender disparity in health is a pressing issue in Pakistan. Women face neglect in terms of health and nutrition, and their reproductive health rights are often disregarded. Access to quality education and health services is limited for women, leading to adverse consequences for their well-being. Maternal mortality and morbidity rates remain high due to inadequate prenatal and postnatal care, lack of decision-making power regarding birth spacing, and a dearth of reproductive health services.
Women’s health is further compromised by the high incidence of gender-based violence, including verbal abuse, physical assault, and sexual assault. These factors collectively impact the overall health and well-being of women in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for gender equality in healthcare provision.
Gender Inequality in Education: A Barrier to Empowerment
Education is widely recognized as a catalyst for empowerment and social progress. Pakistan does face gender inequality issues where woman is kept behind in the field of education. Despite the improvement in Pakistan’s literacy rate since its independence, the educational status of Pakistani women is among the lowest in the world. Investment in girls’ education remains low. Poverty also plays a role, as parents struggle to afford education for their children, with preference given to boys due to their perceived productive role in the future. Low enrollment rate of women in educational institutions is also associated with low government funding, less schools and colleges for women due to lack of awareness and women rights in certain areas. The influence of religious leaders is noteworthy when it comes to shaping perspectives on girls' education. At times, there might be instances where certain leaders misinterpret Islamic teachings, inadvertently discouraging parents from enrolling their daughters in schools. It's important to approach this issue with a gentle and understanding approach, fostering dialogue and collaboration to ensure that religious teachings are accurately portrayed, ultimately promoting a positive environment for girls' education.
Gender Inequality in Employment: Economic Disparity
Economic disparity is a significant consequence of gender inequality in Pakistan. Women's low status in society, coupled with cultural and societal expectations of their roles as caregivers, restricts their economic opportunities. Limited education, mobility restrictions, and a lack of required skills contribute to the marginalization of women in the labor market and hinder their ability to access decent employment.
Women face discrimination at all levels of the economy, with men predominantly occupying leadership positions. Female participation in decision-making processes is limited, and women often face lower wages compared to their male counterparts. Workplace harassment and an unfavorable work environment further discourage women from pursuing long-term careers. Entrepreneurship opportunities for women are also limited, with barriers such as capital unavailability, lack of role models, and gender discrimination acting as deterrents.
The variants in the perception of security between men and women and even among women exist due to differences defined along the axis of economic background, age, race, education and cultural contexts. Speaking of human security, women empowerment is also contrived because of the violence and harassment women face when they are in public spaces in general or public transports, in particular, which women use to travel to and from for educational and job-related reasons.
The journey of sportswomen in Pakistan has, unfortunately, been marked by the challenges posed by a patriarchal society. Disturbingly, there have been instances where coaches, selectors, and individuals in positions of authority have been accused of demanding inappropriate favors. This kind of sexual abuse has had devastating consequences, with some athletes tragically resorting to extreme measures due to the perceived inaction of authorities in addressing the suspects. Additionally, it's disheartening to note that some female athletes who bravely come forward to report cases of abuse and harassment often face repercussions such as bans or probation. Approaching these distressing situations with sensitivity and understanding is paramount, as society works collectively to ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes.
Gender Biased Social Norms and Cultural Practices: A Deep-rooted Menace
Gender discrimination in Pakistan is deeply ingrained in social norms and cultural practices. Women face discrimination and inequality within their households, particularly in terms of food distribution, access to education, healthcare, and inheritance rights. Cultural norms and patriarchal mindsets perpetuate the notion that men are the masters of women’s destinies, further hindering women’s progress and participation in society.
Son preference is another prevalent issue in Pakistani society, contributing discrimination. The birth of a male child is often celebrated, while the birth of a female child is seen as a burden. Household chores are predominantly assigned to women, with little recognition or reward for their contributions. Decision-making power within families lies primarily with male figures, tribal or community leaders, disregarding the agency and perspectives of women. Gender-based violence, including honor killings, bride prices, dowry and forced marriages, remains a prevalent issue, with legal action rarely taken to address these crimes.
Islam heavily influences gender roles in particular. An artificial divide between production and reproduction, made by the ideology of sexual division of labor, has placed women in reproductive roles as mothers and wives in the private arena of home and men in a productive role as breadwinners in the public arena. Lack of skills, limited opportunities in the job market, and social, religious and cultural restrictions limit women's chances to compete for resources and stops women to reach certain empowerment. This situation has led to the social and economic dependency of women that becomes the basis for male power over women in all social relationships. However, the spread of patriarchy is not even. The nature and degree of women’s subordination vary across classes, regions, and the rural/urban divide. Patriarchal structures are relatively stronger in the rural and tribal setting where local customs establish male authority and power over women’s lives.
These cultural practices and social norms hinder women’s advancement and perpetuate gender inequality in Pakistani society. Overcoming these deeply rooted issues requires a concerted effort to challenge existing beliefs and empower women to participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.
Moving Towards Gender Equality: The Path to Progress
Gender equality is an essential prerequisite for the development of inclusive, progressive, and peaceful societies. Pakistan must address the widening gender gap and strive for gender parity in education, economic participation, political representation, and decision-making processes. Bridging this gap requires comprehensive strategies encompassing social, economic, educational, and democratic participation and partnership of women.
Financial empowerment of women plays a crucial role in closing the gender gap. Equitable access to financial services not only enhances women’s bargaining power within households but also improves their overall well-being, including health, education, nutrition, and food security. Efforts should focus on eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women, ensuring their safety and security.
Education emerges as a powerful tool for empowering women and enabling their active participation in the socio-political development of Pakistan. By providing quality education to girls, Pakistan can unlock their potential and harness their skills and talents for the betterment of society. Empowered women can contribute to economic growth, drive innovation, and create positive social change.
In quintessence, addressing this issue requires a collective effort from all segments of society, including the government, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and individuals. By promoting gender equality, Pakistan can unleash the potential of its women and build a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
Nevertheless, every woman should have the right to exercise her rights and to be protected from violence and harmful practices in both the development and humanitarian perspectives. “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”. Therefore, studying various issues and awareness of women’s right is needed in the Pakistani context.
Author:
Qareeha
BS Second Year
Department of Special Education
University of Karachi
References:
1. Perpetuation of gender discrimination in Pakistani society
https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-022-02011-6
2. Gender discrimination in Pakistan
https://dailytimes.com.pk/343842/gender-discrimination-in-pakistan-3/
3. Women in Pakistan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Pakistan
4. Women in Islam
https://www.whyislam.org/statusofwomen/