International Women’s Day is observed with great fervour and zeal all over the world on March 8 every year. It is a day when women are recognised for their contribution and achievements in different fields of life. The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. Therefore, in connection with this year’s theme, the publication of the first Gender Parity Report in South Asia by the Punjab Government is not only a moment of pride for the Shehbaz Sharif led government but for the whole nation as well. The Punjab government has taken a lead by launching this report in order to take measures for the welfare and betterment of women so that they may play a constructive role for the socio-economic development of the society.
But is it really a western agenda that prompts us to raise our voice for women’s rights? Why should it not be our own agenda? We have enough precedents in our history which acknowledge the rights of women. How did we regress to a position from where, 1400 years ago, a woman was respected, owned property, did business, and chose her own life partner? The status given to women by Islam is something unique that has no parallel in any other religion. Since the dawn of the civilisation, women have been respected and worshiped in our land as angles and goddesses. They have been adored from time to time as virtues incarnate.
Unfortunately, there are a few people in our society who promote violence and mistreatment against women and advance barriers to halt their social as well as economic development. It is shocking to note that violence touches not only the boundaries of houses and workplaces in rural areas of Pakistan, but also where educated people are living or employed. The pervasiveness of violence against women is common in our society because here women are mostly marginalised and considered subordinates in relation to men. Therefore, the recently passed Women’s Rights Bill by the Punjab government is also a welcome step to control violence against women.
To change the attitude of people towards women, the government should recognise their importance and equal rights must be practised. The patriarchal mindset that gives women a subordinate status is the biggest impediment in granting her just status in society. This is the change that we must speak for because discrimination against women impedes development. The mass media and education are the powerful ways to challenge such societal norms. It must be kept in mind that gender-based violence is an abuse of human rights and every effort should be made to recognise women as equal citizens. Only words will not do anything until they are followed by actions.
SYED ALI QASIM
Lahore
Honouring 50 powerful women
It is not easy to turn a blind eye on the current status of women, which is traditionally dependent on the direction set by men, but it is imperative to keep the strenuous efforts going to improve their lives.
The media can play a critical role in creating awareness about the status of women in the society especially those who face a host of discriminatory laws, traditions and social pressures – whether on access to education and healthcare or anti-women social customs and practices such as ‘honour killings’ and vani or swara.
But the media can also highlight women's achievements – honouring and recognizing them and boosting their morale creating a positive environment for other females who could achieve more.
Every year on March 8 the media shares stories of successful women around us who made contributions for the betterment of society.
The ‘Women Power 50’ award by The News is one such attempt to honour our mothers, sisters and wives for their great contributions.
Women like Malala Yousufzai, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Jugnu Mohsin, Musarrat Misbah, Bilqis Edhi are among the 50 others who have been voted as powerful women of Pakistan. Over 150 personalities belonging to different backgrounds were nominated for the selection. We as a nation are indebted to their sacrifices and contribution.
People will continue to pay lip service to the cause of the Pakistani woman, we need to remind them that no real meaningful change will or can come about without a political struggle for a coordinated effort by men and women to break free from war, poverty and imperialist interventions, and strive towards social justice.
Nice post….
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