By Iqra Munawar
Life as a woman is not an easy journey. In our society, women have often been subjected to embarrassment and discrimination. It is disheartening to think that in the past, girls were even killed at birth simply because they were female. As women, we find ourselves constantly thanking others for the most basic things – rights that should be inherent to every human being. We should not have to express gratitude for the right to live, to receive an education, or to pursue a career of our choice. Unfortunately, many of us understand all too well the impact that our immediate family and society at large can have on shaping the course of our lives. The role they play can often be demeaning and hinder our progress.
In this context, the journey of Pakhtoon women towards equality and empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary. In the face of increasing extremism and terrorism, the situation in certain regions was dire. Every year these circumstances have displaced millions of people and forced schools to remain closed just because of security reasons. The construction of a school for girls was met with the destruction of ten others. The importance of education for both males and females became evident, but unfortunately, geopolitical games hindered the pursuit of knowledge.
According to the World Bank blog published in March 2023 stated that in Pakistan, two-third of women are illiterate, and more than 12 million girls do not go to school. This clearly shows that Pakistan is way off track from achieving the development goal of universal primary education.
However, life still is far from easy for female Pakhtoons. They face numerous challenges, includingd domestic violence, sexual assault, forced marriage, and gender-based discrimination, just to name a few.
In all of this, education plays a critical role in empowering individuals, regardless of their gender. By denying women the opportunity to learn and grow, we are limiting their potential and hindering societal progress. In certain communities, like the Pakhtoon culture, there exists a belief that allowing women to receive an education in co-educational organizations alongside boys may lead to social issues and a dent to social fabric. This belief stems from a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset that perceives women as subservient to men. Consequently, the notion of women standing in front of men and expressing their opinions challenges the established power dynamics, causing discomfort and resistance within the community.
It is a fact that the authority of women in Pakhtoon culture is often overshadowed by the dominance of men. The decision-making power in the lives of women is subjected to authoritarian control, leaving their feminine identity in a perpetually fragile state. This imbalance stems from deep-rooted ancestral norms, one of which also includes isolated incidents of trafficking of minor girls disguised as forced marriage.
We have been building a narrative in our young girls’ minds that girls need to serve, and boys need to be served by them. We all have been through this where the mothers ask to serve and present to their brothers or other male family members. This system is still prevailing in our society because families are treating boys and girls so differently. Why? When Islam clearly stated that all are equal but still. Teaching since childhood that men are not supposed to cry, he is brave and strong. On the other hand, girls must be polite, and their duties include serving and obeying orders. The patriarchy is so deep-rooted in our society that when we give it a glance, it seems normal to us because we have been brought up in the same society, ultimately making us blindfolded.
The workplace is another arena where gender inequalities persist. Men often express reluctance to work under women, perpetuating the belief that women are less competent or capable leaders. However, countless studies have shown that diverse teams, inclusive of both genders, are more successful and innovative.
Recently, PIDE also had a session on the same subject in a conference in Malakand. There came many professional women voicing their experiences. Dr. Noor Jehan, first female VC of two public universities in Peshawar. In her talk, she stated that during meetings the senior professors sat with their backs in front of me and told me that they were veiling themselves in front of me when in reality they did not like the fact that I was in a higher position than them. This is a dilemma to accept women’s esteem, women’s self-respect, and empowerment, for men. The session was dedicated to celebrating the courage, resilience, and determination of these women who have challenged traditional societal roles and made their own mark.
Dr. Noor Jehan became a catalyst for change, empowering others and fostering a sense of hope for future generations by amplifying the voices of incredible ladies. As a result of her efforts, the Pakhtoon society is unable to give her basic rights, which as her pension.
She has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Pakhtoon women to dream bigger and reach for the stars. Their relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed and have served as an inspiration to many.
By investing in the education of Pakhtoon women, we are not only empowering them but also contributing to the progress and development of the entire community. Women contribute 50% of the world’s population but when we measure economic activities their contribution is far less despite having the potential to contribute fully. Why the reasons are many.
When women are educated, they become key drivers of change, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a more inclusive and prosperous society. The journey towards equality and empowerment for Pashtun women is far from over. However, with each step taken, progress is being made. It is up to all of us to support and uplift these brave women, amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights. Together, we can create a world where every woman, regardless of her background or circumstances, has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
The author is a Media Officer at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad, and can be reached via X: @Iqraa_Munawar
