New Waves of Feminism and Our Culture
Our culture is a mosaic of warmth and tradition, yet beneath its beauty lies a resistance to change. While it proudly holds on to centuries-old values, it often fails to evolve with the demands of the modern world—especially when it comes to women’s rights.
Over the years, women have constantly been used as scapegoats, and whatever advancement is made in their treatment is met with a repellent attitude. This primarily stems from a deeply ingrained fear that any progress related to women will destroy the traditional values people have built over generations. In reality, the emphasis on imposing cultural values on women is ultimately oppressive, given how outdated certain morals and values have become. This directs us to the hypothesis that culture has been one of the tools patriarchs have used to force women into submission and reduce their prominence.
Culture, however, is not the only tool weaponized by society. Religion too is frequently used to dehumanize women. Moreover, religion and culture are so heavily intertwined that the lines between the two are exceedingly blurred. Together, they hold immense influence over society, and as a consequence, women often fall at the disadvantaged end of the deal.
The feminist movement first emerged in the early 20th century when women were stripped of their political and legal rights. The movement helped them secure the right to vote and own property. Since then, it has liberated women to a great extent. Take the case of industrialization, when women’s labor was undervalued: the second wave followed to secure equal wages and workplace rights. The third wave further expanded the idea by integrating inclusivity and intersectionality, acknowledging that oppression is experienced differently depending on race, gender, or class. For example, women from the global south experience oppression very differently compared to women from the global north. The fourth wave digitalized the movement, creating a more accessible space for unheard voices. This timeline shows how ideas evolve with time.
Many societies have embraced these changes, but ours has responded stiffly. One reason is that the borrowed version of feminism we often see clashes with culturally infused religious values. Western or white feminism does not cater to the problems women in our culture face. Feminism in Pakistan needs to address issues such as domestic violence and marital rape rather than centering debates on clothing or sexual preferences.
Over time, to “protect” cultural values and traditions, patriarchs have become more intolerant toward complex concerns involving women’s rights. The Aurat March, a landmark in Pakistan’s feminist discourse, is essentially no more than an ice-breaking initiative. Any attempt to push beyond it is met with fierce resistance. Given weak laws and fragile institutions, non-profit organizations remain spineless, forced to tread carefully to avoid violent backlash. Each year on International Women’s Day, Aurat March—though non-violent—is met with insurmountable criticism and requires heavy security to ensure the safety of protesters.
Recently, a bill proposing a ban on child marriage was rejected as “anti-Islamic” by some groups, a condemnation that made international headlines. Such incidents expose Pakistan’s rigid stance on women’s rights. Yet now, more than ever, Pakistan must acknowledge that denying women their rights destabilizes society and hinders long-term progress.
The case of Sana Yousef, a 17-year-old girl brutally killed for refusing a man’s demands
, is a chilling example of the entrenched “male superiority” mentality. The fact that such cases only gain attention after irreversible tragedy reflects how women’s rights are sidelined until it is too late. Women make up half of Pakistan’s population, and it is equally important to educate them, empower them, and give them their rights. Only then can the country hope to reach new heights.
In today’s age, digital advancement and freedom of speech can become powerful tools to challenge the radical perspectives that persist in society. It is essential to move upward systematically by introducing feminism in a new light—one that does not appear to “terrorize” culture, yet still liberates women.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, policies, or official position of The Spine Times.
