Civil Services Academy, Lahore

Pakistan Administrative Campus

36th STP

Syndicate Research

Topic: Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan

Dated: 6-12-2013
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SYNDICATE MEMBERS:

1. Dharmoon Bhawani (Leader)

2. Amna Rafique
3. Kamal Khan
4. Nergis Shazia Chaudhary

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Title………………………………………………………………………………………1
2. Syndicate Members………………………………………………………………………2
3. Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...3
4. Theme…………………………………………………………………………………….4
5. Preface……………………………………………………………………………………7
6. Thesis Statement…………………………………………………………………………8
7. Executive statement………………………………………………………………………9
8. Abbreviations………………………………………………………………………...….11
9. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..12
10. Statement of Problems………………………………………………………………….13
11. Methodology……………………………………………………………………………14
12. Scope of Study………………………………………………………………………….14
13. Review of Literature…………………………………………………………………….15

SECTION 1: GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

1.1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………….17
1.2. Definition of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment…………………….17
1.3. Current state of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan……..18
1.4. Biswas’s Indicator of Women Empowerment ………………………………….19
1.5. Violence against Women………………………………………………………..19
1.6. Women Empowerment in Legislation and Judiciary…………………………...20
1.7. The Role of Rural Support Programme Network……………………………….21
1.8. Universal Standard Of Gender Equality And Women Empowerment………….24
1.9. Constitutional safeguard to women is provided in the Constitution of Pakistan..25

SECTION 2: LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. Criminal Law Amendment Act-I of 2005 ……………………………………...26
2.2. Criminal Law Amendment (Protection of Women) Act 2006 …………………27

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2.3. Criminal Amendment Act 2011 ………..………………………………………27

2.4. The National Commission on the Status of Women Act 2012 ………………...28
2.5. The Protection against Harassment of Women at Work Place Act, 2010 ……..28
2.6. Analysis ………………………………………………………………………..29

SECTION:3 ANTI-WOMEN CULTURAL PRACTICES IN PAKISTAN COMPARISON

OF PAKISTANI WOMEN WITH WOMEN OF OTHER SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES
AND WOMEN OF WESTERN WORLD
3.1. Challenges and Difficulties……………………………………………………. 32
3.2. Concept of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment ……………………...32
3.3. Anti-women practices in Four Provinces of Pakistan…………………………...32
3.4. Impacts on the physical and psychological health …………………………..33
3.5. Causes of anti-women practices……………………………………………….33
3.6 comparison of Pakistani women with women of other South Asian countries and
women of Western world………………………………………………………..33

SECTION 4: WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER EQUALITY IN ASIAN

COUNTRIES
4.1. Patterns Of Political Participation In Asia ………………………………………37
4.2. Transforming The Gender Face Of Asian Politics ……………………………...38

4.3. Strategy, Action, Transition: Women As Gents Of Change …………………….38

15. Recommendations ……………………………………………………………………...40

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16. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………40
17. Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….42

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THEME

The central theme of this research report is to provide insight into the Gender Equality and
Women Empowerment with special reference to women in Pakistan. The report starts by
discussing the concept of gender equality and women empowerment and violence against
women at all levels. The report also gives the overview of anti-women cultural practices
which are commonly adopted in Pakistan and their impacts on the physical and
physiological health of women and reasons of anti-women practices are also discussed in
detail. The report then discusses in detail the current conditions of women empowerment
and gender equality in Asian countries especially in dynastic politics. And finally report
discusses about the initiatives taken by government regarding the amendments in criminal
law for the protection of women against harassment at workplace.

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PREFACE
This syndicate research is aimed at utilizing the existing literature on gender related issues
and to come up with a study of Pakistan’s current status of women regarding gender
equality and women empowerment. This will be a descriptive cum analytical study that will
aim to find out the solutions for these issues.

