Institute of social and cultural sciences

BS SOCIOLOGY MORNING 2020-2024

Topic : Gender Issues In Pakistan

Presented to: Dr. Naveeda Noreen

Presented by: Group no 5
Minahil Mansoor 26.
Tehniyat Alam 12.
Izza Younis 13.
Farah Manzoor 18.
Fahad Ameer 43.
 Table of content
1.Introduction

 What is an issue?
 How to recognize a social issue? what is gender issue?
 Emergence of gender issues?
 Gender issues in Pakistan?

2.Issues of Women

 Violence against women and girls

 Gender pays gap
 Digital gender violence
 Underrepresentation as leader in health
 Educational inequality
 Increasing rates of maternal mortality
 Dowery
 Watta satta
 Violence against women
 Rape
 Honor killing
 Acid attacks
 Female infanticide
 Cousin marriage

3.Issues of Man

 Gender role strain theory

 Sentimental issues
 False allegations
 Body objectification
 Stigmatization
 Pressure of economic independence
 Other
4.Issues of Transgender
 Transgenders
 Prevalence of transgender in world
 Transgender in Pakistan
 Common problem faced by transgender
5. How Can We Tackle These Issues?
 Governmental initiatives
 Societal Initiatives
 Religious Initiatives
 Family Initiatives
 Is change inevitable?
1.Introduction
Gender issues need to be addressed. These are the issues or problems affecting women and men that result
from society’s perceived generalizations and beliefs on characteristics, capabilities, and behaviour of women
and men. Often times, these generalizations and beliefs limit the understanding of what women and men can
be and can do. Gender issues may happen anywhere, such as the organization, workplace, community,
family/household, and other groupings wherein people interact.
We are dealing with gender issues when we box in women and men, that is, make stereotypes on how they
should think, feel, and behave; and if we hinder their natural abilities and true selves. Men and women may
each be differently affected by gender issues, but studies and experience show that it is the women who are
in the more disadvantaged position.
Gender issues are inter-related and integral to one another. There may be times that gender issues do not
directly concern people’s own lives. However, that does not mean that that these issues are too distant
because it must be remembered that people’s lives are interlinked and intertwined.
People should be able to understand the implications and effects of these issues on themselves and their
groupings, organizations, and households. They should also realize that they can act on the gender issues
and, thereby, become better persons and also improve family and community relations
A manifestation of one gender issue may be either the cause or effect of another gender issue. Thus, it is
actually difficult to discuss each gender issue separately. But just to have a name for those gender issues,
they can be each defined as marginalization; gender stereotyping; multiple burden; subordination; and
violence:
 Marginalization
forces women into the periphery of economic and social life and of the decision-making process;
diminishes value of women’s activities through which they contribute to the national development
process.
 Gender stereotyping
attributes a set of favourable or unfavourable characteristics, roles, and traits to all members of a
social group based on sex
 Multiple burden
the involvement in the three spheres of work—reproductive, productive, and community
management and governance. A person’s involvement in any of these spheres, sometimes too much
and sometimes unwillingly, lessens her or his time for herself or himself, and for the things that she
or he really wants to do
 Subordination
one sex becoming inferior to the other. Gender subordination is the institutionalized domination by
men of women (or vice versa). Subordination is a power relationship. Power has four categories:
power over, power over, power to, power with, and power within.
 Violence
any act that installs fear and pain to injure or abuse a person. The two types of violence are domestic
violence and sexual harassment.
 Domestic violence
has four types: physical violence, sexual violence, destruction of properties, and psychological
violence. Occurs in forms like spousal abuse, child abuse (including sexual abuse), elderly abuse,
parents abused by children, or violence between siblings, etc.
  Sexual harassment
violence that can occur in the workplace, manifested as verbal, visual, gestural and physical sexual
harassment. It includes sexist remarks, propositions, coercive pressure for sexual activity, and
assault. Physical forms of sexual harassment include touching, patting, punching, brushing on a
woman’s body, and physical and sexual assaults. Two types of sexual harassment-- coercive and
non-coercive. Coercive sexual misconduct offers benefit or reward. Non-coercive sexual misconduct
simply annoys or offends a person.
The existence of gender issues in many aspects of people’s lives has various negative implications.
Eliminating or considerably reducing gender issues needs the strongest commitment of those concerned to
be sensitive to differences between and among women and men. People who work to address gender issues
need to further commit themselves to search for ways and to work for change

2. Issues of Women
 Violence against women and girls

Before the pandemic, estimates said one in three women will experience violence in their lifetime.

