The concept of gender equality has persisted throughout history, yet gender disparities

have created undesirable circumstances globally, particularly for women. Traditional

cultural norms have oppressed women and marginalized classes, perpetuating
entrenched patriarchy across the globe and confining women to nurturing roles. Gender
equality has significant impacts on nations' economic, cultural, and political landscapes,
but unfortunately, prevalent disparities have restricted marginalized genders from
prospering in both public and private spheres. Feminist movements, though initially
focused on white middle-class women, have, over time, emphasized people of all
oppressed classes. Through feminist movements, women achieved some fruitful results,
such as the right to vote and abortion rights. However, desirable prospects have not
been fully attained, as women and other marginalized classes continue to lag behind in
male-dominated societies.

In a patriarchal social order, women are considered inferior. As Simone de Beauvoir

states, "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman," highlighting how women are
defined and differentiated with reference to men. Lack of education and employment
opportunities further exacerbate women's conditions. Gender wage gaps, glass ceilings,
resistance to promoting women to higher positions, domestic violence, and security
concerns have all contributed to sustaining gender inequality. In Pakistan, the condition
of women is particularly dire. Women continuously experience violence and insecurity,
with minimal representation in politics. Despite laws being passed to eradicate
oppression against women, they often go unimplemented, perpetuating gender-based
inequality. Women are deprived of justice, as seen in the infamous case of Mukhtar Mai.
The absence of speedy justice and a lackadaisical approach by the justice system has
rendered women as inferior in a male-dominated society. It is incumbent upon us to
create a bias-free society. One prerequisite to achieve this is education. Laws and
policies alone cannot generate gender equality and the desired circumstances for
women and other marginalized classes. It's the minds that need to be changed,
addressing the entrenched traditional norms that have relegated women. Through
education and effective government policies, awareness among the masses can be
disseminated to evade discrimination based on gender. Gender equality, a crucial global
challenge, has not been fully achieved, as it requires a multifaceted approach to
preserve the rights of women and other marginalized classes. The UN Chief recently
warned that the global progress for gender equality achieved so far has been vanishing.
At the current pace, this challenge seems 300 years away. He called for global
cooperation to end misogyny and gender-based violence.
Is equality a just concept:

1. Principle of equality
2. inequality onlu impedes nation’s progress

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10,
1948, boldly declared that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and that
"everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of
any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, birth, or other status." It unequivocally establishes
the principle of equality as a cornerstone of human rights, emphasizing that it should apply to all,
regardless of their background or characteristics.

Gender equality, indeed, is a concept widely regarded as just and fair. It strives to bring about harmony
and peace in society by rectifying historical and systemic imbalances. However, the reality is that
women, in particular, continue to bear the brunt of gender inequality. When approximately half of the
world's population faces obstacles and discrimination solely based on their gender, no country can
thrive on truly equitable grounds.

As Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah aptly stated, "No nation can rise to the height of glory unless
your women are side by side with you." Yet, women remain underrepresented in political, social, and
economic spheres in many countries, including the United States, where despite its democratic ideals
and high literacy rates, a woman has yet to hold the presidency.

In societies characterized by feudal, tribal, and patriarchal norms, such as Pakistan, women often
experience even greater backwardness. Pakistan's literacy rate hovers around 60%, and a significant
portion of the population, primarily women, lacks access to education due to disparities in
opportunities. Many women remain oblivious to their constitutional rights, trapped in a sexist and male-
dominated culture that restricts their mobility and choices.

The political arena, in particular, is perceived as the exclusive realm of men. Gender-based disparities in
Pakistan have contributed to the fragility of its democratic institutions, resulting in political instability
since its independence.

