Pakistan in Crisis: The Problem with Pakistan lies in its disparate treatment of its women

Marking the Independence of Pakistan today, one cannot help but wonder as to the regression of Pakistan and as to what exactly has led to its downfall.

As Pakistanis, we often fail to acknowledge the powerful presence and role that women played in the building of the country.  The only prominent figure that is made known to a higher level is Lady Fatima Jinnah. What about Begum Shahnawaz, Begum Liaqat Ali Khan and Fatima Sughra with the other large masses of women who dedicated their lives to the movement?

Can we go back in time and be reminded by the Father of the Nation that:

“Half of Pakistan is yours because you have put in no less effort to achieve it than the men.”

As of late the current climate of terror and Talibanization could possibly be linked with a brutal level of gender oppression, inhumanity and violence. Furthermore, if we look across the border towards India we will also see that the level of violence and sexualisation of women has increased despite its Westernization and advancement as a global competitor.

So the question then becomes, where is this oppression occurring and how is it starting? One needs to merely look no further than the home environments in which children and families are being raised. Pakistani dramas that have the highest ratings are the ones which are teaching women that it is OK to live in extremely hostile and abusive conditions; and that family interference is better than leading a more meaningful and purposeful life which could include working outside of the home and giving back to society. Work in Pakistan is also viewed as a burden in a society that is still deeply entrenched in a feudal based system.

“Nations cannot be built on a single foundation – both men and women had to be in unison:”   Tazeen Faridi an early member of the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA).

Then why all the murder, honour killing, rape, gang rape, torture, burning, acid throwing, customary practices, custodial violence domestic violence and sexual assault? The position of women needs to be elevated. Core Islamic values and principles re-established and learned. Oppression is not something which our religion teaches. In fact, we are to fight oppression which is the duty of every Muslim. Economic factors, coupled with, the lack of justice has inclined the number female victims.

In summation, when we think of Pakistan and the issues that affect it the most, we begin to think of its stance on blasphemy, terrorism and violence perpetrated by one sect upon another. When we dig deeper, it has to be realized that the issues start from the treatment of its women. Women play a vital role in any society by being an equal hand. It is these women who contribute to teachings of values and how they are to be enacted. The need for a serious overhaul is essential. It doesn’t have to start with just Malala and in schools but at the homes where children are being raised.