Problems Face By Women’s
(Quratulain Ali, karachi)
It is an open truth that
working women have to face problems just by virtue of their being women. Women
in Pakistan have always experienced disadvantage. Social, cultural and religious
factors have reduced the number of women entering the job market.
Working women here are referred to those who are in paid employment. Social
attitude to the role of women lags much behind the law. This attitude which
considers women fit for certain jobs and not others colors those who recruit
employees. Thus women find employment easily as nurses, doctors, teachers the
caring and nurturing sectors, secretaries or in assembling jobs-the routine
submissive sectors. But even if well qualified women engineers or managers or
geologists are available, preference will be given to a male of equal
qualification. A gender bias creates an obstacle at the recruitment stage
itself. When it comes to remuneration the law proclaims equality but it is
seldom put into practice.
Throughout the history of Pakistan, Muslim women have suffered a great deal of
unnecessary restrictions owing to religious misconceptions. Women are brought up
to believe they should stay within the four walls of their homes and avoid any
contact with men they are not related to.
These misconceptions are still prevalent in society, and women, particularly
working women, face lots of problems.
This is not just the subject of a discreet debate these days; it is a topic
arousing passionate argument and ideological fervor. Besides, the controversy is
not limited just to the Muslim population.
Much has changed in the last decade, but even in urban areas, when a woman
travels to work, she must still be ready for stares and rude remarks from
strangers.
The influx of women entering the job market has brought about a certain level of
change in public attitudes and promoted acceptance of women`s professional
potential. Many employers prefer women for certain jobs, since they are thought
of as and expected to be obedient and docile.
Still, many men have wrong notions about them.
The metropolis of Karachi is a mix of social classes and people from all walks
of life where women can be found working in a broad assortment of professions.
There are highly qualified women working in white-collar management and
administrative jobs, and creative and academic positions. Middle class women
have entered the ranks of retailers and restaurateurs as well as other
responsible positions.
Women belonging to the lower class work as maids and charwomen for their
survival.
Hence, when women leave their house to fulfill their economic responsibility,
they are discouraged rather than encouraged to support their families.
People should realize that when a woman goes out to earn, she should be
considered the pride of the family rather than made to feel awkward about it.