As economic and social stresses rise, and movement is restricted by lockdown and stay at home guidance,
instances of violence are likely to increase.

At home, survivors of domestic violence may be trapped with their abuser, with limited access to support
services, healthcare and justice systems.

And in public, women are at heightened risks of violence navigating deserted public spaces and
transportation.

 Gender pays gap

Around the world, women are at the frontline of the COVID-19 response as they make up the majority of
health and social care workers, especially as nurses, midwives and community health workers, and account
for the majority of service staff in health facilities as cleaners, launderers and caterers.

Yet, an average gender pay gap of around 28 per cent exists in the health workforce.

Once occupation and working hours are accounted for, the gender pay gap is 11 per cent.

Although the health sector performs well regarding women’s participation, it still harbours discrimination
against women in earnings, and full-time employment and leadership roles for women is lagging.

 Digital gender divide

Studies online has become the new normal.

But not everyone can continue their education online while schools are closed due to the COVID-19
pandemic, because internet access remains a privilege.

Many around the world, including girls from poor households cannot participate in remote learning, since
they lack the required tools, skills and technologies.
It was already a dire disadvantage that girls, women, and marginalized groups are least likely to have access
to technology, and as the COVID-19 pandemic has moved so many aspects of daily life online, the lack of
connectivity has become even more alarming, exacerbating existing gender inequalities.

 Underrepresentation as leaders in health

Countries across the world are thanking their health workers today.

Women make up 70 per cent of the health and social care workforce, and they are more likely to be front-
line health workers, especially as nurses, midwives and community health workers. This exposure raises
women’s risk of infection.

In fact, infections among female health care workers are up to three times higher than among their male
counterparts.

Yet, women remain in the background of decision making, underrepresented in health sector leadership, and
missing from the centre of the COVID-19 response.

Along with thanking our healthcare workers, lets also push for long-term structural change. We need more
women leaders in the global health sector and beyond to ensure that the unique needs of women and girls are
addressed in the COVID-19 response.

