Equity Through Women Empowerment

Mujahid Abbas

Bajaur: Despite comprising more than  50 percent of the Pakistani population, women in Pakistan face pervasive gender-based discrimination and systemic inequality.

This harsh reality is evident in various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation.

Women are often denied autonomy, forced to rely on others for fundamental decisions regarding education, marriage, and career choices. 

The most egregious manifestation of gender inequality is violence against women, which takes many forms: physical, psychological, economic, and emotional. 

In our society, women suffer from mental, psychological, physical, and emotional abuse, with their agency strictly controlled due to outdated concepts of honor.

Gender discrimination restricts women’s access to education, economic participation, judicial representation, and decision-making positions, relegating them to a marginalized status. Consequently, women hold few leadership positions in politics, institutions, and the judiciary.

Ironically, Islam advocates for gender equality, emphasizing fairness and justice in all aspects of life. However, societal norms and practices contradict these principles.

True progress, peace, and stability cannot be achieved without mobilizing the potential of the entire population. To boost development and growth, it is crucial to:

– Promote gender equality in education

– Empower women to participate in decision-making processes

– Protect women from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and abuse

– Overcome patriarchal standards and stereotypes

By recognizing and addressing these gaps, our society can unlock the potential of its women, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society.