In the heart of Pakistan, Anila Gulzar eloquently champions the cause of women’s rights amidst a backdrop of dire gender discrimination. A member of the Christian minority, she emphasises that despite legal measures aimed at safeguarding women, the harsh reality is one filled with systemic violence and discrimination, manifesting in honour killings, forced marriages, and barriers to education and employment.
Anila paints a bleak picture of the gender-based discrimination that begins at birth. The deep-rooted preference for male children leads to unequal access to essential services such as healthcare and education for girls, who are often seen as burdens rather than assets within their households. This mindset fosters early marriages and severely limits their professional aspirations.
Addressing educational disparities, Anila notes Pakistan’s position among the lowest globally in terms of gender equality, highlighting the exacerbated educational plight in rural areas. Here, patriarchal traditions lead to a staggering dropout rate as girls are often forced to leave school due to marriage or familial restrictions, stifling their dreams.
Anila further sheds light on the grim realities women face in the workforce, where they constitute merely 22% of the total professionals. Many endure harassment, wage disparities, and scarce leadership opportunities in a predominantly male corporate landscape, especially in sectors like media and law enforcement, where they face systemic biases and threats.
One of the most chilling forms of violence against women in Pakistan is honour killing, where familial ties turn lethal in the pursuit of preserving honour. Tragically, around 1,000 women fall victim to such crimes annually, a number likely understated, as many cases remain unreported. Despite international attention garnered by cases like that of Qandeel Baloch, glaring weaknesses in the legal system allow perpetrators to escape justice.
Rape statistics reveal an alarming rise, with societal stigma often hindering justice for victims. A notable incident from 2020, where a woman was brazenly assaulted in front of her children, sparked a national outcry. Unfortunately, victims are still met with victim-blaming from authorities, and marital rape remains unrecognised legally, leaving countless women vulnerable.
Despite having protective laws like the Anti-Rape Ordinance, enforcement is painfully weak, muddied by corruption and misogyny within the judicial system. Perpetrators often evade consequences through informal settlements, causing further distress among victims who courageously come forward only to face threats or pressures to retract their statements.
The scourge of early and forced marriages remains prevalent, particularly in rural communities, where many underage girls are wed due to societal and economic pressures. Even though the legal age of marriage is set, old customs, like Vani, persist, entrapping young girls in cycles of dependency and violence.
Religious misinterpretations are wielded as weapons against women advocating for their rights, often labelled as adversaries of tradition. Yet, amidst these adversities, movements like Aurat March have galvanised women to demand justice and equality, harnessing social media as a powerful tool for change.
Women activists across Pakistan are instrumental in tearing down discriminatory practices and laws, highlighting a persistent struggle. The situation of women today is a critical human rights concern, showcasing that while there is glimmering hope through reform and awareness, the shadow of systemic gender discrimination looms large, stifling true progress.
Anila Gulzar, a human rights activist from Pakistan, condemns widespread gender discrimination and violence against women, despite existing protective laws. She highlights issues such as early marriages, honour killings, educational disparities, and workforce inequality. Movements like Aurat March signify the growing fight for women’s rights, yet systemic challenges persist, making real change a distant goal.
Anila Gulzar’s advocacy delineates a troubling landscape for women in Pakistan, characterised by systemic violence and discrimination. Despite having laws intended to protect women’s rights, ineffective enforcement compounds the challenges faced by women. While movements for gender equality are gaining momentum, it remains essential to combat deep-rooted societal norms to foster substantial change. The fight for women’s rights in Pakistan embodies a broader struggle for equality, justice, and respect that resonates far beyond its borders.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