 Educational Inequality
From a global perspective, one of the biggest challenges facing women is educational inequality Despite the
many gains of modern feminist movements in the Americas, Africa, Asia and beyond, many still believe that
women are less worthy of the same educational opportunities afforded to men. While there is no denying
that poverty, geography and other factors contribute to huge disparities in education, patriarchy justifies this
denial of opportunity. It feeds the message that men should wield the power and women should occupy a
subordinate position in all areas of society. This outdated, yet persistent, point of view fuels educational
inequality and a host of other disparities along the lines of gender on national and international levels.
 Increasing rates of maternal mortality
One of the greatest challenges women in the U.S. and women throughout the world face today are increasing
rates of maternal mortality. According to the World Health Organization, 830 women die every day
from “preventable causes related to pregnancy, these statistics are even more staggering in developing
countries and among women of colour in the United States. Black women in particular are the most affected,
dying at a ratio of 25.1 deaths per 100,000. According to the Journal of Perinatal Education, the rates for
black women did not improve between 1980 and 1990, and these rates are not much better today. Some
believe such disparities occur because of a racially divided society in which black women experience higher
levels of stress and marginalization causing many of their health concerns to go unrecognized. This leads to
untimely and preventable deaths.
 Dowry
Like in other parts of South Asia. the custom of dowry is practiced in Pakistan, and conflicts related to it
often result in violence, even dowry deaths, at over 2000 dowry-related deaths per year, and annual rates
exceeding 2.45 deaths per 100,000 women from dowry-related violence, Pakistan has the highest reported
number of dowry death rates per 100,000 women in the world
  Watta satta
Watta satta is a tribal custom in which brides are traded between two clans. In order to marry off a son, one
must also have a daughter to marry off in return. If there is no sister to exchange in return for a son's spouse,
a cousin, or a distant relative can also do. Even though Islamic law requires that both partners explicitly
consent to marriage, women are often forced into marriages arranged by their fathers or tribal leaders. Watta
satta is most common in rural parts of northwest and west Pakistan, and its tribal regions.
 Violence against women
A 2020 Report by Aurat Foundation on "Violence against women and girls in the time of Covid 19
pandemic" from identified 25 districts of Pakistan reported 2297 cases of domestic violence against women
which included crimes like honour killings, murder, rape, suicide, acid burning, kidnapping; out of which
57% cases were reported from Punjab, 27% from Sindh
In 1999, at least 1000 women were murdered in Pakistan and 90% of women reported being subject
to Domestic violence. Law enforcement authorities routinely dismiss domestic violence as private
disputes with domestic violence cases, it is important to acknowledge that marital rape is not considered a
crime. Most women do not report the abuse they experience because they want to avoid ruining their
family's reputation, they are scared the abuse will worse, and they are afraid they would be separated from
their husband and kids. For the women that do report abuse, they are often harassed by the police and their
families; about 33% of women were a victim of physical abuse and did not make any reports. When it comes
to marital abuse, pregnant women are even victims. In order to cope, some women enter religious
communities or religious events to avoid being home and further altercations. Some ask for help from their
friends and family, but most are reluctant to make formal complaints because they feel as if they would not
be understood
 Rape
Consent, when the consent has been obtained by putting a woman in fear or of hurt, with her consent, when
the man knows that he is not married to her and that the consent is given because she believes that the man is
another person to whom she is or believes herself to be Police in Pakistan often refuse to record the
complaint of women when an officer may have been involved. In 2006, President Pervez Musharraf passed
the Protection of Women Act. The purpose of it was for women to be provided with relief and to be able to
have protection under the Hudood Ordinance and back into the prosecution under the Pakistani Criminal
code. The act recognized rape under five circumstances, against [a woman's] will, without [a women's]
consent, with [a woman's] married; or with or without her consent when she is under sixteen years of age.
Because of the act, a person in Pakistan was punishable by either death or imprisoned up to 10 to 25 years.
Although the act was passed, there were no significant effects in which investigations were done on rape
victims.
On 17 April 2002, a woman by the name Zafran Bibi, who was 26 at the time, was sentenced to death by
stoning in Pakistan. Zafran Bibi stepped forward as a rape victim in Pakistan. Bibi was recast as guilty for
having sexual intercourse outside of valid marriage and was sentenced to death because of this incident. Bibi
stated that she was tortured and raped by her brother-in-law, Jamal Khan. Her husband was in jail when the
incident occurred. Human rights groups saw that Zafran Bibi sentence was bizarre and the actions that were
taken towards her case were not taken in the matter that it should have been. The pressure of the Human
Rights groups ultimately led the court to overturn her sentence
 Honor killings
A majority of the victims of honour killings are women and the punishments meted out to the murderers are
very lenient.
In 2010, it was reported that more than 1,000 honour killing occur every year in Pakistan and India.
The practice of summary killing of a person suspected of an illicit liaison is known as karo Kari in Sindh and
Baluchistan. In December 2004, the Government passed a bill that made karo Kari punishable under the
same penal provisions as murder. In 2016, Pakistan repealed the loophole which allowed the perpetrators of
honour killings to avoid punishment by seeking forgiveness for the crime from another family member, and
thus be legally pardoned. Many cases of honour killings have been reported against women who marry
against their family's wishes, who seek divorce or who have been raped. In addition, women of lower classes
are more prone to being victims of honour killings or rape.
 Acid attacks
Acid attacks occur within the public sphere. Acid and kerosene are thrown at women, mostly in the direction
of their faces, as a form of permanent punishment. Many women do not report these attacks out of fear of
getting attacked again or to protect the groups of people committing the attacks. Hundreds of women are
victims of these attacks and some die from their injuries. When these attacks are reported they are written
off as mistakes or suicides at times. In order to help with these attacks, the Depilex Smileagain Foundation
provides victims of acid attacks with the opportunity to undergo surgery to heal their faces with the help of
experienced doctors, while receiving the medical services they need to recover.
Under the Qisas (eye-for-an-eye) law of Pakistan, the perpetrator could suffer the same fate as the victim, if
the victim or the victim's guardian chooses. The perpetrator may be punished by having drops of acid placed
in their eyes. Section 336B of Pakistan Penal Code states: "Whoever causes hurt by corrosive substance
shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description which shall not be less
than fourteen years and a minimum fine of one million rupees." Additionally, section 299
defines Qisas and states: "Qisas means punishment by causing similar hurt at the same part of the body of
the convict as he has caused to the victim or by causing his death if he has committed qatl-iamd (intentional
manslaughter) in exercise of the right of the victim or a Wali (the guardian of the victim)
 Female infanticide
In Pakistan, abortion and infanticide is illegal and so is adultery. Premarital relations are strictly prohibited
in the country and are frowned upon by society. According to media reports, the ratio of female infanticides
is higher than male. People give more value to a baby boy than a baby girl. People are worried and scared
about the finances required for her marriage because of the dowry practice. This whole scenario leads them
to commit the hideous crime of infanticide. Three different research studies, according to Klausen and Wink,
note that Pakistan had the world's highest percentage of missing girls, relative to its total pre-adult female
population.
 Cousin marriages
According to Prof Huma Arshad Cheema (HOD Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology of the Children's
Hospital, Lahore), 50 per cent of infant mortality in Pakistan is attributed to inherited metabolic diseases
besides inherited or genetic diseases affecting liver, heart, kidney and brain in children. As per Dr Areeba
Farrukh, a Pediatric Resident at National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi, cousin marriages are
also an important reason for diseases like thalassemia and faulty hemoglobin build-up, which can eventually
lead to iron deficiency and anemia.
According to joint research study conducted in 2016–2017 by scholars of Department of Biological Science
Gomal University, and Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering University of Agriculture
Peshawar; high rate of consanguinity in Pakistan does contribute to hereditary hearing loss and to minimize
such risks genetic counseling is required. Many girls groomed and pressured to accept cousin marriages to
keep familial feudal properties and relations intact, in process kids do suffer various kind of genetic
disabilities on account of traditions of cousin marriages. According to Sadia Saeed deformed 'A
DCY3' mutations lead to slow learning and from mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, loss of sense of
smell to gaining obesity with more likelihood of diabetes in here in life. 'MARK3' mutation may leads to
progressive Phthisis bulbi (shrinkage of the eyeball).