This research report covers the very important topic of gender equality and women
empowerment in Pakistan. The status of women empowerment in all sectors including
public and private institution has resulted into positive impact on the overall psyche of
Pakistani society however, women empowerment is still neglected in rural socio-political
setup of Pakistan. However, in recent years have seen further a sharp decline in the already
poor standards of basic facilities provide to women at all levels as it is projected in the
HRCP’s report 2012. This is very thought provoking and an alarming situation. It demands
careful studies into the reasons behind the poor conditions of gender equality and women
empowerment by providing them equal opportunities and by discouraging anti-women
practices.

The group would like to acknowledge the extremely valuable guidance of our Director
General Madam Farkhanda Wasim Afzal and faculty Madam Dr. Amna Imam for precious
advice and support throughout.

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THESIS STATEMENT
The status of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan has been a focus of
intense domestic and international attention. Unfortunately, this attention has been primarily
due to the apparent violation of the fundamental rights of women in Pakistani Society. Not
only women are deprived of the rights of equality in all walks of life, but also children are
prone to this discrimination either in the form of social, political or economical aspects.
Moreover, time and again we have seen their rights are been denied in both public and
private sphere of life.

In this research paper, the group has attempted to:

i. Understanding the reasons for gender discrimination in Pakistani society
ii. Analyzed the socio-economic impact of these violations on our society

This research paper attempts to analyze the overall gender equality and women
empowerment in Pakistan with special focus on the criticism being leveled against the
country for violating the basic and fundamental rights.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Status of Women in Pakistan is a complex one as a result of the country’s multi-cultural
population and diverse communities. This report critically assesses the prevalent conditions and
practices in the country with particular references to poor status of gender equality and women
empowerment.

According to HRCP report of 2013 it is mentioned that around 1,300 women suffered different
kinds of violent acts in 2013. Of them, 347 were killed and 147 burnt1. Violence against women
is widespread and prevalent on wide level form Khyber to Karachi. No other issue is so
contentious and well-debated in the politics of contemporary societies as the question of gender
and politics. Women activists all over the world have begun to question political inequality
among the sexes. They have raised fundamental questions about the essence of male-dominated
democratic system in which women find themselves formally or informally excluded from
political power. In recent decades, they have focused on the vital issues of empowerment, rights,
social and political equality and discrimination in its all forms. The feminist movement even in a
male dominated, socially conservative society like Pakistan has brought into sharp focus more or
less the same issues about the social status of the women and their inadequate representation in
the political power and participation in politics.2

Change in gender relationships, self-empowerment of women and getting the first principle of
democracy and equality accepted are some of the themes that are at the centre of women's
political movement. Pakistan is no exception. But the women in Pakistan mainly due to the
social and cultural conditions are more disadvantaged than the women in modern western
democratic societies. Their struggle, perhaps as old as the country itself, has not evoked the same
responses and has not achieved the same results either.3

This report recommends a strong focus on women education and socio-economic development
by the government. It also recommends a stronger legal framework that is better equipped to deal
with women rights abuses. This is in addition to awareness campaigns and civil society

1
Daily Dawn Editorial “HRCP Speaks out for Women Cause” December 11, 2013
2
Rasul Bakhsh Rais “Gender Discrimination” The News July 27, 2002
3
Ibd.

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grassroots level mobilization campaigns that are required to sensitize the ordinary man to a
human rights culture. This is more important because no progress and prosperity can be achieved
with regard to promotion of women rights unless the Pakistani society is not only cognizant of its
legal rights but also has an awareness of its rights and responsibilities in ensuring that the state
fulfills those guaranteed fundamental human rights.

Therefore, although the low women empowerment and gender inequality is apparent in the
society especially Political, Social and Educational institutions but government can bridge this
gap by introducing certain policy decisions and programmes regarding the empowerment and
equality of women at all levels.

