Gender equality is just a myth because women are not equal to men in Pakistan. In most cases, women do not get what they deserve in routine life. Unfortunately, men have failed to change their attitude towards women. In fact, the ill-treatment of women is a global issue. Women hardly get equal wages to men around the world. The plight of women is highly deplorable in some areas of Pakistan. Women are not allowed to pursue a career of their own choice. They face many challenges when they come out of the house. Even some conservative ones do not allow them to get an education. On some occasions, they are harassed or tortured to death in the name of honor. This is the dire need of time to get the attention of people sitting at the helm of affairs. In every society, women have a role to play as nation builders. No society can succeed where women are deprived of their rights. If women's issues are addressed, Pakistan can become a developed country and a perfect nation. The strong role of women in society can brighten the future of Pakistan. Previous governments tried to their best level to upgrade the status of women but they failed to do so. The present government needs to take solid steps regarding the empowerment of women to promote gender equality in society. Pakistan will not be able to improve its image internationally until it succeeds to safeguard women's rights.
Major Causes of Gender Inequality:-
1- Poor implementation of laws:
Many causes make gender equality a myth. Poor implementation of laws is the first and foremost cause of gender inequality in Pakistan. Though Strict laws are present regarding the protection of women as the harassment Act 2010 and the acid attack Act 2010 still the problem is when it comes to the execution of these laws, the efforts of authorities end in fiasco. The violation of women's rights in Pakistan has been raised because men are not punished as per law.
2- Inadequate representation of women in parliament:
Inadequate representation of women in parliament does not allow them to take part in the decision-making of the country. Only 60 seats are reserved for women in the National assembly of Pakistan which exactly turns women's rights down. Unfortunately, women from the elite class get selected on these seats who do nothing for the rights of middle and lower-class women. That is why the voice of the majority of women remains unheard. Seats in parliament for women should be enhanced to improve the status of women in society.
3- Conservative mindset of men:
The Conservative mindset of Pakistani people does not allow them to do what they want and need. Pakistani society follows the patriarchal system and that is why women remain subordinate to men. Men considered them superior as they were brought up with such a mindset Population of women in Pakistan is 49.2% which is almost half of the whole. This percentage of women n Pakistan is badly affecting the economy of Pakistan because of the minimum contribution of women in the progress. For the bright future of Pakistan, Women need to be independent of men to uplift the country.
4- Anarchiac customs and traditions:-
Some people in our society have blind faith in archaic customs and traditions. In past, ignorant people treated women as their slaves and declared that women had no right to stand against men whatever the circumstances were. Women have also faced the cruel traditions of 'sati'. Arabs also used to bury their daughters before the advent of Islam. The adherent of society still exists in society who are not ready to give women the due place.
5:-Economic dependence of women on men:
The economic dependence of women on men compels them to compromise on their dignity. Normally, a man is a breadwinner, and women are considered to act like a housewife and this particular practice do not let women free of economic dependence on men. Women have to obey their spouses to fulfill even the basic necessities of life. This pathetic situation does not support women to become self-reliant in Pakistani society.
Effects of gender equality:-
Domestic violence:
Domestic violence is another offshoot of gender inequality. Women confront many challenges inside their homes as well as outside. Men physically torture women which leaves scars on their faces and body can be seen often. Men also oppressed women by giving them mental torture. Unfortunately, Pakistani women are expected and forced to stay silent and tolerate such a brutal attitude of men. Domestic violence does not only humiliate women but also badly affects children's psyche.
Fledgling Economy of the country:
The higher illiteracy rate of women makes the country's economy weaken as women are not able to participate in commercial activities. Their share in the economy is very minimal. This is an alarming situation, especially for the developing countries like Pakistan where women are half of its population. The Pakistani economy is fragile as its human resource is a liability due to the passive role of women in economic activities.
Increase in Harassment and acid-throwing cases
The express tribune reported that From 2007 to 2018, according to a non-governmental organization, at least 1,186 cases of acid attacks were reported in the country in which 1,485 persons fell victim. The major reason for such cases is raised due to refusal of proposals. Women are not free to choose their life partners. A few parents in backward areas compel their daughter to marry with Holy Quran just for the sake of property share. Women are harassed at the workplace and streets just because of their gender. Such cruelty affects women in every walk of life.
