Is marriage a hyper-competitive market? If so, then women are
reduced to checklists, where economic markets demand productivity from
the "owners" of human capital. In such a system, sisters and daughters
are treated frivolously within patriarchal societies. The flawed mindset
of many parents still relies on the economic security of men, rather
than creating a legacy rooted in empowerment and progress. Sadly,
daughters’ careers are often neglected. They are denied the right to
write their own stories and kept chained to outdated expectations.
Daughters are often paraded like well-packaged consumers in
front of so-called "property leaders"—and once they fall under the
shadow of these "dealers," they are polished, displayed, and traded like
goods in a marketplace. Unfortunately, this is not driven by malice but
by deeply embedded incentives and traditions.
In my view,
daughters are at the forefront of global change and innovation. They
must not be imprisoned by the cycle of early marriages. The future of
Pakistan lies in their hands. We must invest heavily in the human
capital of women—supporting their careers, fostering independence, and
breaking the cycle of traditional norms. Let them grow.
To
cut a long story short: Bridal capital is a nihilistic concept in the
21st century. Women today possess the wisdom and sensibility to choose
their own partners—when the right time comes.
by shahzaib
shaikh,
[email protected]
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