The World Is Her Oyster: Unlocking Women's Potential and Expertise

 The World Is Her Oyster: Unlocking Women's Potential and Expertise

                             

 

Girls and women around the world continue to suffer from the negative impacts of rigid gender norms and roles. They face restrictions on their freedom and mobility, and often experience violence, harassment, discrimination, and inequality. Although the United Nations (U.N.) Millennium Goals were established to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, two-thirds of the developing world have still not achieved equality. Women continue to encounter issues related to gender inequality, including gaps in education, legal rights, and economic opportunities.

Women are disproportionately affected by economic, food, and climate crises. They face systemic exclusion, discriminatory labor markets, and inadequate social services. In response, various women's organizations have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the socio-economic and cultural factors that have contributed to increased inequality, violence, exploitation, and injustice against women.

Women representatives from Tanzania, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, the United States, and Canada have highlighted significant advancements in the global effort to eradicate violence against women. This includes the enactment of laws against marital rape and the fight against human trafficking, with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable immigrant women through comprehensive national action plans. Moreover, global states and international organizations have recognized the importance of women's economic empowerment. Women’s self-reliance is crucial for ensuring equal access to resources, promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, fostering inclusive economic growth, and enhancing decision-making power for women.

 The rising role of women in Pakistan's socio-economic and political landscape is increasingly significant, with notable progress observed across the fields, including health, education, entrepreneurship, and digital media and entertainment. Despite their resilience and strength, women still face social and economic disparities. Issues such as limited access to employment and education, an increase in trafficking, and the sexual exploitation of women remain prevalent.

A young girl from Gilgit-Baltistan named Mahnoor shared her struggles and the challenges of her life.  “I am one of six siblings, and my father and elder sister are the main supporters of our family. My father works in a factory for low pay, while my elder sister is a school teacher and also gives private tuition. I managed to study until the eighth grade, but I could not continue my education because my family could not afford the expenses. I have always had an interest in knitting and stitching, so I decided to take a sewing course at an institute in Gilgit-Baltistan. I learned about basic machine tools, stitches, and simple projects. Within six months, I became proficient in stitching fabrics like cotton with simple patterns. Gradually, I started contributing to our household expenses. My father is 65 years old and still works in the factory. As a low-income, underprivileged family, we feel trapped in a cycle of poverty, with little hope for improvement or progress.”

"My life is no different from that of any other woman living in poverty in Pakistan," states a 16-year-old girl named Sarah, who is both wretched and heartbroken. She comes from a conservative family in Baluchistan and emphasizes that there are many talented girls involved in sports and non-academic pursuits. The primary issue for women in Baluchistan is their lack of voice and their domination by patriarchal systems. The influence of nawabs and feudal traditions has confined women to the walls of their homes. They remain hidden behind the veil, with no access to education or academic opportunities. Additionally, they are deprived of quality healthcare and social activities. While some families have resisted these harsh feudal traditions and have made efforts to send their daughters to schools and colleges, women in these underdeveloped areas often lack the necessary infrastructure and awareness to showcase their skills and expertise. As a result, they remain suppressed.

Zubaida Anwar, a mother of five, grew up in an environment where women are disempowered and required to wear a white shuttlecock burqa when going outside. She lives in Roshanabad village, near Kandhra, approximately 15 kilometers away from Sukkur. For many years, she felt trapped in this restrictive life until she decided to break free from these chains. After the death of her husband from a heart attack, Zubaida could no longer endure the brutality of her in-laws. She began working in a nearby factory that made patchwork quilts, where she met female workers from a local NGO dedicated to supporting impoverished women. Concerned about her children's bleak future, Zubaida resolved to challenge the outdated customs that held her back. With sheer courage and determination, she entered the office of the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) and volunteered as a community worker. The SRSO officials welcomed her warmly and provided her with training. “From that day on, I walked into new light and never looked back,” she said.

After completing her training, Zubaida successfully encouraged many women in her village to speak up for their rights. The modernization of women's roles, fueled by education and social awareness, prompted men in the community to allow their women to pursue education and take on critical roles in community development.

In the social context of Pakistan, women often face low status largely due to a deeply entrenched patriarchal system that views them as property to be easily exploited. Regressive social norms and gender stereotypes continue to hinder women’s progress. Limited job market opportunities, along with social and cultural restrictions, impede their economic and social advancement. However, women in metropolitan areas are increasingly gaining access to education, employment opportunities, and decision-making roles, which contributes to the socio-economic development of society.

Key Areas of Empowerment

There has been a significant change in the status of women in Pakistan. Empowered Pakistani women have broken traditional barriers and are now actively participating in education and skill development. Access to high-quality education has enabled more women to enter professional fields, improve their vocational and digital skills, and acquire expertise in digital marketing, allowing them to join freelancing platforms and online businesses. The advancement of female education has transformed the societal role of women in Pakistan. Female entrepreneurship has flourished, resulting in a surge of startups and small businesses. Many self-reliant and financially independent women, including working mothers, are now supporting themselves while managing family responsibilities.

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic..." — Sheryl Sandberg

Women's empowerment in Pakistan has transformed their roles in society by improving access to education and promoting economic initiatives. Strong, empowered women act as catalysts for sustainable development, enhancing family well-being and driving economic innovation. Investing in women's participation not only stimulates economic growth but also necessitates the creation of more inclusive and sustainable development plans. These plans should empower women to speak out against social and economic inequalities, promote gender equality, and support women entrepreneurs, ultimately leading to greater inclusive growth.