Concepts brought about by feminism movements;

1. the common assumption of oppression

2. three waves of feminism
3. personal is political
feminism, a movement of women, by women, and for women, champions gender equality,
independence, and the empowerment of women. All schools of feminist thought share a common
assumption: women are oppressed. Mary Wollstonecraft, the author of "Vindication of the
Rights of Women," has been called the first feminist or the mother of feminism. The three waves
of feminism have produced positive results for women and introduced authentic concepts. The
first wave is most famous for the fight for women's suffrage, culminating in women gaining the
right to vote through the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. In 1848, Elizabeth Cady
Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the Seneca Falls Convention with the aim of uniting women
over the common cause of equal rights. The Declaration of Sentiments was presented, stating,
"all men and women are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights
such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights, governments
are instituted, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of
government becomes destructive to these rights, it is the right of those who suffer from it to
refuse allegiance to it and to seek the establishment of a new government, laying its foundation
on such principles." The second wave of feminism challenged the notion that women could only
find fulfillment as wives and mothers. Second-wave feminists emphasized the goals of equal
rights and opportunities for women and men. During the second wave, groups such as the New
York Radical Women, Redstockings, and the Women's International Conspiracy from Hell
attempted to eradicate sexism. The second wave introduced the concept that "the personal is
political." Women's positions in society were in turmoil, with issues such as domestic violence,
lack of reproductive rights, and sexual harassment in the workplace. The phrase "the personal is
political," first coined by the feminist writer Carol Hanisch, became a rallying cry of the second
wave of feminism. As Charlotte Bunch stated, "there is no private domain of a person's life that
is not political, and there is no political issue that is not ultimately personal." Issues previously
considered as women's individual or private problems, such as abortion and reproductive rights,
violence against women, sexual harassment, child care, and housework, became political issues.
The second wave achieved major accomplishments, such as the passage of Title IX, enacted as
part of the Educational Amendments of 1972, which prohibited gender-based discrimination in
any educational institution receiving funding from the federal government. Third-wave feminists
argued that achieving gender equality without also addressing race and class equality is
insufficient progress for women whose class or ethnicity is the primary source of their
oppression. While the first two waves tended to focus on white middle-class women, the third
wave adopted a more inclusive and diverse approach, considering the oppression of all classes
and aiming to address it. One of its essential features is building alliances with men and other
groups that work against various forms of oppression.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Harassment: This involves efforts to prevent and
respond to violence and harassment based on gender. For instance, the #MeToo
movement has shed light on the prevalence of workplace harassment, with prominent
figures like Alyssa Milano stating, "If all the women who have been sexually harassed or
assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of
the problem."

Gender and Development: This field focuses on integrating gender perspectives into
development initiatives to ensure equitable outcomes. An example is the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower
all women and girls, recognizing that "gender equality is not only a fundamental human
right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world."

Gender-Sensitive Materialism: This concept involves analyzing economic structures

through a gender lens, acknowledging that economic policies impact women and men
differently. Economist Amartya Sen highlighted this by stating, "The process of
development should be seen as the expansion of the real freedoms that people enjoy,
and in particular, women."

Social and Cultural Shift: It pertains to changing societal norms and cultural practices
that perpetuate gender inequality. Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for girls' education is an
example, as she noted, "Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams
tomorrow's reality."

Equal Opportunities and Rights: This principle ensures that all individuals have the same
chances and rights, regardless of gender. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
states, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

Representation of Women in Law-Making Bodies: This involves increasing women's

participation in legislative and political decision-making. The Rwandan Parliament,
where women hold over 60% of seats, exemplifies this shift towards better
representation.

Education, Awareness, and Training: This encompasses efforts to educate people on

gender issues and provide training to combat biases. Gender-sensitive educational
programs, like the "HeForShe" campaign led by UN Women, encourage men and boys
to stand up for gender equality.
Practical Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Laws: This refers to enforcing laws that
prohibit gender-based discrimination, such as Title IX in the United States, which aims to
ensure equal opportunities in education regardless of gender.

Positive Representation of Women in Media: It involves portraying women in diverse,

empowering, and non-stereotypical roles in media. Films like "Hidden Figures,"
celebrating the achievements of African American women in science, promote such
positive representation.

Gender-Sensitive Advertisements: This means crafting advertisements that challenge

stereotypes and promote gender equality, like the "Like a Girl" campaign by Always,
which aims to redefine what it means to do something "like a girl."

