Women’s Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa : Challenges and Solutions
We live in the 21st century, an era marked by unprecedented progress in science, technology, and human rights. Women around the world are breaking barriers, excelling in fields once dominated by men, and redefining societal norms. Yet, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, the state of women’s education remains alarmingly precarious. Despite global advancements, the region continues to grapple with deeply entrenched resistance to female education, fueled by a toxic mix of political engineering, extremist ideologies, and cultural conservatism. The recent alleged sexual harassment case at Malakand University, Dir Lower, and the subsequent social media backlash against women’s education, have laid bare the urgent need for systemic change.
The case in question involves a Pakistan Studies lecturer accused of sexually harassing a female student. While a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and an inquiry committee have been formed to address the allegations, the incident has sparked a far more sinister development: a wave of propaganda on social media calling for an end to women’s education altogether. This reactionary response is not merely a reflection of individual prejudices but a manifestation of decades-old ideologies that have been systematically nurtured and perpetuated in the region. The Malakand University scandal has exposed a twofold crisis. First, it highlights the pervasive issue of harassment in educational institutions, which undermines the safety and dignity of women. Second, it reveals the alarming resurgence of anti-education rhetoric, which seeks to roll back the hard-won gains of women’s empowerment. Both issues are deeply interconnected and pose a grave threat to the already fragile state of female education in KPK.
Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for vitriolic posts blaming women for harassment and advocating for their exclusion from education. One widely circulated Facebook post states: “If a woman is well-mannered herself, no man can dare look at her with bad intentions.” Such statements not only victim-blame but also reinforce harmful stereotypes that justify the exclusion of women from public spaces. Another comment goes further, declaring: “Universities are the root of vulgarity; parents should keep their daughters at home to protect their honor.” These narratives, amplified by fabricated claims and misinformation, are designed to instill fear in parents and dissuade them from sending their daughters to school. The objective of this propaganda is clear: to end coeducation and, ultimately, women’s education. This deliberate attack on female education must be countered with urgency and resolve.
To understand the current crisis, it is essential to examine its historical and geopolitical context. KPK’s proximity to Afghanistan and its complex relationship with the Taliban have significantly influenced the region’s social fabric. The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and their subsequent ban on women’s education have cast a long, ominous shadow over KPK. This has emboldened local extremist groups, such as the Haqqani network and Deobandi factions, to propagate anti-education rhetoric through madrassas and other channels. Moreover, the legacy of political engineering in KPK, dating back to General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, has played a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes. Zia’s Islamization policies, which prioritized conservative interpretations of religion over progressive values, laid the groundwork for the marginalization of women. These policies were not merely ideological but also served specific political agendas, creating a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to thrive.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles both the symptoms and the root causes of the problem. The government must implement long-term, structural changes to ensure equal access to education for women. This includes improving safety measures in schools and universities, such as installing surveillance systems, establishing robust anti-harassment committees, and providing counseling services for victims. Local leaders and religious scholars who support education must be actively engaged to counter anti-education propaganda. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to highlight the importance of women’s education and dispel myths perpetuated by extremist groups. Law enforcement agencies must take a firmer stance against those spreading harmful propaganda. Legal provisions, such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, should be used to hold individuals accountable for inciting hatred and spreading false information. The ban on student-led activism must be lifted to empower students to hold institutions accountable. Harassment committees should be restructured to include greater representation from women and student bodies, ensuring transparency and inclusivity. A zero-tolerance policy towards harassment must be enforced, with strict legal consequences for perpetrators. Whistleblowers must be provided with stronger protections to encourage reporting and accountability.
The future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hinges on its ability to confront and overcome the challenges facing women’s education. The recent scandal at Malakand University is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue that demands immediate attention. While harassment undermines the safety and dignity of women, the orchestrated propaganda against female education threatens to erase decades of progress. It is time for the government, civil society, and local communities to come together and rewrite the narrative. Women’s education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. By addressing the root causes of the problem and implementing structural reforms, we can ensure that the women of KPK are empowered to pursue their dreams and contribute to the region’s development. The stakes are too high to remain silent. The time for action is now.
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.
Zawar Hussain
The writer is a second-year Law student at LUMS, Lahore.
