Position of Pakistani Women in 21st Century: A Long Way to Go

Abstract

Since the independence of Pakistan, womenfolk have been facing exploitative treatment. Socio-cultural, religious, political, and economic factors have kept them at receiving end. By and large, they have been deprived of the rights granted by the Constitution of Pakistan. Till the culmination of 20th Century, they were treated like second rate citizens and remained disadvantaged educationally, socially, economically, and politically. With the dawn of 21st Century, the revival of democracy, emergence of vibrant civil society, and proactive media and judiciary brought a ray of hope for women in Pakistan. Therefore, some old laws were replaced with new ones during Musharraf and Zardari’s rules. Significant move in this regard was enhanced representation of women in different political forums to give them voice, and to make them part of decision making. Notwithstanding improved laws for the protection of women, violence and crimes against women are on rise. It is still a big task to revise the role of women from a subservient to an equal partner in family and to ensure equal status to that of men in the society.