These concepts and initiatives collectively contribute to the ongoing pursuit of gender
equality and the elimination of gender-based discrimination.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Harassment: This involves taking

measures to prevent and respond to violence and harassment directed at
individuals because of their gender. For instance, workplace anti-harassment
policies and campaigns like the "Time's Up" movement in the entertainment
industry aim to raise awareness and hold perpetrators accountable.

Gender and Development: This field focuses on integrating gender

considerations into development initiatives to ensure equitable outcomes. An
example is microfinance programs that target women in low-income
communities, empowering them economically and socially.

Gender-Sensitive Curriculum: It entails designing educational materials and

curricula that challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality. Sweden's
curriculum includes gender-sensitive teaching materials to foster inclusive and
unbiased learning environments.

Social and Cultural Shift: This refers to efforts aimed at changing societal
norms and cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities. Iceland's
"Women's Day Off" in 1975, where women across the country went on strike
to protest gender disparities, symbolized a powerful cultural shift.
Equal Opportunities and Rights: This principle ensures that all individuals have
equal access to opportunities and fundamental rights, regardless of their
gender. Norway's Gender Equality Act promotes equal rights and
opportunities in various spheres of life.

Representation of Women in Law-Making Bodies: This involves increasing

women's participation in legislative and political decision-making roles.
Rwanda stands out for its high representation of women in parliament, with
over 60% of seats held by women.

Education, Awareness, and Training: This encompasses initiatives aimed at

educating people about gender issues and providing training to address
biases and inequalities. The "HeForShe" campaign by UN Women encourages
men and boys to actively support gender equality through education and
awareness.

Practical Implementation of Anti-Discrimination Laws: This refers to the

enforcement of laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender. The U.S.
Title IX legislation ensures equal opportunities in education and sports, and its
practical implementation is monitored to combat gender discrimination.

Positive Representation of Women in Media: This means portraying women in

media in diverse, empowering, and non-stereotypical roles. Films like "Wonder
Woman" challenge traditional gender roles by depicting a strong and capable
female superhero.

Gender-Sensitive Advertisements: This entails crafting advertisements that

challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality. The "Like a Girl"
campaign by Always redefined the phrase "like a girl" to empower girls and
women.

Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: This involves ensuring that individuals

have access to healthcare services, including reproductive health, without
discrimination. The availability of affordable and accessible contraception and
safe abortion services is a critical aspect of reproductive rights.
 Technology can be a powerful driver of gender equality and peace by providing new avenues
for education, economic empowerment, and advocacy. For example, online education platforms
and digital resources have opened doors for girls and women in areas with limited access to
traditional schooling, narrowing the gender gap in education. Additionally, technology enables
women to participate in remote work and entrepreneurship, reducing workplace gender
disparities and promoting economic independence. Furthermore, digital platforms and social
media have empowered women to share their stories, advocate for gender equality, and raise
awareness about issues like gender-based violence, fostering societal change and policy
reforms. However, it's important to acknowledge that technology can also have negative
impacts, such as perpetuating biases and enabling online harassment. Therefore, responsible
and inclusive technology use is essential to fully realize its potential as a driver of gender
equality and peace.

According to a 2017 online survey conducted by Amnesty

International in eight countries, 23% of women have experienced
some form of violence and harassment on social media platforms. In
addition, women who participate in feminist debates, as well as female
journalists and politicians, are frequently subjected to hate speech,

