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