Chadar and Chardewari: Women’s Struggles in Pakistan
Simone de Beauvoir, the author of The Second Sex, once wrote, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” In this powerful statement, she critiques tradition and social norms as barriers to women’s rights. This quote resonates deeply with the struggles of Pakistani women, a reality that demands acknowledgment. The challenges faced by many Pakistani women today mirror those encountered by women in developed (OECD) countries during the mid-19th century. While women in the developed world have made significant strides in overcoming these obstacles, albeit incompletely, Pakistani women continue to grapple with deeply entrenched issues. While an entire book could be written about the adversities faced by women in Pakistan’s restrictive environment, the essence of their struggles can also be captured in a few paragraphs. This article focuses primarily on the underprivileged majority, particularly those in rural areas, rather than the privileged class. Among the key challenges are cultural barriers, unequal opportunities compared to men, safety and security concerns in the job market, lack of awareness about sanitation and hygiene, and the pervasive perception of women as fragile and inferior beings.
One of the most significant impediments to women’s intellectual and professional growth is the notorious culture of chadar and chardewari (veils and walls). This cultural practice restricts women from taking action and pursuing their ambitions, often being wielded as a socio-political tool against them. It is important to clarify that the concept of chadar and chardewari is not inherently negative; however, its application in Pakistani society often contradicts the principles outlined in Islam. In patriarchal societies, women are frequently confined to their homes, as men’s honor is unjustly tied to their control over women’s bodies. To illustrate this, consider the story of a young woman who was educated in an urban area but, after marrying into a rural family, was relegated to the role of a housewife. Despite her eagerness to pursue further education and contribute to society, she remains constrained by the patriarchal norms of her community. Stories like hers need to be amplified on various platforms to ensure their voices are heard.
Gender disparity in labor force participation is another pressing issue. According to the World Bank, the female labor force participation rate in Pakistan stands at 24% in 2024, compared to 64% for men. This stark imbalance has profound implications for women’s economic empowerment. Even when women do enter the workforce, they often face catcalling, harassment, and other forms of discrimination, which hinder their full integration into the job market. Addressing these issues is crucial to creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Education is another area where women are disproportionately disadvantaged. The current female education ratio in Pakistan is 48%, meaning that over half of the female population lacks access to education. This not only limits their personal growth but also affects their ability to access essential knowledge about hygiene and sanitation. Furthermore, societal attitudes perpetuate the notion that women are weaker than men. For instance, boys are often told, “Don’t weep, you are not a girl, but a boy,” reinforcing harmful stereotypes that devalue girls and women.
To redefine the role of women in Pakistan, society must move beyond tradition. Emile Durkheim’s concept of collective consciousness must become a part of Pakistani society, fostering a shared understanding of gender equality. Alongside addressing structural flaws, there is an urgent need to reform cultural attitudes and behaviors. It is high time to abandon archaic practices like honor killings and the perception of women as weak and feeble. Education is a powerful tool in this transformation. Educated women are influential figures within their communities and can serve as catalysts for positive change. By ensuring access to quality education, we can pave the way for societal progress.
While religious and traditional constraints continue to hinder women’s welfare, we can draw inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Achieving gender equality and peace for women may seem daunting, but it is undoubtedly possible.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
