OF Social Change
by ayesha arif khan | October 5, 2010 at 11:40 PM
My country is an ideological theocracy –The Islamic republic of Pakistan.
Since its inception in 1947, a secular progressive state has been stunted by an artificial super imposition of a constitution “supposedly” based on the teachings of Islam.
As in any other patriarchy, women suffer discrimination and exploitation under the sacred shroud of the holy laws of God. The situation is exacerbated with rampant ignorance and poverty. The current political situation and rivalry with India has resulted an insane amount of the national budget going towards Defence with the Health and education sector suffering badly
Pakistan is a country with one of the highest gender gaps.
The literacy rate for Women in Pakistan is approximately 45%. The overall literacy rate is nearly 65%.This includes people who can just sign their name. Hence, the percentages are inaccurate in estimating a correct level of societal awareness and education.
The media has boomed in the last seven years, but the gender representation further promotes women in stereotypical subservient roles.
Having said that, there is a slight improvement in the urban areas. As women are more educated, they are able to be financially self reliant and more independent. Therefore, they don’t endure abuse silently and are more confident of their survival as a single woman.
Yet, as in any collectivist society marriage is heavily emphasized and a woman feels socially unprotected and outcasted without a man being her “guardian.”; even if the man in question is anything but that.
The solutions lie in raising a voice against injustice and violence, civil society activism, educated awareness for both the men and the women.
As women become more aware of their rights and actively refuse the maltreatment meted to them in the name of religion and tradition, a slow but steady movement of change will start.
Recently the sexual harassment at the workplace penalty bill was passed in the assembly. It was a result of strong voices in the government from women who have been fighting for their rights for decades. There are still issues in its implementation but it’s an important step in the right direction.
Activists like Sheema Kirmani and Madiha Gauhar have been highlighting women’s rights issues and offering solutions through street theater. Their work provides inspiration and hope to many.
The Civil society has stepped up and many NGOs have adopted girls’ government schools to offer better quality education.
The internet has revolutionized knowledge and information exchange. Communities like pulse wire serve as pivotal resource for knowledge development, capacity building and global networking. I hope that the silent majority of my country benefits from the strength, expertise and support that I can gather from the sisterhood and successfully disseminate in my society.
Comments
Of Social Change
Ayesha, your article reflects essential thoughts. I agree that platforms like Worldpulse aides the rise of women's voices and helps to pose important social questions, such as: what are the effects of women's invisibility in a patriarchal society?
Hopefully, we can continue to to fight against and the portrayal of women's discrimination and segregation, and emphasise the necessity of social reform in Pakistan -- to expand, grow, evolve by manifesting a richness of voices through our creativity and activism.
Are you currently working on a film?
Cheers,
Shaheen
Thank you Shaheen for your
Thank you Shaheen for your detailed response. And sorry for the very late reply. The last month has been very hectic but we shall talk more over e mail:)
Aisha K
Religion
Hi Ayesha,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post, and your enthusiam for helping women is very apparent. You seem very well educated and strong-willed, which I believe is an excellent combination in gettings things accomplished in these difficult times for women.
You bring up an important point in your message: religion. Helping women become seen as equals in parts of the world where there is such a stronghold of religious belief that women are below men is a huge hurdle to overcome. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on how this equality can become a reality while still allowing people their rights to their own religious beliefs. There is such a fine line where religion is involved, and I honestly believe that once we can figure out some way to balance the two, all other struggles will become easier to straighten out.
Your post was very thought-provoking for me, and I appreciate your passion!
Good luck,
Julene
Thank you Julene for your
Thank you Julene for your very detailed and encouraging response.
I have been very busy with work and submitting assignments and hence could not reply earlier. Sorry!
I see that you are from So Cal.
I was in OC for my MFA at Chapman for 3 years on a fulbright scholarship. Just returned last year.
I have amazing memories of your country and the people.
I dearly miss the time spent there and hope to return some day.
Until then let's stay in touch through pulsewire
Aisha K
Thank You Ayesha
Ayesha,
This is a very thought provoking and powerful post. I thank you for bringing so many important issues into the conversation. You have given this reader insights, statistics, powerful images, and have broadened my awareness. I consider myself "informed", but there is something that happens here in the PulseWire community that brings heart felt connection and a longing for things to be different for women and girls around the world. You have given me a lot to think about.
I am so grateful that you choose to raise your voice here. I absolutely see PulseWire as a place for the global women's community to push for change. As you mention, a slow but steady movement in your post, it reinforces for me that these changes are truely possible.
You have a very strong voice, keep speaking loud and clear.
In Admiration,
Gretchen
Thank you so very much for
Thank you so very much for your response Gretchen!
I love the intro on your profile . I think we are all always in transition and trying to find ourselves. Stay in touch!
Aisha K
Hi Ayesha, Thank you for
Hi Ayesha,
Thank you for highlighting the problems that woman experience in Pakistan. I have read Three Cups of Tea, which is Greg Mortenson's account of building schools in Pakistan. Additionally, news about Pakistan is in the American press on a daily basis, so I was aware on a basic level of the many challenges that Pakistani women face. Although Mr. Mortenson's voice is very important, it is not the same as the voice of a woman living with the problems first-hand. I was particularly taken by the statistic that the percentage of those counted as literate includes people who can just sign their names. I am glad that you include in the solution to reducing injustice and violence, educational awareness for both men and women. Men must realize that sharing equality with woman will ultimately benefit the general welfare of society, thereby improving the quality of life for all. I would love to know more about the street theater you mention. Are you a part of it? Your voice is strong and I hope that through PulseWire you will continue to make a difference.
With warm regards,
rozjean
Thank you for such a detailed
Thank you for such a detailed response.
I am not a part of these groups but am currently very actively trying to promote a film and theater culture Pakistan. Here are the links for the groups that I mentioned so you can look them up in greater detail.
http://www.ajoka.org.pk/ajoka/theatre.asp
http://www.tehrik-e-niswan.org.pk/
Stay in touch:)
Aisha K