ISLAMABAD: The world marks International Women’s Day today, a day dedicated to honouring the accomplishments of women and advocating for gender equality. In Pakistan, this day holds significant importance as the nation continues its journey towards empowering women and recognising their invaluable contributions to society.
Pakistan has made notable advancements in promoting women’s rights and gender equality over the years. Women are increasingly visible in various domains, from politics and business to education and the arts. Figures like Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, and Asma Jahangir, a courageous human rights activist, exemplify Pakistani women’s resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to advancement.
Recently, Justice Ayesha Malik became Pakistan’s first female supreme court justice, while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appointed their first female Chief Minister and deputy speaker, respectively, signalling a clear endorsement of gender equality and women’s empowerment through recent elections.
However, challenges persist despite these strides. Gender disparities endure in education, healthcare, job opportunities, and political representation. Violence against women, including domestic abuse, honour killings, and harassment, remains a grave concern across communities.
Recent reports highlight a surge in domestic violence cases, exacerbated by economic hardships that jeopardize women’s financial independence and well-being.
As the world observe International Women’s Day, it is crucial to recognize achieved progress while acknowledging the work ahead. Empowering women and ensuring their full participation in society isn’t just a matter of justice but a prerequisite for sustainable development and prosperity, legal experts and right activists said.
Governments, civil society organizations, and individuals must intensify efforts to provide more and more opportunity to women. This involves implementing and enforcing laws safeguarding women’s rights, investing in education and healthcare, promoting economic opportunities, and challenging harmful stereotypes and attitudes perpetuating discrimination and violence.