3.Issues of Men
Gender inequality concerns both women and men and has a strong impact on their daily lives. Historically
gender equality policies have been contextualised mainly as a “women’s issue” – as women have been a
driving force behind gender equality strategies and struggles.
This view has contributed to the perception that women are the only ones who will benefit from a more
equal society. In reality, also men benefit from gender equality as they too face gender-specific issues such
as lower life expectancy, bad health, lower education levels and rigid gender norms. It is essential that both
women and men are aware of the benefits that gender equality brings to them as individuals and as members
of communities and societies. It is also true that we can only succeed through the participation of both
women and men.
Femininity versus masculinity is often a highly debated issue in society today, especially in the first world,
where men and women are seen as different and are expected to be doing different things. While women still
have a long way to come when it comes to being treated equally in life, the workplace, and everywhere in
between, men also suffer in society.
The ideal man is often what makes a man suffer the most. As a man, you’re expected to be tough, you’re
expected to not cry, and you’re expected to be the bread winner. This leads to other issues, such as you’re
expected to be a father, you’re expected to love sports and not want to share your emotions, because doing
so would be too “girly.” If you show even a hint of weakness, society could eat you alive. And even if it
won’t, men are often trained to expect that to happen, and so they won’t, anyway.
 Challenges Men Face
If a woman is not perfect, society often expects it. It doesn’t make it any better for women, because it sets
such a low standard that they aren’t expected to really be able to accomplish anything. However, if a man
isn’t perfect, he’ll often be berated for it. Men live in a world of constant aggression as well; from the time
you’re small, you’re encouraged to participate in rough-contact sports such as American football, where the
more aggressive you are, the more praise you get. You aren’t allowed to cry, and if you get hurt, you’ll often
be told to “walk it off” rather than getting any kind of sympathy.

The biggest problem men face is the idea that sharing any kind of emotion is considered girly, and that being
girly is not something they want to be. Males have a much lower incidence of being diagnosed with mental
illnesses that affect their emotions, such as depression, or ones that result from pressure from peers and
society, such as eating disorders. These are often swept under the rug because you know you’re expected to
tough it out, so if you feel like you’re spiralling into depression, you won’t tell someone. What if it isn’t
even that big of a deal? What if you do go to a person, and you aren’t taken seriously? Or the person laughs
at you? Men are often conditioned this way, to just keep everything in. And that can be hurtful, if not
completely deadly, depending on just what it is you’re suffering from.

