The persistence of slogans promoting women’s empowerment in Pakistan, where women continue to face physical, emotional, and mental harassment, reflects both the struggle for progress and the barriers that persist.
Despite repeated calls for equality and justice, systemic patriarchy, entrenched cultural norms, and a lack of genuine enforcement of protective laws allow the marginalisation of women to continue. In Pakistan, high-profile incidents of harassment at workplaces, cases of domestic violence, and the alarming rate of honour killings highlight the gap between rhetoric and reality.
Laws such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act and the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance are often poorly enforced, leaving women vulnerable and underserved by the justice system. These slogans often become symbolic rather than transformative, serving as reminders of unfulfilled promises rather than genuine tools for change.
One significant reason why women often do not speak out about harassment is the pervasive culture of silence and fear surrounding these issues. In Pakistan, women who report harassment frequently face victim-blaming, social ostracism, and, in some cases, threats to their safety. The societal tendency to question a woman’s character or to dismiss her claims as exaggerated or false further discourages victims from coming forward.
The lack of trust in the judicial and law enforcement systems also exacerbates this silence. Women fear that their cases will either not be taken seriously or that they will face prolonged legal battles with little hope of justice. This fear is compounded in workplaces and educational institutions, where reporting harassment might lead to professional retaliation, academic penalties, or public humiliation. The stigma surrounding harassment perpetuates the idea that silence is safer than seeking justice.
Another significant barrier to women’s empowerment is the perception among some men that empowered women are a threat to traditional gender roles. Historically, patriarchal systems have upheld male dominance in political, social, and economic domains, and the emergence of women in leadership challenges these norms.
For some men, an empowered woman symbolises a loss of control and privilege, leading to resistance or even hostility. In Pakistan, this is evident in the vitriol directed at women in public and leadership roles. Benazir Bhutto, as Pakistan’s first female prime minister, faced immense resistance and gendered criticism throughout her career, with opponents frequently targeting her gender to undermine her leadership. Currently, some female politicians face relentless personal attacks, often unrelated to their professional capabilities. This fear stems from entrenched insecurities and the societal conditioning that equates masculinity with dominance.
Islam, as a religion, has historically granted women rights and privileges that were revolutionary for their time. It elevated their status by granting rights to inheritance, education, financial independence, and equality before God. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasised the dignity and rights of women, stating, “The best among you are those who treat their wives kindly.” Women like Hazrat Khadijah (ra), a successful businesswoman, and Hazrat Aisha (ra), a scholar and political advisor, exemplify the elevated position Islam accords to women.
However, cultural practices often overshadow Islamic teachings, leading to societal disparities that contradict the religion’s foundational principles. In Pakistan, practices such as forced marriages, honour killings, and restrictions on women’s mobility are frequently justified in the name of religion, despite having no basis in Islamic teachings. The Quran emphasises women’s rights to education and independence, yet cultural distortions perpetuate inequality. Misinterpretations of religious texts and patriarchal customs are often used to justify these practices, perpetuating the very inequality Islam sought to eliminate.
To bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, societies like Pakistan must take actionable steps. Education remains a critical catalyst for change. Educating women empowers them to assert their rights, while educating men fosters understanding and respect. Initiatives such as the Malala Fund, the Punjab government's initiatives for women’s education, and scholarships for female students represent positive steps, but challenges such as poverty, infrastructure gaps, and societal resistance continue to hinder progress.
Laws against harassment, discrimination, and violence must not only exist but be enforced with robust accountability mechanisms. For example, the recent establishment of anti-harassment committees in workplaces and harsher penalties for acid attacks are positive developments, but their implementation remains inconsistent. Importantly, these committees should be chaired by women to ensure a safe and empathetic environment for victims.
This practice is especially critical in institutions such as universities and offices, where harassment often goes unreported due to fear of retaliation or a lack of trust in male-dominated committees. Increasing the number of women in leadership positions can normalize their presence and challenge stereotypes.
While Pakistan has seen the rise of women judges, diplomats, and parliamentarians, the overall representation of women in decision-making roles is still insufficient compared to the needs of the population. A correct understanding of Islam’s teachings about gender equality can counteract cultural practices that undermine women’s rights. Men must also play an active role in supporting women’s empowerment by challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for equitable systems.
Slogans of women’s empowerment serve as a call to action, but they must translate into tangible change. Societies that fear women in leadership or fail to protect them from harm ultimately undermine their own progress.
By embracing the values of equality and justice – values deeply embedded in Islam and universal human rights – Pakistan can move beyond slogans to create environments where women are genuinely empowered, respected, and free to contribute their talents to decision-making and beyond.
The writer is chairperson of the department of international relations at the University of Peshawar. She can be reached at: minhasmaj@uop.edu.pk
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