Issues of Women Education

Women education is a fundamental human right and a key factor for

social and economic development. However, many girls and women
face various barriers and challenges that prevent them from
accessing and completing quality education. According to UNESCO,
more than 130 million girls are out of school worldwide, and two-
thirds of the 750 million illiterate adults are women. UNICEF states
that girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality,
and contributes to more stable and resilient societies.
Some of the issues of women education are:
Gender stereotypes and norms that limit girls’ and women’s
choices and opportunities in education and society. For example,
some cultures and communities may view girls’ education as less
valuable or important than boys’ education, or assign them domestic
and care responsibilities that interfere with their schooling.
Poverty and lack of resources that make it difficult for girls and
women to afford and access education. For example, some families
may not have enough money to pay for school fees, uniforms, books,
or transportation, or may prioritize boys’ education over girls’
education when resources are scarce.
Early marriage and pregnancy that force girls and women to drop
out of school or face discrimination and stigma. For example, some
girls may be married off at a young age for economic or cultural
reasons, or may become pregnant unintentionally or as a result of
sexual violence, and face difficulties in continuing their education.
Gender-based violence and harassment that threaten girls’ and
women’s safety and well-being in and around schools. For example,
some girls and women may face physical, sexual, or psychological
abuse from teachers, peers, or family members, or may encounter
unsafe or unsanitary school facilities that do not meet their needs.
Lack of gender-responsive and inclusive curricula and pedagogy
that reflect girls’ and women’s diverse experiences, interests, and
aspirations. For example, some schools may not offer subjects or
courses that are relevant or appealing to girls and women, or may use
teaching methods or materials that reinforce gender stereotypes or
biases.
These issues of women education have serious consequences for
girls’ and women’s lives, as well as for their families, communities,
and countries. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues and
promote gender equality and empowerment in education for all.

Some of the ways to address women education issues are:

Providing legal protection and policy support for girls and women’s
right to education, especially in cases of pregnancy, parenting, and
marriage.
Investing in adequate infrastructure, resources, and teachers to
ensure safe, inclusive, and quality learning environments for girls and
women.
Promoting gender-responsive curricula and pedagogy that challenge
stereotypes and empower girls and women.
Engaging families and communities to support girls and women’s
education and challenge harmful practices and norms.
Supporting girls and women’s transition to higher levels of education
and employment opportunities.

Gender Base Violence

Gender-based violence refers to any type of harm that is perpetrated
against a person or group of people because of their factual or
perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. It is
deeply rooted in social and cultural structures, norms, and values
that govern society. This form of violence is often carried out with the
intention to humiliate and make the targeted individuals feel inferior
and subordinate. Gender-based violence can occur in both private
and public spheres and disproportionately affects women.
There are three types of gender Base Violence
1. Psychological Violence
2. Physical Violence
3. Economics Violence

1. Psychological Violence:
Psychological violence, also known as emotional abuse, is a form
of harm that targets a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Unlike physical violence, which leaves visible marks, psychological
violence operates in more subtle ways, often leaving deep scars
that are not immediately apparent. Psychological violence involves
behaviors or actions that intentionally cause emotional distress,
fear, or harm to another person. It can occur in various contexts,
such as relationships, workplaces, or within families.

2. Physical Violence:

Physical violence refers to using force that causes bodily harm,

injury, or pain to an individual. It can involve actions such as hitting,
punching, kicking, choking, slapping, or any other form of physical
force that results in harm . This type of violence has severe
consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator, affecting
their well-being and safety . Remember that everyone deserves
safety and respect, and physical violence is unacceptable. Seek
help promptly if you or someone you know is a victim of physical
violence.

3. Economic Violence:
Economic violence is any act or behaviour that causes economic
harm to an individual. It can include property damage, restricting
access to financial resources, education or the labour market, or
not complying with economic responsibilities, such as alimony.
Economic violence can also be a form of abuse or control in
intimate, family, work, or economic relationships. Economic
violence is a type of gender-based violence that affects women
disproportionately, as it limits their economic security and
potential for self-sufficiency. Economic violence can have serious
consequences for women’s well-being, health, and human rights.

Women Empowerment and Challenges

Women empowerment is a process of enhancing the social,

economic, and political status of women in society. It is also a goal
of achieving gender equality and justice for all. Women
empowerment in Pakistan faces many challenges, such as:

- Lack of education and literacy: According to the National

Report on the Status of Women in Pakistan, only 46% of women
aged 15 and above are literate, compared to 70% of men. The
gender gap in education is more pronounced in rural areas, where
cultural norms and poverty limit women’s access to schooling.

- Low economic participation and opportunities: Women in

Pakistan have a low labor force participation rate of 22%,
compared to 68% for men¹. They also face discrimination,
harassment, and exploitation in the workplace, as well as pay
disparity and lack of social protection³. Women are mostly
employed in the informal sector, where they have little bargaining
power and legal rights.

- Violence and insecurity: Women in Pakistan are vulnerable to

various forms of violence, such as domestic abuse, honor killings,
acid attacks, rape, and forced marriages¹. The legal system and the
police often fail to protect women from these crimes, and
sometimes even blame the victims³. Women also face threats
from extremist groups, who oppose their empowerment and
rights.

- Low political representation and participation: Women in

Pakistan have a low representation in the political sphere, holding
only 20% of the seats in the national parliament and 18% in the
provincial assemblies¹. They also face barriers to voting, such as
lack of identity cards, mobility, and security³. Women activists and
leaders are often harassed and intimidated by their opponents.

These challenges hinder the progress and development of women

and the country as a whole. However, there are also some positive
signs of change, such as:

- Pro-women laws and policies: The Government of Pakistan has

ratified international conventions and adopted national laws and
policies to promote women’s rights and empowerment, such as
the Protection of Women Act (2006), the Prevention of Anti-
Women Practices Act (2011), the National Policy for Development
and Empowerment of Women (2016), and the National Action Plan
on Human Rights (2016).
- Women’s movements and organizations: Women in Pakistan
have been active in various movements and organizations to raise
awareness, advocate, and mobilize for their rights and
empowerment, such as the Women’s Action Forum, the Aurat
Foundation, the Shirkat Gah, and the Tehreek-e-Niswan. These
groups have played a vital role in challenging the patriarchal norms
and structures, and influencing the legal and policy reforms.
- Women’s achievements and contributions: Women in
Pakistan have made remarkable achievements and contributions
in various fields and sectors, such as education, health, science,
technology, arts, sports, media, and civil society. Some notable
examples are Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate
and education activist; Nergis Mavalvala, the astrophysicist and
professor at MIT; Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the Oscar-winning
filmmaker and journalist; and Muniba Mazari, the artist and
motivational speaker.

These signs of change show that women empowerment in

Pakistan is possible and necessary. It requires the collective
efforts and support of the government, the civil society, the media,
the religious leaders, the men, and the women themselves.
Women empowerment in Pakistan is not only a matter of justice
and dignity, but also a key to achieving the sustainable
development goals and a prosperous future for all.