 Gender role strain Gender

role strain is the stress and pressure caused by societal expectations from individuals to behave and
perform according to the role expectation attached with each gender. The study aimed to investigate
Pakistani men's gender role strain; its influence on their physical, psychological health and overall
wellbeing using survey method. The study was conducted on a purposive sample of l00 working men
from various workplaces of Lahore, Pakistan. The instruments used were Gender Role Strain
Questionnaire (self- constructed) and WarwichEdinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (Warwick &
 Edinburgh, 2006). Results confirmed that role strain existed among the working men and reported
many physical, emotional and psychological symptoms. Head of family and being breadwinner were
paramount roles that caused extreme strain in Pakistani men. Physical strength was found to be prime
masculine stereotype. This study revealed average well-being score of men. Significant differences
were found in the role strain among men with different age, income and educational levels. The
researcher appeals religious scholars and government to play their part to reduce role strain and
improve well-being among men.
Gender roles are the expected behaviours associated with the gender of a person. These roles and
responsibilities are developed by society or culture and can be changed over times. These roles are society
distinct behaviours, attitudes and standards about masculinity and femininity. Gender role strain is the
pressure, burden, or stress experienced by individuals while trying to meet the expected standard of
behaviours associated with their gender. For instance, males being inferior to females, appearing physically
deficient, and cannot openly express feelings be understood as primarily stressful for males. The concept of
gender role strain can be explained by stress and cognitive appraisal theory. It indicates that people are
aware of gender philosophies due to cultural motivations that they learn to judge, circumstances which are
strongly connected with schemata of gender, and how an individual should respond in these situations.
Researchers have focused on positive aspects related to cultural notions of masculinity. Pakistan is a
patriarchal society. Preference for a son is a social demand. Once a boy grows, his habits of dressing. Eating,
attitudes, and relationships are all socialized constantly with the thought of masculinity. Political instability,
unemployment and poverty are the social measures that influenced social. Physical, and emotional well-
being of Pakistani men. Young men have pressure to get education, achieve success, build confidence and
acquire skill. It was determined that following were gender roles of Pakistani men: Head and guardian of the
family, Authoritative to resolve issues, Responsible for doing hard physical tasks at home and workplace,
Main or sole breadwinner, a sensible manager, supporter and provider of the family. And regulates
important affairs in and outside the family.
The work on gender related issues has scarcely been carried out in Pakistan. It has been considered
taboo to be inquisitive about private matters or personal life of people. Moreover, due to gender
stereotypes, both male and female preferred to keep their feelings to themselves. A concept generally
prevails in the modern/western world. Progressive elite and human rights organizations that only
women are facing difficulties due to gender stereotypes of eastern societies like Pakistan, India, and
Afghanistan. The research concerning level of gender role strain among men showed that working
men experienced severe gender role strain because of the roles as a head of the family, to adopt a
profession and to act as a gentle man in a society. Another aspect of this research was to study
various symptoms and problems that are caused due to gender role strain among working men. The
researcher has selected some dimensions as physical, emotional, psychosocial, occupational and
social sphere of men’s status in Pakistani society. It was found that the participants felt fatigue,
sleeplessness and change in appetite as a physical symptom attributable to severe stress of expected
roles in society. The findings of emotional stress symptoms showed that most of the participants
expressed anger, anxiety and sadness in their lives because of stress of strict adherence of society
created roles in Pakistani society.
The study was perennial to male behaviour under gender role stresses. The method adopted for
research was public opinion survey, which remained fairly successful because individuals up to the
age of 44 years responded well. However, in the light of results and analysis, the researchers can say
that Pakistani men are facing extreme gender role strain as decision maker and breadwinner. Data
also demonstrates that aggressiveness and violence are not inherent in men but are the symptoms of
gender role strain. Furthermore, the age and education are the variables which significantly affect the
gender role strain. The stakeholders of the society should device such reforms to reduce gender role
 strain of men. Furthermore, education can play a leading role in this context. Therefore, the
government should prepare a complete and result oriented educational policy. In addition, the
researchers Suggest to male members of the society to take support and help from their spouses, so
that, strain of “decision maker can be reduced. Educating and empowering women would also reduce
burden on men that effect men’s wellbeing positively.
 Sentimental Issues
Our emotional state often dictates how we behave. Men often feel they need to be self-reliant and
provide for their loved ones, so it is not appropriate to express their emotions.
Our emotional state often dictates how we behave, with men and women handling emotions in quite
different ways. When upset, women are more likely to express their feelings directly and to seek the
support of friends and family, whereas men might hide their emotions or withdraw.
Men often feel that they need to be self-reliant and provide for their loved ones, so it is not appropriate
to express their emotions. This behaviour can be reinforced in the stereotype of the heroic male, so
often represented in popular culture. Fearless, resourceful, stoic and usually facing adversity alone,
these characters tell us a lot about what is considered to be ideal male behaviour within our society.
 False allegations
Certainly, an allegation which is entirely fabricated, where no sexual encounter at all ever took place.
The mental health impact on a man of having a false allegation of rape made against him can be
devastating, and it is not uncommon for such men to become suicidal. However, the quest to estimate
the rate of false allegations of rape is like hunting the snark: one does not even know what it is one is
looking for, let alone where to find it.
E.g., #metoo, Johnny Depp and Amber heard case, Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafiq case etc
 Body objectification
Males also suffer from body shamming and body objectification in various fields like offices and
workplaces.
Objectification studies have on why and how women are objectified but relatively little is known
about what drives the objectification of men
 Stigmatization
They face so much more scrutiny if they’re in any profession that deals with children. There are so
many benefits to having men as teachers, but there’s a weird stigma associated with men being in the
classroom, and I find it very sad.
 Pressure of economic independence
Money and having a respectable job matter. In the relationships area, the saying that “women do not
stay with unready / not-yet-achieved men” rings a bell. Well, how one should “become their best
self” then on their own without support? So yeah, basically unless men achieved something or got
noticed, they are ignored.
 Others…
There are some other issues that men have to face like competition in the area of jobs. Sometimes
specifically in medical field they have to join Gynaecology departments without having interest in it
due to high merits and competition in different fields.
It is assumed that unlike women men are independent in their choices but in reality, this not the case
and sometimes men are also forced to fulfill the demands of their parents without having their own
consent. Also gender disparity in health and educational departments create issues. Usually, low
budget allocation causes problems e.g. In Pakistan the budget allocation for education is less than the
2% of the GDP which is far less than the international standards of UNICEF. The government is also
unable to makes separate educational institutions for males and females at university level. The
damage caused to population health by gender inequality across the globe is immense and justifies
comprehensive actions addressing gender equity in health at all levels.
 According to the Men’s Health Network, a lack of awareness, weak health education, and unhealthy
work and personal lifestyles have caused a steady deterioration of the well-being of men.