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

FANA Federally Administered Northern Areas

FATA Federally Administered Tribal Areas

FSC Federal Shariat Court

GoP Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

IDP Internally Displaced Persons

MDG Millennium Development Goals

MDTF Mid‐term Development Framework

MoE Ministry of Education

MoWD Ministry of Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education

NAP National Action Plan

NCSW National Commission on the Status of Women

NRB National Reconstruction Bureau

PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan

PSLM Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement Survey (Statistical Bureau
GoP)

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INTRODUCTION

This report explains the status of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan
with emphasis on the violation of women rights. Women, children and minorities are
subjected to wide level discrimination in Pakistani society which is apparent in the statistics
of HRCP Report. As women are integral part of our society and constitute 50% of our
societal structure, even then our society has been unable to provide safeguard their
fundamental rights and empower them in all walks of life. In this regard we have failed to
deliver basic necessities of life like basic health and education at all, in this case the the
statistics of Balochistan is quite evident in this regard.

Educated and professional women in urban areas and from upper classes of the society
enjoy much better status and rights than illiterate women in rural areas. Women in tribal
areas of Balochistan, Frontier province and remote areas of southern Punjab and interior
Sindh live in more adverse social conditions than women in other parts of the country.
Although honour killings, domestic violence and discrimination by the male members of the
families are too common in these areas, they are not confined there alone. 4

This report tries to explain the reason behind the violation of women rights in Pakistan and
it analyzes the socio-economic impact of these gross violations. This report tries to
objectively analyze the causes behind these violations and discusses the impact of these
cases on our society as well as on our economy.

Unfortunately, there is dire need for providing awareness at the grassroots level about
women rights. We, as a nation fail to understand the importance of gender equality and
women empowerment for the progress and development of Pakistan. As a result of that we
are suffering from the very deep and tragic cost to the society at large and also the national
economy. If Pakistan is to emerge as a developed nation of South Asia, then it is necessary
to understand these results. This report is step towards achieving that goal.

4
Rasul Bakhsh Rais “Gender Discrimination” The News July 27, 2002

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STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The purpose of this report is to examine the status of women rights especially relating to gender
equality and women empowerment in Pakistan and to what extent they are being discriminated
and find out the answers to the following primary questions.

i. What are the reasons that directly lead to gender discrimination?

ii. What are the costs of these discriminations and violations in our society?

a) Reasons
In this report we will try to look into the social and cultural values, the traditions and the
economic realities that often lead to the gender inequality and abuse against the women.

b) Social Impact
We will look into the social cost of such violations like Honour Killings, Acid Throwing, and
Murder etc. This report will try to study the impact of these violations on our social fabric.

c) Economic Impact
This report will also look into the direct and indirect economic costs of such violations. It
will try to understand how the women rights violations in terms of gender equality and
empowerment can translate into significant costs that are detrimental to our national
economy.

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METHODOLOGY

This paper attempts to describe information from both the primary and secondary sources of
research. Primary sources would include interview with the leading civil society activists who
have been advocating for gender equality and women empowerment in Pakistan. However,
Secondary data is preferred as compared to primary and that includes publication by the
government and non-government organizations working on Women Empowerment and Gender
Equality. Reports by other related organizations were consulted. In addition to this various text
books that talk about this topic were consulted and some of them are mentioned in the literature
review.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The main aim of syndicate research paper shall be to:

i. Examine the universal standard of gender equality and women empowerment

ii. Examine the Islamic point of view on the rights of women i.e. equality and empowerment
iii. Study the current conditions of women rights in Pakistan
iv. Critically analyze the reasons behind the gender inequality
v. Critically analyzed the reason behind the poor conditions of women empowerment
vi. Critically analyze the socio-economic impact of gender inequality and denial of women
empowerment
vii. Assess the actions for improvement in the conditions of gender equality and women
empowerment in Pakistan
viii. Recommend practical steps for the betterment of gender equality and women
empowerment in Pakistan

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Literature review is an significant part of a comprehensive and coherent research study. If
the existing literature is relevant to the research study is reviewed, it lays strong foundation
for research. It gives proper direction and context to research and makes it is much easier for
reader to the view of topic in wider aspect. There are a lot books, articles and other relevant
reports to our research study. It is difficult to describe these works. However, a brief
summary of some important books and articles is presented here.

