Women Rights
Why Women in Pakistan Are Not Oppressed, But They Thrive
Dispelling myths and showing reality based on my experience as a professional woman and a citizen of Pakistan
Pakistan, as a nation, has faced its fair share of stereotypes and misconceptions, particularly when it comes to the status of women in popular media. It is often believed that women in Pakistan suffer from extreme oppression and lack opportunities for empowerment.
However, living in this country as a professional woman with a research degree, I politely reject this notion and argue that women in Pakistan are not just victims of oppression but rather are flourishing and excelling in every field of life, like in Western countries.
In reality, from my observations, women in Pakistan are breaking barriers and making remarkable strides in various fields. Their success stories is a testament to their determination, resilience, and their ability to overcome societal challenges gracefully.
By examining these narratives, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the reality for women in Pakistan, one that defies the stereotypes of oppression.
Of course, there are some exceptions which do not make the rule. I read about these exceptions from every country, including the United States and the European countries. I have strong empathy and compassion for oppressed women in all countries.
In this story, to make points, I will briefly present the success stories of women in Pakistan, providing a more realistic understanding of the actual narrative that can challenge the stereotype of oppression portrayed in popular media. These examples show some nuances from my experience and research in Pakistan.
Women's Empowerment Is Reality in Pakistan
In this section, I will give you examples from four popular disciplines.
1 — Women in Education
Education is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform lives. Contrary to popular belief, now women in Pakistan are increasingly gaining access to quality education.
They are actively seeking knowledge and acquiring skills to secure better job opportunities and contribute to the growth of their communities. They excel in various academic disciplines and even surpass their male counterparts in many cases.
Take, for example, Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate, who symbolizes the determination and resilience of Pakistani women in the face of adversity. Her advocacy for girls' education has brought international attention to the plight of women in Pakistan and has inspired countless others to pursue their dreams.
Dr. Nergis Mavalvala, born in Lahore, is an astrophysicist whose groundbreaking work contributed to detecting gravitational waves. She played a crucial role in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project, earning her international acclaim. Dr. Mavalvala's achievements highlight the importance of gender diversity in STEM fields.
2 — Women in Politics
Another field where women in Pakistan are making significant strides is politics. Despite societal barriers and cultural restrictions, women have proven their mettle in the political arena. In recent times, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in the number of women participating in politics.
Benazir Bhutto, the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan, shattered the glass ceiling and demonstrated the capacity of women to lead a nation.
Hina Rabbani Khar, the youngest and first female Foreign Minister, defied conventions in the diplomatic sphere, representing Pakistan internationally with grace and efficacy. Her negotiation skills and ability to build bridges between nations showcased the capabilities of Pakistani women in the highest echelons of power.
Their political participation is a testament to their strength, resilience, and ability to bring about positive change. They have paved the way for future generations of women to join politics. I studied politics at a postgraduate level.
3 — Women in Entrepreneurship
In business and entrepreneurship, Pakistani women have made significant contributions. They have established successful startups, led multinational companies, and acted as catalysts for economic growth.
They are not only challenging the stereotype of oppression but also reshaping the narrative around women’s roles in the corporate world.
One such example is Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker whose work sheds light on the untold stories of women and challenges societal norms. Her success and recognition globally showcase the immense talent and potential that exists among Pakistani women.
Naseema Kapadia, founder of a thriving tech startup, is emblematic of the entrepreneurial spirit that courses through the veins of Pakistani women. Her innovation and leadership have not only brought success and recognition but have also inspired countless aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.
4 — Women in Sports
Men have long dominated sports in Pakistan, but now we are witnessing a remarkable shift as women break down barriers and assert their presence.
Over the past few years, Pakistani sportswomen have not only participated in national and international competitions but have also emerged victorious, earning well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performances.
Naseem Hameed, known as the "Fastest Woman in South Asia," has become a role model for aspiring female athletes. These achievements demonstrate that women in Pakistan are equally driven, capable, and determined in sports.
Celebrating Successful Women in Pakistan
I want to highlight the achievements of some successful women in Pakistan to dispel the misconception of female oppression.
These remarkable women have defied societal expectations and shattered stereotypes, achieving recognition and success on both national and international platforms.
Let's have a look at the stories of a few such inspiring women:
Muniba Mazari: An artist, motivational speaker, and social activist, Muniba Mazari rose to prominence as a symbol of courage and resilience. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, Muniba overcame her physical limitations and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Her artistic talent and indomitable spirit have made her a beacon of hope for millions.
Asma Jahangir was a renowned human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. Throughout her career, she fearlessly fought for justice, often defending marginalized groups and individuals.
Sania Nishtar: As the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr. Sania Nishtar has dedicated her life to improving the lives of marginalized communities. Her public health and social development contributions have earned her global recognition and admiration.
Ayesha Farooq: Breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession, Ayesha Farooq became Pakistan's first female fighter pilot. Her determination and resilience in pursuing her childhood dream have made her a trailblazer for women in the Armed Forces.
These women and countless others exemplify the strength, tenacity, and potential women possess in Pakistan. Their achievements prove that there isn't a dominant narrative of oppression but rather a multitude of stories that speak to the triumphs and successes of Pakistani women.
Conclusions
As a professional woman, I am deeply committed to advocating for women’s rights and fostering equality in all aspects of society. I firmly believe that both men and women bring unique strengths and perspectives to the table, and recognizing and embracing these differences is essential for creating a balanced and inclusive environment.
It’s important to acknowledge the diverse talents and capabilities that each gender possesses as they contribute to the richness and vitality of our society. By valuing and respecting the contributions of both men and women, we can work together towards a more equitable and harmonious world.
Despite the prevalent misconception that women in Pakistan are oppressed, the reality is far from it. Women in Pakistan have managed to overcome societal barriers and excel in various fields. Of course, the progress never ends.
Their success stories remind us that empowerment and triumph exist alongside their challenges. We need to celebrate and amplify these stories to reshape the narrative and present a more accurate picture of the progress and achievements of women in Pakistan.
So, do you really think women are oppressed in Pakistan?
I politely reject this notion based on my experience living and working in this country. Instead, I embrace the truth that women lead in every field of life, fight against the odds, and prove their worth.
Let us not limit our understanding of Pakistani women to a few victims which are not systemic. We must acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments, for they inspire us all.
The modern women of Pakistan should not be defined by oppression but by their resilience, determination, and growing success. They are breaking barriers, pursuing further education, excelling in their careers, and championing social change.
I invite you as fellow women to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements as they continue to challenge the stereotype of oppression and pave the way for future generations of women in Pakistan to be role models for other Asian countries.
Takeaways for Women All Over the World
As a woman, you are capable of achieving greatness, regardless of societal barriers. There will always be challenges and setbacks for men too.
Education is a powerful tool that can transform our lives and create opportunities both for women and men.
Don't be afraid to enter male-dominated fields and assert your presence. Most men accept equality and many goverments support women to excel.
Your resilience and determination can break down stereotypes and shatter misconceptions. Focus on winning not losing.
Remember to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of women who have paved the way for future generations. You can be one of them.
Thank you for reading my perspective. Stay blessed! Here’s some info about my background.