It is necessary to visit medical provider to learn how they can reduce their risk of common conditions
facing men, such as cancer, depression, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.

4.Issues of Transgender
Pakistan is the second largest Islamic state in the world Islam has given equal rights to everyone. Through
electronic and print media, we found that being an Islamic state; still transgender are neglected by the
government and the local society. There is many NGO’s working for human rights, but also, they have
ignored the transgender. We found, that in Pakistan the transgender is ignored in every walk of life
including, education, government jobs, health care and even security for their life. In 2013, Supreme Court
of Pakistan has given rights to transgender which still are not implemented in the community. Not only the
society, but their families are not accepting them as their family members. The objectives of this review
article were to review and highlight various aspects of issues faced by the transgender community of
Pakistan.
 TRANSGENDER
Transgender is “Vast” term which describe the people whose sexual characteristics identity diverse
the form that usually correlate with sex at the time of birth. Many of the transgender live with full-
time or part-time as a member of the opposite sex. For example, if male is transgendered, he wills to
lives like a female if female is transgendered, she wills to live like a male. In other words, people
who lives with conventional gender are falls outside of identity, appearance or behaviours can be
described as the transgender. However, everyone whose outward show or performance is gender-
atypical cannot be defined as transgender person (Force, 2006). Transgender a person whose
personal identity is not confirm, and opposite from male or female gender. Transgender means one
who is not a full male or female. It means those people they belong from third gender is called
transgender.
TYPES OR CATEGORIES OF TRANSGENDER:

The word transgender refers to a person whose gender identity differs from the sex to which it is
assigned. Men they are assigned but who are recognizable and living is women or who want to
change or wish to change their live style it referred to as transgender or transsexual men or its also
known as female to male.
CAUSES:

 Prevalence of transgender in world

Transgender population has a very large prevalence in the world. Although worldwide fact and
figure of transgender population are unknown with size and numbered. According to united nation
High commissioner “that transgender globally need to improve systematic, economically and social
rights. And he remarks widespread discrimination against third gender. Additionally for transgender
protections, care, gender identity legislature is necessary. Like in 2012 Argentinean senate passed
the first gender identity law in the world (Sari, et al., 2016).”

 Transgender in Pakistan
In Pakistani Culture and background transgender show a very important roles in different, festivals
including marriage ceremony, birthday’s, Eid festival and their big events. Still transgender in
Pakistan link up to (Murat, Hijra, Khawaja Sara and Khusra) Pakistani given by different names to
 third gender. It is a group of people they have the lowest degree of right or honour in Pakistan.
Because of uneducated and aggressive mind set peoples, even they do not prompt to accept them as a
human being of Pakistani society. And from all the part of Pakistan they faced “ignorance” and large
“rejection”. According to a recent survey of transgender sex, about one-third of 50 children are
noticeable with chronic tendencies / potential. In other words, about 2% of Pakistan’s population are
struck or affected by transgenderism (Akhtar, 2016). Third gender is firstborn determined by family.
In initial glance the families become hyper to kill them or to throw them from their circle because
they feel a shamed have a part of family.

