Educating Women, Empowering Nations: The Case for Girls’ Education in Pakistan

The elegant words of Napoleon Bonaparte—“Give me an educated mother, and I shall promise you the birth of a civilized, educated nation”—profoundly underscore the importance of women’s education in society. Despite its undeniable advantages, female education in Pakistan remains deprived of the deserved status and importance due to systemic barriers, outdated beliefs, and cultural taboos. In this framework, educating women in Pakistani society is not only an individual matter but also a national need for shaping the future of subsequent generations.

The question that often arises is why women need education, especially when their main role is considered as managing the household. This neglects the broader context. An educated mother can nurture her children far better than an uneducated one. She is equipped to furnish both cognitive and emotional assistance, thereby enhancing academic knowledge. Furthermore, educated women understand sanitation, nutrition, and health concerns better, which results in healthier communities. They are more likely to make sure their kids get vaccines, seek medical care when necessary, and give their families better care overall. Educating women means educating the future. When those who will shape society are denied the knowledge that will empower them, how can society ever hope to advance?

A potential hurdle to women’s education in this stereotypical society is the entrenched fear that it will lead to domination and defiance. A substantial portion of society still perpetuates the illusory correlation between women’s education and the disruption of domestic harmony, believing that an educated woman will begin to question and challenge societal norms. Nevertheless, this biased view, rooted in an outdated system that conflates tradition with repression, fails to recognize that education empowers women to uplift society while preserving its moral fabric. The problem is an antiquated system that blurs the line between right and wrong.

This fear overlooks the transformative power of knowledge. Education is a tool that equips women to contribute more effectively to their families and communities. It is not about challenging societal norms. However, instead of considering a woman’s education as a positive change for society, many individuals foster their beliefs on the societal trend of a non-existent correlation between women’s education and the disruption of societal harmony.

Despite baseless misconceptions, Pakistan’s current reality is that it cannot afford to neglect the education of half of its population. Cultural norms, such as reluctance to send daughters to coeducational institutions and a lack of female-only schools, contribute to a high dropout rate—49 percent in primary classes alone. As girls transition to secondary and tertiary levels, their enrollment ratios drop even more rapidly. The female literacy rate in rural areas is only 38 percent, and more than 12 million girls are deprived of education across the country. These statistics are alarming, especially considering Pakistan’s dismal standing at 145^th out of 146 on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024.

More broadly, a country can only reach its full potential if both halves of its population are educated. Women represent a significant portion of Pakistan’s populace, and by keeping them from getting an education, the nation stifles its progress. They contribute to economic growth, healthier families, and shape the future. As Jinnah wisely said in his 1940 speech at Islamia College for Women, “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.”

A practical solution to improve girls’ education in Pakistan is to introduce segregated portions within existing schools. By doing this, the government can effectively address this herculean challenge with minimal expenditure while mitigating resistance from families opposed to coeducation. But for sustainable improvement, developing more schools—including higher secondary, tertiary, and vocational training institutions—solely for female students is of utmost importance. Such efforts will not only dismantle outdated social norms but also facilitate women’s active participation in the country’s growth.

Saqlain Haider Cheema

The author is a columnist with a keen interest in political and global affairs.

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