In order to comprehend the theory of Honour and its various aspects conceptual clarity
regarding the paradigm of Honour and its various forms around the globe should be
considered. It brings together the real insight and experience of the individuals and
organizations which are working in diverse region and fighting against the crimes of
honour and other anti-women practices5

There is a research which covers a wide range of studies on gender and political leadership,
gender and political politics, impact and forms of women's role as parliamentarians,
opposition leaders and heads of state or government in different Asian countries6 which is
more or less depicting the gender face of Asian politics..

The issues of gender equality and women empowerment is discussed in detail by Rashida
Patel, which provides an overview of the legal and practical changes which have been
introduced to improve the deteriorating condition of women in Pakistan. The book presents
a critical analysis of the continuous and increasing misinterpretations of the principles of
Islam through legal acceptance, and discusses laws which have been recently changed and

5
Sara Hossain, Lynn Welchman “Honour’ Crimes, Paradigms, And Violence Against Women” Zed Books Ltd, 384
pages
6
AazarAyaz and Andrea Fleschenberg “The Gender Face of Asian Politics “ Oxford University Press, 243 Pages

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have an effect on women's lives, including the Criminal Procedure Code 1898, the Pakistan
Penal Code 1860, and introduction of the death penalty for gang-rape.7

The diversity and variation in Pakistani women such as their rural-urban location, ethnic
background and class affiliation are discussed in detail by the author. In this respect it is a
new perspective as opposed to the homogenous impression that is globally widespread. The
book is extremely well organized and it provides a substantial overview of the issues
relating to gender and women status in Pakistan.8

7
Rashida Patel “Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Pakistan” Oxford University Press,2010
8
Sadaf Ahmad “Pakistani Women; Multiple Locations and Competing Narratives” Oxford University Press, July 31,
2010

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SECTION 1: GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN PAKISTAN

1.1 WHAT IS GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT?

Differences in opportunities and access to available resources between men and women do exist
all over the globe, but they are most common in poor and least-developed countries. 9 These
differences appear in the very early stages, for example boys most of the time enjoy larger share
of education and health spending than the girls. Girls, in many developed countries are hardly
enjoying access to education, lower rate of school enrollment and lower literacy rates. As a
result, women are enjoying less employment opportunities in all walks of life. Those women
who are working at homes are also carrying the burden of responsibilities of child-rearing and
household-chores. Due to lower spending on the health of women as well as girls results in rise
in mortality rates and decreasing of life expectancy rates.

The causes of gender inequality, linked to households decision that are particularly complex.
Regardless of how such decisions are made, they obviously are influenced by the traditions,
customs, institutional and cultural norms. 10 These norms and values do not capture the full
benefits to society for investing in women. Limited education and training, poor health and
nutrition, denied access to resources don’t only depress the women’s quality of life but also
cause to hinder the economic efficiency and growth. This is alarming because women are agents
of change, shaping the welfare of future generation.11

In Pakistan, as a developing nation, the situation is more or less same as it is in other parts of
world and South Asia.

1.2 DEFINITION OF GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Gender equality, also known as sex equality or sexual equality or equality of the genders, implies
that men and women should receive equal treatment, unless there is a sound biological reason for
different treatment. 12 This concept of Gender Equality is an embodiment of Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which lays down emphasis on providing equality in law and

9
http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org7_e.htm
10
World Bank “Gender Stats: Database for Gender Statistics”. 2013
11
Moheyuddin “Background, Assessment and Analysis of the Gender Issues in Pakistan” 2005
12
United Nations “United Nations Report of the Economic and Social Council” 1997

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equality in social situations, especially in democratic activities and securing equal pay for equal
work.

The term ‘women empowerment’ has now become most debatable issue in the development
field. It is vividly recognized that women empowerment is essential for sustainable economic
growth and reduction in poverty in developing countries.13 In the World Bank Policy Research
Report, it is unambiguously suggested that women empowerment is being progressively
recognized as an important policy goal for improving not just the well-being of women
themselves but also for its positive impact on the family.14 Empowerment refers to increasing the
political, educational, social, gender, or economic strength of individuals as well as communities.
Empowerment is the process of availing basic opportunities by marginalized segments of
societies. It encourages the development sills and makes the targeted people self-sufficient so
that they can enjoy all basic amenities of life. This process can be too much difficult to start and
to implement effectively.

