Equal rather than ‘other’

Education in Pakistan is largely spoken of in terms of books, exams, and grades. In reality, schools are far more than just learning factories; they are institutions that mould the very fabric of society.

The kind of schooling a nation chooses determines the type of citizens it produces. Education policymakers must reflect on whether our schools are truly preparing children for life or merely for the next test.

Much of the current system runs like a conveyor belt. Children memorise lessons, sit for exams, move up a grade -- and repeat the process all over again. While this may produce literate students, it does not guarantee the creation of educated citizens. Education, in its fullest sense, is meant to cultivate empathy, respect, cooperation, tolerance and responsibility -- qualities that enable societies to hold together and move forward. And this is where co-education becomes critical.

Segregation in schooling often breeds social distance. Boys and girls grow up in separate spheres, only to encounter one another as strangers when they reach universities, workplaces or commit to the institution of marriage. The lack of familiarity breeds potential for discomfort, misunderstandings or reinforcement of stereotypes.

Co-educational schools can prevent this by normalising interaction from an early age, teaching students to see each other as equals rather than as ‘the other’. Shared classrooms also allow students to challenge ingrained assumptions. When girls lead group projects in science, or boys contribute to the arts and social sciences, the myth of ‘gendered strengths’ begins to dissolve. Respect is not absorbed through lectures; it is built through lived cooperation.

Life beyond school is inherently co-educational. Whether in hospitals, markets, offices or civic life, men and women must work together. To expect young Pakistanis to suddenly adapt to this reality after years of segregation is unfair. Co-education provides the practice ground, smoothing the transition into adulthood and helping young people make healthier, more responsible choices in their personal and professional relationships.

The case is not only social but also economic. Pakistan’s female labour force participation remains among the lowest in the world. Women's participation in the workforce is over 48 per cent globally, according to ILO data from 2024, whereas in Pakistan, it's less than 25 per cent. Generally, in Muslim countries and Pakistan, the participation of women in the workforce is much lower than global and Asian standards.

One reason is the cultural discomfort women face when entering mixed environments for the first time. If schools familiarise children early with respectful, routine collaboration, women’s entry into higher education and the workforce becomes easier, thereby strengthening both families and the national economy.

The constitution, under Article 25A, makes education free and compulsory for all children aged five to sixteen. It’s a gender-neutral goal, but in large parts of Pakistan, parents do not allow girls to study along with boys, which impedes girls' education and exposure.

In any case, meeting this constitutional obligation is not enough if ‘education’ is defined only as literacy. There have been numerous commissions, constitutional amendments, special drives and organisations dedicated to universal education, but the spread of quality education and its desired impact remain elusive. We have massive deficiencies in the quality of education, academia, facilities and fair conduct of exams.

True education must be holistic: equipping students with social skills, civic values, and the ability to live respectfully with half of society. Co-education, thoughtfully implemented with safeguards and sensitivity, is one way to fulfil not just the letter but the spirit of 25A.

Education is Pakistan’s most powerful institution for shaping the future. If schools continue to produce exam-takers rather than citizens, the country will remain trapped in cycles of misunderstanding and division. But if we embrace co-education as a deliberate, values-driven model, schools can prepare a generation ready to cooperate, innovate, and lead together. The choice is stark: classrooms that churn out grades or classrooms that build a nation.

The writer is a sociologist.