 Common problems face by transgender

 No equality in public
 Abused orally and physically
 Forced to leave parental house if identified as a transgender
 Unwanted attention given to their presence

5.How Can We Tackle These Issues?

Here are some of the initiatives which we can take to make the life better for all the genders across Pakistan.

 Governmental Initiatives
 The distribution of resources should be equal
The government should allocate the resources on equal basis and as per need. There has always been
seen a discrimination among women, men and transgender persons across all the platforms of
government. The difference of rural and urban areas is something which must be eliminated when it
comes to budget allocation. Especially in health department, there should be more facilities for
women and transgender as they face very severe health issues.
 Job opportunities should be enlarged
The jobs allocations must be on merit. The gender biasness should be eradicated. In past, the point of
focus has always been the urban areas. The rural areas should also get similar number of
opportunities. It would help the women from the remote areas as well as all the women and
transgender from across the country to get on their own feet.
 Scholarships and funds should be allocated wisely
In Pakistan, it is no doubt that governments have time to time brought scholarships and funds for the
students which have had a great impact on the students. But sometimes the distribution of those
funds went wrong. The poor and needy students sometimes do not get a chance to attain that
opportunity because of rigid system. These kinds of minor issues must be addressed. The awareness
about these opportunities must also be spread as majority of students are often unaware of these
opportunities.
 Laws should be more vocal and in action
There are laws concerning from the sexual abuse to domestic violence and to all the issues faced by
all genders. But the hurdle which people face is that they are unaware of those laws. Another issue
which most people come across is that those laws are seen to be in action very few times. Most of
the culprits get away easily and very few face the trials and go on to face the punishments. For that,
government need to be more vocal in its action. Police should also try to be as polite as it can
because people in Pakistan are more afraid of police then the offenders. The courts must also listen to
 the cases on regular basis and give verdict as soon as possible, so that justice can be provoked as
timely as possible.
 Societal Initiatives
 Campaigns Should Be Encouraged
society plays a key role in all fields of life. As a student of sociology, I am of the believe that in
which society you are born you are ought to respect it. If you have problem with the existing
structure, you have the right to plea and protest. The most appropriate way is by promoting it through
all the available platforms. The message must be appropriate and must present the actual happenings
and how can we overcome those issues. Social media is one of the most powerful parts of society
and has a big influence on common man. Right use of social media can help us in making awareness
about gender issues.

 Appreciation should be standard

One of the biggest concerns of our society is that we are used to such patterns which are perpetrators
of gender discrimination and we have no idea about their severity. I am talking about the so-called
societal standard of good and bad. We are presented with the examples of honor killer being
celebrated; and one who breaches the societal and family standard that person is being promoted by
the media. So, this kind of attitude often affect the mindset of people especially living in the rural
areas. The classification of gender which is portrayed in the media often contradict with the majority
of society. It ends up only getting the girls restricted to their homes or their grievances being
suppressed by force. If some transgender persons try to start their own business or apply for any local
job or daily wage they are seen as something out of this planet. We need to alter this approach and
mindset.

 Hatred should be across the board

The dual standard of our society towards the bad doing is also playing a key role in making gender
issues irresolvable .If something bad happened in urban area or to elite member of society ,he or she
is treated differently but when something similar happened to someone poorer or in the remote area
the reaction is far different .There is also another unfortunate aspect that when a man does
something wrong all the men are instantly labeled cruel and culprit .Instead if a women is found
guilty of something there is great possibility of playing “Aurat card” .I am not supporting the wrong
doings of men neither I am downplaying the level of cruelty and hardships which women and
transgender persons face .I am just getting the attention toward the hard truth of our society which
tend to be either very extremist or very liberal in its approach .

 Religious Initiatives
 True interpretations of Islam should be promoted
Pakistan came into existence on the basis of two nation theory which itself is standing upon the
principle of Islam. So, Islam and Pakistan are inevitable for each other. They both would go hand in
hand. Majority of population is Muslim in Pakistan. Islam is the religion which talks about all the
humankind. It advocates for the rights of all humankind. Religious leaders should spread the true
interpretation of Islam. Which holds the rights of both women and men. It also accounts for the
limitations and responsibilities of all genders. It is up to religious leaders and governments as well as
individuals that how they define, interpret and follow certain guidelines.

