Status of Women in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The status of women in Pakistan is worsening day by day and their living standard is also decreasing abysmally. Women in Pakistan do not only suffer from domestic inequalities in terms of the distribution of resources but their access to outside resources like education and employment is minimal and support from government or non-governmental organizations is nominal. Patriarchal structures embodied in kinship, religion, division of labour, violence and class hierarchy have further reinforced subordination of women and their dependence on men. The inability of state to fulfil basic needs of people has increased the number of poor women in the country. This study attempts to present an analysis on the plight of women and widening gender inequalities being reinforced by patriarchal set up and norms in Pakistani society. The analysis is done in the light of two main analytical frameworks: Women in Development (WID) and Gender and Development (GAD). The methodology applied for the study is qualitative. The study concludes that until gender inequalities are removed, women would continue to suffer from subjugation in Pakistan; therefore, state should adopt more gender sensitive human development policies and ensure women's representation and participation in all the crucial domains.

Gender Discrimination – Prevailing State In Pakistan

“…They concluded that that the subordination and exclusion of Pakistani women in the development activities, flows from the barrel of patriarchy, which has denied women the right of choice in engaging themselves either in productive and reproductive activities. Under the patriarchal ideology, women's labor has been divided into productive and reproductive spheres (Isran & Isran, 2012).…”

A delicate subject: The impact of cultural factors on neonatal and perinatal decision making

“…On occasion, he would enter the baby's room, make a loud command, and the rest of the family would immediately leave, including his own mother. Whether a marriage is consanguineous or not, in traditional societies a family line continues through the birth of a healthy male son [7,15]. Mrs. A's brother demanded that the staff "fix the baby," with the explanation that he needed to be saved "because he is the first born male."…”

“…women only have access to the only type of labour power they can control, and to old-age security, through their married sons. Since sons are a woman's most critical resource, ensuring their life-long loyalty is an enduring pre-occupation" [15]. If Mrs. A. returns to her home country, it is uncertain whether her husband's family will accept her.…”

“…If Mrs. A. returns to her home country, it is uncertain whether her husband's family will accept her. Using the example of Pakistan, scholars have noted that the acceptance of a married woman into her new family is accomplished through her children and that her stature as a family member remains unrecognized until she has a child [15]. These reasons may highlight why this mother needed her baby "fixed" so badly.…”

The Role Of Ideological State Apparatuses In Identity Formation In Qaisra Shahraz’s: The Holy Woman

“…Women in specific become victims of these patriarchal prejudices and suffer from physical, psychological and social violence at the hands of men (Tarar & Pulla, 2014). Such violence originates from the power practices of emotional and physical control of husbands over wives, fathers over daughters and brothers over sisters, shaping women for the roles and social functions defined by men in society (Cixous, 1986;Walby, 1990;Isran & Isran, 2012). The problems become even worst for women when they internalize these roles and synchronize them with their performative roles, thereby finding it natural to be oppressed (Butler, 1988).…”