1.3 CURRENT STATE OF GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN

PAKISTAN

The current status of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment is quite deteriorating in
Pakistani society.15 Not only Pakistan is suffering from this but also it has become the issues of
those countries which are developing countries. This has been defined by United Nation in their
report that there is an unequal access to power and decision-making; limitations on rights and
freedoms which are not imposed on men, particularly the marriage institutions; the feminization
of poverty i.e., women constitute the majority of the poor; the incidence and escalation of male
violence against women; the gender stratification of careers; unequal employment opportunities

13
Klasen “Does Gender Inequality Reduce Growth and Development? Evidence from Cross-Country Regressions”
2003
14
ibd
15
Rashida Patel “Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Pakistan” Oxford University Press,2010

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and the marginalization of women in the formal sector; and male control of women’s
reproductive choices.16

1.4 BISWAS’S INDICATOR OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

In this regard Biswas (1999) has developed eleven indicators of women’s empowerment viz.17
mobility, decision making power, autonomy, economic security, freedom from domination by
the family, political and legal awareness, participation in public protests and political campaign,
contribution to family expenditure or income, reproductive right, exposure to information, and
participation in development programmes.

The women leader of Arab world Tawakkol Karman shared his point of view, “I have always
believed that human civilization is the fruit of the effort of both women and men. So, when
women are treated unjustly and are deprived of their natural right in this process, all social
deficiencies and cultural illnesses will be unfolded, and in the end the whole community, men
and women, will suffer. The solution to women’s issues can only be achieved in a free and
democratic society in which human energy is liberated, the energy of both women and men
together. Our civilization is called human civilization and is not attributed only to men or
women.”18

1.5 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN PAKISTAN

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has been voicing the unheard voices of those people
who are and were subjected to discriminations and violations in all walks of life. In year 2012
HRCP conducted an yearly analysis according to which 913 girls and women were killed in the
name of honour in 2012. These included at least 99 minor girls. 19 In addition to this, 74% of the
girls married off in Charsadda and Mardan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2012 were under
16.20 The significant enactments made during the year included the Twentieth amendment to the
constitution that introduced numerous changes in the articles related to electoral matters, the Act
that made the National Commission on the Status of Women autonomous, the Act that provided

16
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/followup/responses/Botswana.pdf
17
Biswas “Measuring Women’s empowerment some methodological issues”, Asia-Pacific Journal of Rural
Development
18
Tawakkol Karman “Noble Lecture” 2011
19
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 2012
20
Ibd.

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for the establishment of a national commission for human rights, the Drug Regulatory Authority
Act, and the law to provide for free and compulsory education in the federal area to children
aged 5 to 16.21 According to media reports, out of 1,976 persons who committed suicide in 2012
across the country 626 women. Of the 873 persons who tried to take their own lives but failed
382 were women.22 The women in the country were dually affected by rising extremism and
poverty. In 2012, 626 women committed suicide, a figure which offers a glimpse into the utter
helplessness felt by women.

1.6 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN LEGISLATION AND JUDICIARY

Numerous legislations were presented and passed in order to provide women with safe working
environments, it was still estimated by the federal ombudswoman for protection of women
against harassment at the workplace that 60% women still faced harassment. Harmful traditions
continued to target women, hampering their growth and curtailing their basic human rights.
According to media monitoring by HRCP, 913 girls and women were killed in the name of
honour in 2012; this figure includes 99 minor girls. In majority of the cases, the girls were
accused of illicit relations and then murdered by close relatives or family. As long as the law
provides the victim’s family with the option of pardon and compensation, the crime of honour
killing shall continue unabated. According to media reports, 83 incidents of acid throwing were
reported in 2012.23

