TOPIC VI: STATUS OF WOMEN IN PAKISTAN |GENDER STUDIES|CSS EXAM| CSS PMS TIMES|
The status of women in Pakistan is shaped by a complex mix of cultural, social, economic, and legal factors, with significant challenges and progress across various sectors, including health, education, employment, and legal rights.
Status of Women’s Health in Pakistan:
Women’s health in Pakistan faces numerous challenges due to limited access to quality healthcare, socio-economic constraints, and cultural norms that restrict their autonomy. Maternal health remains a critical concern, as Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in South Asia. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, many women lack access to skilled birth attendants, prenatal care, and postnatal support, especially in rural areas. Malnutrition among women, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, is also prevalent, which affects both their health and that of their children.
Reproductive health is another area of concern. Many women lack access to family planning services and contraceptives due to societal taboos and lack of healthcare facilities, leading to high rates of unplanned pregnancies and related health complications. Cultural stigma and limited awareness further prevent women from seeking necessary medical care, even when services are available. Additionally, mental health issues among women, often stemming from domestic violence, economic pressures, and social restrictions, are largely unaddressed due to the lack of awareness, stigma, and inadequate mental health services. Although there have been efforts to improve women’s healthcare through government initiatives and NGO programs, a substantial gap remains, particularly in remote areas.
Status of Women in Education:
Women’s education in Pakistan has improved over the years, but significant disparities persist, especially between urban and rural areas and among different socio-economic groups. Enrollment rates for girls in primary and secondary schools have increased, but dropout rates remain high, particularly in rural areas where poverty, cultural norms, and lack of infrastructure hinder girls’ access to education. According to UNESCO, Pakistan has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children, with girls disproportionately affected. Barriers such as early marriage, limited transportation, and societal expectations often prevent girls from completing their education.
Higher education for women has also seen growth in urban areas, with more women enrolling in colleges and universities. However, in many rural regions, higher education is still a distant goal for most girls. The government and various NGOs have implemented initiatives to promote girls’ education, but challenges remain. Gender-biased curricula, inadequate facilities, and the absence of female teachers in many rural schools limit the quality and accessibility of education for girls. The lack of female role models and mentors further hampers the empowerment of young women, as education is not only a path to knowledge but also a way to challenge traditional gender roles.
Women and Employment:
Women’s participation in the workforce in Pakistan is relatively low compared to other countries, with cultural expectations, limited opportunities, and workplace discrimination creating barriers. Most women work in the informal sector, primarily in agriculture, textile, and domestic work, where they lack legal protections, job security, and fair wages. In rural areas, women’s contributions to agriculture are vital, yet often unrecognized and unpaid. In urban areas, more women are joining sectors like education, healthcare, and media, but they continue to face discrimination, unequal pay, and limited advancement opportunities.
The cultural belief that women should prioritize domestic responsibilities over professional goals also restricts their employment opportunities. Working women often face a “double burden,” managing both household duties and professional obligations, with minimal support from male family members. Additionally, workplace harassment and lack of gender-sensitive policies make it challenging for women to pursue long-term careers. Despite these obstacles, there has been a gradual increase in women’s employment, with more women entering fields such as finance, law, and technology. Government programs aimed at women’s entrepreneurship and small business development have also provided opportunities for women to become financially independent, though these programs often face resource constraints and limited outreach.
Women and Law:
Legal protections for women in Pakistan exist, but the implementation of these laws remains a significant challenge. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equality for all citizens, and there are various laws aimed at protecting women’s rights. For instance, the Protection of Women Act (2006) reformed the Hudood Ordinances, which were discriminatory towards women, and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act was introduced to protect women from domestic abuse. Similarly, the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act (2011) criminalizes harmful cultural practices like forced marriage and “honor” crimes.
Despite these legal provisions, women in Pakistan continue to face significant legal and judicial barriers. Access to justice is often hindered by socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, and lack of legal awareness. Many women, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of their legal rights and lack the resources to seek justice. Additionally, cultural practices, such as “jirgas” (local tribunals), often undermine formal legal processes and perpetuate discriminatory practices against women. “Honor” killings, forced marriages, and domestic violence persist, with women frequently discouraged from reporting these crimes due to social pressure and fear of retaliation.
While there have been some positive developments, such as the establishment of women’s protection centers and helplines, the enforcement of women’s rights remains weak. Police corruption, biases within the legal system, and social stigma further discourage women from seeking legal recourse. Moreover, patriarchal attitudes within law enforcement and the judiciary often result in victim-blaming and reduced penalties for perpetrators, making it difficult for women to obtain justice.
Summary:
The status of women in Pakistan reflects both progress and persistent challenges across health, education, employment, and legal rights. While various government and non-government initiatives have aimed to improve conditions for women, cultural norms, socio-economic barriers, and inadequate law enforcement continue to limit their advancement. Achieving gender equality in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that not only addresses legal and policy reforms but also challenges deeply rooted cultural attitudes and strengthens support for women’s rights at every level of society. Ensuring that women have access to quality healthcare, education, fair employment, and justice is essential for their empowerment and the overall development of the country.
