Pakistan is a poor country and
still fighting for economic stability, security, education and health needs for
its people. There are countless issues of corruption and injustice in almost
every field of life. Unfortunately, its rating for corruption is seventh in the
world. Women are one of the most vulnerable groups that we simply cannot ignore.
Here I would highlight the factors that only cause low self-esteem among women
of Pakistan.
The biggest factor in this regard is Education. In two of our provinces, the
literacy rate is only 2 or 3 percent and overall it is 40 percent for women
only. Health sector again provides critical findings. Most women have no access
to free medical sources and guidance. Women are less likely to take to hospitals
than men in times of emergency. They are housewives and do not have any source
of income. They have no say in taking big family decisions and usually suffer
from violence, torture, discrimination, and brutality from male members in their
family. 80539 women were victims of violence in 2011- the violence includes
murder, rape, suicide, torture, and killing in the name of honor. 13 % of which
were under 15 years old.
Leaving aside the big factors that lead women of Pakistan towards low
self-esteem, there are many concepts and facts that provide a fuel to it. Such
as:
1. They do not carry equal status at birth; baby boys are always wished and
welcomed into an average family of Pakistan.
2. Women are thought as weak and less beneficial product to parents as they are
supposed to reside at home and take care of the family only.
3. Women are told that they will find their real home when they get married-
their paternal home is only a place where they are brought up. They have to obey
the rules of their in-laws house as that is their real place till
death(sometimes they are forced to live irrespective of differences and
brutalities of different kinds towards them).
4. Women are not supposed to ask for their property rights. In most families
their property right is confiscated by force.
5. Women of any age are not allowed to go out for the sake of enjoyment and
leisure as they will have to face security and honor threats.
6. Parents honor mostly relies on their daughters’ character (girls are not
allowed to keep boyfriend in any circumstance and at any age).
7. Boys are usually preferred to girls in deciding about family matters.
8. Girls are not thought as productive and assertive human beings who can earn a
respectable earning and can live according to their own choice.
9. In educating girls, parents prefer subjects like home economics, arts,
history and education so that they could become a perfect housewife.
10. Mostly house chores are thought as girl’s prime responsibility.Sometimes
younger girls look after their elder big brothers and elder girls take their
younger boy siblings for protection and security when they go out of the home.
11. Working women are supposed to fulfill all duties at home as well as at work
place.
12. Most girls are prepared thoroughly to become a showpiece in front of other
people who decide about their son’s future wife after rejecting many girls on
the spot.
13. There are many concepts that restrict a women’s thirst for knowledge, work,
happy marriage, freedom, and living independently in all areas of life.
14. Divorcee and widows have no respect in society unless they are rich and
belong to a powerful family background.
15. Heavy jewelry and rich clothing have become symbols of dignity and respect
for women.
16. Women are mostly honored due to their fathers, brothers, husbands, and
children’s status.
17. Women after marriage face lots of hindrances from in-laws and ‘s side to get
started a new life. They are expected to bear all differences and injustices
with patience and gentle attitude( saying ‘yes’ to all around them with no
objection and anger).
18. Women are mostly discriminated on the base of gender in almost all fields of
life.
19. Women are not supported by society if they raise their voice for justice and
care.
20. Laws about women safety and integrity usually favor men in courts due to
unnecessary pressure and bribery.
There are many things to consider in this regard but the very important part of
it is that women themselves need to understand what role they deserve and what
is given to them. They need to take charge of their lives and struggle for their
independence and compatibility in all fields of life. They must find the ways to
improve their status in society step by step and consistently. They need to have
restless motivation and commitment towards their goals and to create an
impartial environment for themselves where their talents, aptitudes, creativity
and x- factors would flourish and appreciated as a human being.
Thanks