1. The Transformation of Women's Status in Islam

2. Islamic Teachings on Gender Equality
3. Economic Empowerment of Women in Islam
4. Women's Role in Politics and Decision-Making
5. Prophet Muhammad's Advocacy for Women's Rights
6. Islam's Emphasis on Dignity and Fair Treatment
Before the advent of Islam, women were often considered inferior, and male children were
favored over female children. However, with the arrival of Islam, the status of women was
highlighted and emphasized as valuable members of the community. Islam grants a range of
rights and freedoms to women in various aspects of life, including spirituality, morality, social,
economic, political, and cultural realms. The teachings of Islam promote gender equality,
respect, and dignity for all. Islam has bestowed economic rights upon women, encouraging
them to work and engage in any lawful profession or business to support themselves. Islam
recognizes that women have the same capabilities and skills as men and can contribute to
society in various fields. Islamic law has permitted women to own and manage property. Islam
fosters women's participation in political activities, the expression of their opinions, and
representation in the decision-making process. Believing men and women are allies of one
another, they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. Prophet Muhammad encouraged
women to participate in public life and speak out against injustices. Islam has granted women
unprecedented socio-economic and political rights, aiming to protect their dignity and honor.
The true teachings of Islam endorse the fair treatment and empowerment of women. It is
imperative for Muslim countries to uphold these rights and ensure that women are treated with
respect and equality." suggest headings for this passage

Gender Equality vs. Gender Equity: Understanding the Difference" "International Women's Day:
Celebrating Progress and Recognizing Challenges" "#EmbraceEquity: A Call for Comprehensive
Gender Equality"

Gender equality emphasizes providing women and men with the same opportunities in life,
including equal participation in the public sphere. On the other hand, gender equity recognizes
that women and men may have different needs and interests due to historical disadvantages
and disparities. Achieving equity often requires a redistribution of power and resources to
address these differences and ensure that outcomes are equitable. This approach acknowledges
that women, in many cases, have been underprivileged compared to their male counterparts,
necessitating a greater allocation of resources and efforts to level the playing field and attain
similar outcomes for both genders. The International Women's Day celebrates women's
achievements in the ongoing battle for gender equality, recognizing that progress varies across
societies and is not always linear. The situation for Afghan women's rights, for example, has
fluctuated, with the recent Taliban regime reversing gains made over the past two decades.
Globally, the World Bank reports a concerning trend, with the pace of legal reforms for women's
equal treatment hitting a 20-year low. Only 34 gender-related legal reforms were recorded
across 18 countries, the lowest since 2001. At this rate, many women entering the workforce
today may retire without achieving equal rights to men, indicating an endless game of catch-up.
However, there are positive developments. Pakistan's score improved due to recent legal
reforms in the entrepreneurship sector, allowing women to register businesses without requiring
their husband's name. Such changes enhance women's agency, but they alone may not suffice.
The theme of this year's International Women's Day, #EmbraceEquity, underscores that equal
opportunities are necessary but not always sufficient, given the diverse starting points for
women. In patriarchal societies like Pakistan, women face numerous daily challenges, including
domestic violence, underage marriage, workplace harassment, and limited career choices. To
address these disparities, equitable measures, such as enforcing pro-women laws, expanding
financial access, and ensuring safe public transport, are essential for creating a level playing field
 Heading: Status of Women in Pakistan

1. Subheading: Gender Inequality in Pakistan

2. Subheading: Ongoing Women's Oppression
3. Subheading: Cultural Norms and Mindset Change
4. Subheading: Political Power and Economic Challenges
5. Subheading: Health and Malnutrition Issues

Gender inequality has been a significant concern in Pakistan since its inception.
According to the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2022, Pakistan ranks 145th out of 156
countries for economic participation and opportunity, 135th for educational attainment,
143rd for health and survival, and 95th for political empowerment. Article 25 of the
constitution guarantees the equality of all citizens without discrimination based on
gender. The protection of women and children is enshrined in Articles 25(3) and 26(2).
However, the security of women remains elusive in Pakistan, a patriarchal society that
relegates women to subordinate roles.

