Who Holds Power Over Women?

Nafeesa Ayubi Penezai 

Loralai: Over the past years, Pakistan has been struggling with the intricacies of religious power and its deep-seated influence on societal expectations, especially when it comes to gender roles. The emergence of religious hegemonies has resulted in a situation whereby individual thought has been asphyxiated, leading to the marginalisation of large sections of society, especially women. 

This is a serious problem that needs immediate attention, as it is undermining our society.

Religious clerics have substantial power in many societies, particularly in the Pashtun regions, to influence social behaviour and moral standpoints. 

This clericalism, commonly known as “Mullahism,” does not only control individual decision-making but goes as far as imposing behavioural norms that influence daily life. Although women make up about 51 percent of Pakistan’s population, they continue to face systemic challenges that deny them opportunities to actively participate in society.

Statistics released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in recent years show a dismal underrepresentation of women in education and employment.

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In addition, the cultural environment in which women live often confines them to reproductive roles, exposing them to stigma and discrimination in society. 

According to the annual Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 156 countries, highlighting the need for radical change. These widespread cultural notions position women as threats to morality, resulting in limited autonomy and poor health outcomes.

The effects of these patriarchal systems are not limited to women alone but also impact men. Societal expectations often require men to adhere to rigid gender roles, fostering patterns of violence and domination.

Family honour is frequently used as a weapon, and cases of violence against women who do not conform to prescribed norms are often justified. Findings from the Aurat Foundation indicate that reported cases of violence against women have risen to an alarming rate of over 50 percent in recent years, underscoring the urgency for reform.

Women’s roles remain systematically undervalued, despite their significant contributions to society. Many women are also forced into early marriages and subjected to social pressures that confine them to domestic spaces. 

World Bank estimates suggest that women’s empowerment has the potential to add up to $12 trillion to the global GDP, demonstrating how much untapped potential continues to be restrained by gender inequality.

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Moreover, these challenges are compounded by the lack of connection between political awareness and public participation. A significant portion of the population remains disengaged from political issues, even though the institutions shaping their lives are inherently political. According to reports by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), voter turnout among young women remains low, reflecting the need for increased civic engagement. 

Educated youth play a crucial role in transforming societal attitudes and challenging oppressive norms through informed dialogue and political participation.

In conclusion, the unchecked power of religious authority and rigid gender roles pose serious obstacles to societal progress and suppress the potential of half the population.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving educational reform, women’s empowerment, and active civic participation by the younger generation. As we navigate these complexities, it is our collective responsibility to shape a future where gender equality and cultural diversity are realities rather than ideals.

 By becoming champions of an inclusive society, we can break the shackles of oppression and build a more equitable Pakistan.

Nafeesa Ayubi Panezai is a Political Science student at the University of Loralai, Balochistan. Her academic interests focus on the gender gap, religious fundamentalism, and the political culture of Pakistani society.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.