 Religious coherence and alliances should be more strengthened

We have seen time to time that how all sects of Islam get together on various occasions. To solve and
counter gender-based issues, we are in need of clear and solid stance from all the religious leaders.
 That kind of unification would help us in two ways. In pursing the message of Islam about gender
rights and in making the society united. Internalization that we “all are human” should be the moto of
this unification, irrespective of our gender, class or status.

 Priority should be to get better not to counter

In Pakistan another difficulty we face is that we are either very extreme in our ideas and belief or
very liberal. To tackle this issue, the religious leaders must work on a policy of “persuasion and
reformation”. It means that the methods or ideas which they think are not according to Islam, should
pursue the opposing party instead of boycotting or altogether rejecting them. The upfront rejection
would do only harm as the opposing school of thought might use it as a weapon to gain sympathy. It
is a fact that there is big difference between us and those who are sitting in the west or those who are
promulgating their agenda but still we can find a way which would result in the betterment of all
genders instead of making those issues a tool to get attention.

 Family Initiatives
 Socialization needs to be more open minded
After religion, family is the most powerful institution in our society. It has deep rooted impact on our
society and how society works. We are lucky to have experience of all the cultures as we had lived
with Hindus, Sikhs and English people. These all have left their impact upon us. Family in our
culture must use its credibility and authority in making a well-balanced society. Initial part of a
person is spent with one’s family. Family must socialize the child in a way that he or she might be
able to handle all the aspects of one’s own life. It must teach the child that there are variety of people
in the society and you have to deal all of those in a certain way.

 Differences must be delt

Transgender persons are not aliens. They are the one who are like us. It is the responsibility of the
family to serve as a facilitator for its child irrespective of gender. Because if we manage to keep the
transgender with our families most of the transgender would not need any external protection or help.
The more we treat them as a normal human the more they would be able to contribute and serve the
society like others.

 Awareness must be across the board

There is variation of attitude when it comes to: who is going to do what and how one should behave.
Boys are taught to be the warrior and strong. They are socialized in a way that they feel themselves
no more as a human. The burden of responsibilities coupled with the expectations of family made
men to work like a machine who has no more emotions and feelings. He is treated as an empty
vessel. On the other hand, women are treated as they lack the ability to stay strong and hold
important positions. They are deemed to be the one who are always weak and submissive. In realty
both are dependent upon each other. There are some areas where women are better and some cases
men are better.
Another important point of concern is that how we are trained to be in society. Most of us are taught
that women can only be in three forms; a mother; a sister; a wife. We are not taught that a women
can also be just a woman. She can be a traveler, a teacher. A student, a classmate, an officer or in any
other form. Families need to teach that these all are also women and you have to respect them. There
are also those who are not women, which we call transgender they are also human and we also need
to treat them as a human.
  Is Change Inevitable?
Human History has never ever experienced “a bulk of dilemmas” as it is confronting of today. We have
been successful in making the life easier by Introducing advance technologies and mind-blowing
inventions in every field of life. That in turn, had their revenge upon us. We have been approaching the
life in such a way that it has started to hit back at us more dangerously than we would have ever
predicted. We are up against one of the biggest catastrophes of the all-time; climate change. And
Pakistan has no exceptions. Recent floods in Pakistan are the vivid example of the aftermaths of those
advancement. That is not the only way by which we are at danger. There is something else which is
crippling our society in more hazardous way. And these are new born values and ideologies.
Let me say that when we talk about gender issues and their solutions, we are used to one narrative and
that is “west”. We either try to confront their agendas or seek to follow them. That is the biggest
dilemma of our society. It’s been over 70 years since British had left us but we still try to shift all the
responsibly upon their shoulders. This kind of behavior is responsible for our hampered growth in all
field of life.
We are living in 21st century and it is not possible to live in the isolation. Only way is to adopt according
to the environment and let the good things to happen.
We are altogether a different society. Our basic premises of living and how to be lived are far
unique and different. The core of our survival is our religion “Islam” and we have to take the steps by
staying inside its limitations. We also have our own cultural background which we cannot ignore.
So, what we can do is to make sure that by sticking to our own religious and cultural beliefs we can
make reforms and spread awareness which would be helpful for all genders, classes and races. We
are no doubt far behind in economic and technological development coupled with poor state of basic
human rights. But we have the luxury of robust family system coined by strong religious and national
belief which can help us in becoming a nation where the rights of men, women and transgender would
need not be protected or proclaimed by the west but instead we would be the nation who people would
admire and tend to follow.