Pakistan's justice system has enacted several laws to protect women, such as the
Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act 2006 and the Prevention of Anti-
Women Practices Act 2011, which prohibit oppressive actions against women, in clear
violation of human rights and contrary to Islamic principles. Examples of women's
oppression in Pakistan include domestic violence, sexual harassment, forced marriages,
deprivation of inheritance, child marriages, and honor killings. While laws have been
passed, the desired outcomes have not been achieved due to the lack of speedy justice
and entrenched cultural norms.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

(CEDAW), a human rights treaty, identifies culture and tradition as contributing factors
to gender-based violence. However, changing socio-cultural norms requires more than
just laws; it requires a shift in mindset, particularly through education. Unfortunately, a
significant portion of Pakistan's population, including both men and women, remains
uneducated. Women's participation in the public sphere is limited, and the work
environment is often hostile, hindering their contribution to the country's development.
 Political power in Pakistan is gendered, further exacerbating women's conditions. The
country's struggling economy has added to women's challenges, as poverty often forces
them to prioritize their immediate needs over political participation. Even educated
women face underrepresentation in the political system, limiting their ability to influence
policies addressing women's grievances.

Pakistan's patriarchal, feudal, and tribal society remains a major stumbling block to
gender equality. The health situation for women is also concerning, with malnutrition
leading to maternity-related complications. Economic instability and climate change
consequences have further affected the health of poor women, resulting in food
insecurity. Malnourishment hampers the nation's progress, as a healthy population is
vital for a strong and prosperous nation.

Education plays a crucial role in enlightening minds. As the saying goes, 'You educate a
man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate an entire generation.'
Educating girls is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty. While there has
been some progress in reducing the gender gap in education in developing countries,
challenges such as security concerns and sexual assault hinder girls' education. Parents
who fear these concerns may send their sons to school but not their daughters.

Although Pakistan has made improvements in literacy rates, with women's literacy rate
reaching 51.8% by 2021, there are still significant obstacles to overcome to ensure
women receive education and thrive."

1. Economic Prosperity: Women's empowerment contributes to economic prosperity by

increasing women's participation in the workforce, entrepreneurship, and decision-
making roles. When women have access to education, employment, and financial
resources, it bolsters economic growth and stability.
2. Enhanced Social Progress: Empowering women leads to enhanced social progress
across various dimensions, including health, education, and quality of life. It helps break
down barriers that hinder women from accessing essential services and opportunities.
3. Addressing Violence: Women's empowerment plays a crucial role in addressing and
reducing gender-based violence. When women have a stronger voice, legal protections,
and economic independence, they are better equipped to combat violence and seek
justice.
4. Global Development Goals: As mentioned earlier, women's empowerment is closely
linked to achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), including gender equality (Goal 5) and poverty reduction (Goal 1). Progress in
women's empowerment is instrumental in advancing these global goals.
5. Equitable Distribution of Resources: Empowering women ensures a more equitable
distribution of resources and opportunities within societies. It helps bridge the gender
gap and reduces disparities in access to education, healthcare, employment, and
decision-making roles.

1. Patriarchy: Patriarchy is a deeply ingrained social system that places men in positions of
power and dominance over women. It perpetuates gender inequality by reinforcing
traditional gender roles and norms, limiting women's access to resources and decision-
making, and normalizing gender-based violence and discrimination.
2. Gender-Based Socialization: From a young age, individuals are socialized into specific
gender roles and expectations. This socialization reinforces stereotypes and norms that
can limit women's opportunities and perpetuate male privilege. For example, girls may
be encouraged to pursue caregiving roles, while boys are pushed toward leadership and
assertiveness.
3. Impacts of Capitalism: Capitalist systems can exacerbate gender inequality in various
ways. Wage disparities, workplace discrimination, and the undervaluing of traditionally
female-dominated professions (such as caregiving and education) all contribute to
economic disparities between genders.
4. World System and Dependency Theory: These theories analyze global economic
structures and their impact on gender inequality. Women in developing countries often
bear the brunt of economic exploitation and resource extraction, exacerbating gender
disparities. Dependency theory argues that the global south's dependence on the global
north perpetuates these inequalities.
5. Impact of Structural Adjustment Programs: Structural adjustment programs (SAPs)
imposed by international financial institutions have often led to reduced public
spending on social services, including healthcare and education. These cuts
disproportionately affect women, who may face increased caregiving responsibilities
and reduced access to essential services.