Overpopulation
Women are not consulted about the size of the family. She is compelled to give birth to children as many as she can regardless of her health condition. The birth of a male child is welcomed ad celebrated with an open heart. People celebrate the occasion and distribute sweets among near and dear ones. On the other hand, the birth of a baby girl is regretted and considered a curse. People want to have more than one boy and to fulfill this desire he keeps on adding to their progeny. This results in overpopulation which is ominous to the survival of man on the earth.
Bad impression globally:-
According to the Global Gender Gap Index: Pakistan currently ranks the second lowest country in the world for gender equality, To improve the image of Pakistan, Women's empowerment needs to be ensured. Gaining equal value in society, from the home to the workplace, and having equal representation and protection of women’s needs and rights in policies and law are all components necessary for gender equality.
Way Forward:-
There are many suggestions to turn gender equality from a myth into reality.
Build more educational institutes for women:
Education plays a crucial role in women's empowerment. It actually takes the center stage, but for a long, most women especially in the rural areas have been denied this right and have been subjected to very degrading practices and responsibilities. Education helps girls to achieve their social, career, economic, and family lives. It is for sure that denying women equality and fairness not only hurts them but also hinders the rest of society. Education is a milestone of women's empowerment because it enables them to respond to the challenges, confront their traditional roles and make their life prosper. So that we can’t negate the importance of education about women's empowerment.
Adequate representation of women in parliament and National Assembly:-
Adequate representation of women in decision-making institutes can help them to change their status and to get rid of male dominance. More women can get more votes for the betterment of women. Only a woman can better understand the issues affecting other women's life. Women in developed have won 90% of their rights. Freedom of choice in all spheres should be granted to women so that they can earn the respect that they deserve. Women in Pakistan can influence policymaking when their representation is equal to men in National Assembly.
Strict Execution of Laws:-
In the same manner, strict execution of laws can help women to get protection and safety measures against brutal actions of men like acid throwing and harassment. Nowadays, such incidents are at their peak which also tarnishes a country's image at the international level. The dire need of the time is to implement laws and strict check and balance on transparent execution of these laws. Women should also be taught to combat the social pitfalls which hurt their dignity.
Role of media:-
Media can play a vital role to uplift the status of women from the clutches of feudalists and narrow-minded ones. Unfortunately, the media is highlighting women's issues without giving pragmatic solutions. Everyone has witnessed the climax of media which definitely has the power to shape public opinion. So all media has become the agent of social change and revolutionizing society. Media can help improve women's status by raising the voice of women's rights. By showing the brutality against women, media can get the attention of international organizations to help the deserving ones. The dire need of the time is to bring awareness among the masses which can help women to meet the challenges of the modern world.
Impartial role of Judiciary:-
Judiciary should play an impartial role as the case hearing and proceeding should be fastened. Someone rightly said that "Justice delayed is justice denied. As in Mukhtaran Mai rape case reported in Sindh, Pakistan courts take much time that criminals acquitted and she got no justice at all. Judiciary should be independent of any governmental affairs for free trials. The dire need of time is to strengthen the judicial system. Religious scholars can also give counter-narratives to curtail the ideology of religious bigots.
In a nutshell, gender inequality is increasing in Pakistan day by day. In fact, it has reached an alarming stage as Pakistan ranked 153 out of 156 countries. Pakistan will not be able to earn respect until it curbs the gender inequality from its roots. Many developed countries progressed because their women were beside men in every piece of work. Poor implementation of laws regarding women's protection can help to decrease brutal actions against women. Similarly, inadequate representation of women in parliament results in violation of the rights of women. Likewise, a conservative mindset discourages the dignity of women. In addition to it, cruel customs and traditions practiced at different places show the pathetic situation of women. In the same way, the economic dependence of women on men does not only hurt their self-respect but also weakens the economy of Pakistan. All in all, it can be opined that gender inequality is against moral and ethical values. Proper policy-making to obtain gender equality is inevitable otherwise, the country cannot compete in this world of strife and struggle.
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