Report on Women’s Conditions in Pakistan

 Report on Women’s Conditions in Pakistan

1. Introduction

Women in Pakistan form nearly 49% of the population. Despite their numerical significance and constitutional rights, Pakistani women face numerous challenges. These include limited access to education and healthcare, economic marginalization, political underrepresentation, and widespread gender-based violence. This report presents an in-depth analysis of the conditions of women in Pakistan, highlighting areas of progress as well as persistent issues.

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2. Legal and Constitutional Framework

a. Legal Rights of Women

The Constitution of Pakistan (1973) guarantees equal rights to men and women (Article 25).

Pakistan is a signatory to international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

b. Laws Promoting Women’s Rights

Protection against Harassment at the Workplace Act (2010)

Domestic Violence Laws (vary by province; Sindh and Punjab have specific acts)

Women’s Protection Act (2006): Addresses abuse and corrects some flaws in the Hudood Ordinances.

c. Gaps in Implementation

Laws are often poorly enforced due to patriarchal norms, lack of awareness, and weak legal infrastructure.

Rural women, in particular, face difficulty accessing justice.

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3. Education

a. Progress

Female literacy has increased from 35% in the early 2000s to about 47% in 2024.

Urban areas show better gender parity in school enrollment.

b. Challenges

Rural-Urban Gap: In rural Balochistan and KP, female literacy remains below 30%.

Cultural Resistance: In conservative regions, girls are discouraged or banned from attending school.

Infrastructure: Many schools lack female staff, toilets, or security—discouraging girls’ attendance.

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4. Economic Participation

a. Current Status

Women’s participation in the formal labor force is around 21%, one of the lowest in South Asia.

Many women work in the informal sector (agriculture, domestic work, handicrafts), which offers low pay and no legal protection.

b. Barriers

Gender wage gap: Women earn significantly less than men for similar work.

Discrimination, workplace harassment, and lack of maternity benefits discourage long-term employment.

Limited access to credit, property ownership, and entrepreneurial resources.

c. Positive Trends

A growing number of women are entering professions like medicine, law, education, and IT.

Female entrepreneurship is rising, especially through social media and home-based businesses.

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5. Political Representation

a. Progress

Reserved seats: Women hold 60 out of 342 seats in the National Assembly and 17 in the Senate.

Women have served as ministers, governors, and even prime minister (Benazir Bhutto).

b. Challenges

Political influence is limited; many women in politics are selected due to family connections.

Grassroots political participation is minimal in rural and tribal areas.

Social and party-level resistance often marginalizes female voices.

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6. Health and Reproductive Rights

a. Health Indicators

Maternal mortality rate: Approximately 140 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Malnutrition: Affects nearly half of women of reproductive age.

Access to reproductive healthcare is limited, especially in rural and conservative areas.

b. Issues

Early marriages and repeated pregnancies harm women’s health.

Taboos around reproductive health prevent women from seeking care or information.

Domestic and sexual violence impact women’s physical and mental health.

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7. Violence Against Women

a. Forms of Violence

Domestic violence is widespread; about 70% of women report being victims.

Honor killings: Hundreds of women are killed each year by family members for bringing "dishonor."

Rape and sexual assault: Often go unreported due to stigma, fear, and mistrust of the legal system.

Acid attacks, forced conversions, and child marriages are still reported in various regions.

b. Law and Enforcement Gaps

Police are often reluctant to register cases.

Victims face social stigma and often withdraw complaints.

Weak witness protection and judicial delays discourage legal recourse.

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8. Cultural and Religious Constraints

a. Patriarchal Society

Social norms emphasize female obedience, modesty, and family roles.

Women’s freedom of movement, dress, education, and employment is often controlled by male family members.

b. Religious Misinterpretation

Some religious leaders promote interpretations that restrict women's rights.

Religious education often lacks gender sensitivity or reinforces traditional roles.

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9. Media Representation and Civil Society

a. Media's Role

Media plays a double role: while some content empowers women, other content reinforces stereotypes (e.g., submissive housewives, evil mothers-in-law).

Female journalists often face harassment and threats.

b. Role of NGOs

Numerous NGOs work on women’s rights, education, legal aid, and health.

Civil society pressure has led to legal reforms and awareness campaigns.

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10. Women in Technology and Innovation

a. Digital Literacy

Only 36% of women have access to mobile internet, compared to 61% of men (GSMA 2023 report).

Online harassment and surveillance discourage women from fully engaging with digital tools.

b. STEM Participation

A growing number of women are enrolling in STEM fields at universities.

Role models like Arfa Karim, Nergis Mavalvala, and Malala Yousafzai inspire young girls.

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11. Regional Disparities

Punjab: Most progressive in terms of education and law enforcement.

Sindh: Moderate development but high poverty in interior regions affects women.

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): Cultural conservatism limits women’s mobility and education.

Gilgit-Baltistan and tribal areas: Development and access to services are extremely limited.

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12. Case Studies and Notable Movements

a. Malala Yousafzai’s Story

Her advocacy for girls’ education brought global attention to the issue.

Taliban's attack on her highlighted the risks faced by girls in pursuing education.

b. Aurat March

Annual women’s rights march held on March 8 (International Women’s Day).

Faces backlash from conservative segments, yet continues to grow and raise awareness.

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13. Recommendations

1. Education: Build more girls’ schools, recruit female teachers, and provide free transportation and menstrual hygiene products.

2. Legal Reforms: Improve enforcement of existing laws, establish fast-track courts for gender-based violence.

3. Economic Inclusion: Offer interest-free loans, skill training, and quotas for women in public sector jobs.

4. Health Access: Expand maternal care facilities, train female doctors, and promote reproductive health awareness.

5. Cultural Change: Launch nationwide campaigns to challenge harmful gender stereotypes.

6. Political Empowerment: Encourage female participation in local government and party leadership roles.

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14. Conclusion

The condition of women in Pakistan reflects a mixed picture. While progress has been made in legislation, education, and public awareness, systemic discrimination and patriarchal norms continue to limit women’s full potential. Achieving gender equality requires coordinated efforts by the government, civil society, media, and communities. Only then can women in Pakistan enjoy the dignity, freedom, and opportunity they rightfully deserve.