From Margins to Mainstream: The Journey Toward Gender Equality
- Education and Economic Equality: Providing equal access to education and economic opportunities is crucial for empowering women and closing gender disparities in society.
- Political and Digital Empowerment: Expanding women's participation in politics and technology helps elevate their voices and foster gender equality in decision-making processes.
- Health and Protection: Access to healthcare and protection from violence are essential for women’s empowerment, enabling them to live healthier, safer lives and contribute to society.
Allah Wasaya, a farmer in Sindh, Pakistan, had two children—a son and a daughter. While he ensured his son received an education that led to a degree in economics and a secure job, his daughter was confined to household chores, denied access to education, and left to a life of unfulfilled potential. This stark disparity reflects the pervasive gender inequality that continues to limit women’s opportunities. Addressing such inequality is essential to achieving women’s empowerment, as it helps remove barriers such as unequal access to education, economic disparity, and restricted opportunities that hold women back.
Gender equality entails distributing resources equitably among all genders and eliminating the disparities that hinder progress. It emphasizes that individuals, regardless of gender, should have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to participate in social, political, and economic spheres. Women’s empowerment, on the other hand, involves enabling women to make their own choices and decisions independently, without societal restrictions or patriarchal dominance. However, several factors continue to obstruct the journey toward these ideals, keeping women in subordinate positions.
Patriarchal norms deeply embedded in society restrict women’s participation in key areas, such as economic, political, and social activities. Traditional stereotypes often portray women as fragile and confine their roles to caregiving and domestic responsibilities, effectively sidelining them from leadership roles and professional opportunities. This societal framework not only hinders women’s growth but also deprives society of the valuable contributions women can make.
Education is a crucial factor in overcoming these barriers. It is a transformative tool that broadens an individual’s perspective and enables them to challenge societal injustices. Former World Bank President Jim Yong Kim emphasized that education is especially critical for empowering women. Educated women are better equipped to combat domestic violence and societal pressures, as well as to make informed decisions. In Pakistan, however, the disparity in literacy rates is alarming, with 63% of males being literate compared to just 36% of females, as reported in the Population and Housing Census. This glaring gap highlights the urgent need to provide equal educational opportunities to women, as education serves as the foundation for achieving gender equality and empowerment.
Economic inequality is another significant hurdle that must be addressed. Women often have fewer opportunities to earn and face a gender pay gap that stands at 34% in Pakistan, according to the Global Gender Gap Index 2023. Additionally, the labor force participation rate for women is just 15.5%, as per the Labour Force Survey 2020–21. This economic disparity limits women’s potential to achieve financial independence and thrive in patriarchal societies. A survey by the Sahel organization revealed that women with earning opportunities are better able to sustain themselves, while those without struggle to meet basic needs. Closing this gap through inclusive economic policies and support for women’s entrepreneurship is essential for their empowerment.
In the modern age, access to technology has become a crucial factor in empowering women. Technology enables women to raise their voices, earn a livelihood, and engage in global debates. However, a report by the Commission on the Status of Women reveals that only 63% of women globally use the internet, compared to 69% of men. This digital divide limits women’s ability to compete in an increasingly tech-driven world. Bridging this gap by providing affordable access to the internet, devices, and digital literacy programs is vital for ensuring women can fully participate in today’s interconnected society.
Women’s political participation is another key aspect of empowerment that remains significantly low. Political representation enables women to bring diverse perspectives to governance, policymaking, and social development. In Pakistan, however, women’s participation in elections and political leadership is minimal. The Election Commission of Pakistan reports that male voter turnout is 55%, compared to 45% for women, while transgender representation is negligible. Encouraging women to take on leadership roles and actively engage in politics is critical for achieving gender-balanced governance.
Healthcare access is another area where women face significant challenges. Health is a fundamental aspect of empowerment, as a healthy woman can contribute more effectively to her family and society. Yet, many women lack access to basic healthcare, which leads to high maternal mortality rates and other health issues. According to a recent maternal mortality survey, Pakistan’s maternal mortality ratio is 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. Factors such as the lack of skilled birth attendants, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to clean drinking water exacerbate the problem. Addressing these health disparities is crucial for empowering women and ensuring their well-being.
Gender-based violence, including harassment and domestic abuse, remains a persistent issue in patriarchal societies. The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) reported over 10,000 cases of violence against women in Punjab during the first four months of this year alone. Women face harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, and even within their homes. Empowering women through education, economic independence, and societal support can help them resist and challenge such violence effectively.
Gender equality is essential for addressing these challenges and achieving women’s empowerment. Providing equal access to education, economic opportunities, technology, and healthcare enables women to overcome the barriers they face. Additionally, promoting their political participation and addressing societal norms that perpetuate inequality are crucial steps toward a more inclusive and equitable society. As Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah once said, “No nation can be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with the men.” By striving for gender equality, we not only empower women but also create a stronger, more balanced society where everyone can thrive.
The author is a freelance writer with a keen interest in politics and international relations.
