Atif Ali
In our globally interconnected world, the pervasive challenge of gender inequality is intricately woven into the fabric of politics, culture, socio-economics, and religion. As international organizations tirelessly champion human rights and global cooperation, a pressing concern demanding immediate attention is the education of women. This issue is particularly pronounced in regions like Pakistan, where the struggle for women’s rights persists, especially in illiterate or rural societies.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap Index and 161st out of 191 countries on the Human Development Report’s 2022 Gender Inequality Index (UNDP). Alarming statistics reveal that about 2 million more girls than boys are out of school in Pakistan—approximately 12 million girls in total—comprising the majority of the out-of-school population. Estimates of out-of-school children in Pakistan range from 20.3 to 22.1 million children (World Bank).
The education of girls in such regions encounters multifaceted challenges, with deep-seated misconceptions acting as significant barriers. A prevailing belief, rooted in historical norms, asserts that women should primarily embrace the role of homemakers. This notion fuels the perception that educating girls beyond a certain level is unnecessary, resulting in a stark lack of educational opportunities for females in these societies.
Adding to this challenge is the resistance to co-education at higher levels. In many rural areas, societal norms prevent girls from pursuing higher education due to concerns about mingling with boys. Some argue that religious beliefs mandate such segregation, despite the fact that the tenets of Islam do not inherently prohibit co-education or women’s participation in the workforce. The consequence of this mindset is a reluctance to permit women to seek jobs even after acquiring education. The fear that educated women might demand equality and challenge male dominance perpetuates a misguided notion that stifles the potential of half the population.
Another significant impediment is early marriages, significantly impacting the education of girls. Cultural expectations dictate that girls should be married off soon after completing matriculation, disregarding their educational aspirations. This haste often leads to girls marrying under the age of consent, violating their human rights, and adversely affecting their health. Several cases of forced marriages and honor killings underscore the lack of education in society, coupled with the absence of stringent government punishments due to the non-reporting of such issues and the involvement of religious peers safeguarding men.
Addressing these deeply rooted issues falls squarely on the shoulders of the government. By initiating policies that tackle fundamental problems such as poverty, education, and health, the government can be a catalyst for societal change. The emphasis should be on implementing measures that underscore the importance of education for all, irrespective of gender, reshaping societal attitudes towards the education of girls. Additionally, organizations must play a crucial role in developing a Western model of education and social welfare to address these basic issues and foster a more egalitarian society.
International organizations, too, have a pivotal role to play. It is imperative that they move beyond mere marketing initiatives in rural areas and shift towards closer scrutiny and collaboration for the real development of societies. By fostering serious cooperation among international societies, a globally developed society can emerge, gradually diminishing gender inequalities. Cities, in contrast to rural areas, often demonstrate better progress in overcoming these challenges, underscoring the potential for positive change through concerted efforts on a global scale.
The need of the hour is a united front against gender inequality that transcends borders and cultures. It requires a collective commitment to empower women through education, dismantling the barriers that hinder their progress. The call for global cooperation is not just a rhetorical plea but a pragmatic necessity for building a more equitable and empowered world. It is a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals alike to contribute towards a future where women, irrespective of their background, can fulfill their potential on a global stage.
Writer is social media activist and can be reached at email: matifali1997@gmail.com