Violence against women is closely linked to the regulation of Sexuality. This is sensitive but
very important issue. In many societies the ideal of masculanity is underpinned by a notion of
“Honour”- of an individual man, or a family or a community- and is fundamentally connected to
policing female behaviour and sexuality. Honour is generally seen as residing in the bodies of
women. Framework of ‘Honour’ and its corollary ‘Shame’ , operate to control, direct and
regulate women sexuality and freedom of movement by male members of the family. In these

21
Ibd.
22
Ibd.
23
Ibd.

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contexts, the right of women (and girls) to control their own lives, to liberty or freedom of
expression, association, movement and bodily integrity mean very little.”24

Violence against women, according to the United Nations’ definition includes "any act of
gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological
harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of
liberty, whether occurring in public or private life."25

Women were attacked and killed on account of asserting their rights to education, work, and
generally for choosing to have a say in key decisions in their lives. In year 2012, 150 acid attack
cases were registered in Pakistan, 30 of which were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s
Mardan district alone. According to a report by the Aurat Foundation in January 2013, although
the total number of report cases of violence against women has decreased by 12 per cent, a
deeper analysis shows a significant 89 per cent increase in reported cases of acid-throwing,
followed by a 62 per cent rise in domestic violence.26

1.7 THE ROLE OF RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME NETWORK

The women and men working with NGOs or as part of the civil society in general found that that
association brought with it considerable threats to their lives. The risks were most severe in the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the neighboring FATA region. Those working for the rights
of women and promotion of education faced increased risks.In May 2012, a politically influential
cleric from Kohistan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warned female NGO workers against
entering Kohistan and threatened that any females who ignored the warning would be married to
local men. The cleric accused NGOs of pursuing western agenda and said that NGO workers

Welchman, Lynn, and Sara Hossain “Honour ' Crimes, Paradigms, and Violence Against Women Oxford
24

University Press, 2007

25 Geneviève Lavoie-Mathieu “Violence against Women: a Deeply Rooted Problem in the Intransigency of Men?”
Alternative International Journel
26
Zahir Shah Sherazi “ Acid Attack on Pashto Actress in Nowshera” Dawn Newspaper, June 22, 2013

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would not be allowed to ‘influence’ local women in the name of empowerment. The threat was
not followed by an official response, verbal or otherwise.27

In year 2013 and 2014 women continue to hold 60 seats in the National Assembly out of a total
of 342 despite comprising half the population. The performance of these women MNAs however
showed that they more than made up for their lack of representation.28

According to UN Women, the percentage of women at minister-level positions in the world

increased from 14.2% in 2005 to 16.7% in 2012. Pakistan is at number 52 in the world ranking
of countries according to the percentage of women participation in parliament. Female
representation in Pakistan’s parliament, although superior to that of other Muslim countries, left
a lot to be desired. Women’s representation remained minimal in Balochistan in particular and
completely absent in the FATA region. Female representation is essential, among other things,
for developing national policies specific to women’s issues in these parts.29

The Punjab government announced some economic opportunities for women in the province, an
important one of these was instituting a Rs. 2 billion funds with the government-owned Bank of
The Government of Punjab has provided micro finance to women. The official female quota for
government jobs was increased from 5 percent to 15 percent (although implementation remained
inadequate), while Rs. 14 billion in the 2012-2013 budget were allocated to women’s causes,
such as those listed in the women’s empowerment package. 30 Likewise we have seen an
improvement in other provinces like Sindh, Baluchistan and KPK by the introduction of
Microfinance through Rural Support Organization. But overall the situation is more critical one.

Rural Support Prorgrammes Network is doing a great work in the promotion of Gender Equality
and Women Empowerment not only the cities but also far flung areas of Pakistan. National Rural
Support Programme, Thardeep Rural Development Programme in Tharpakar, Sarhad
Development Programme in KPK, and Sindh Rual Support Programme in the upper Sindh, and

27
Ibd.
28
Ibd.
29
Ibd.
30
Ibd.

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Balochistan Rural Support Programme are playing a great role in mainstreaming the female
gender. Moreover, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Aurat Foundations have also
made great difference in shaping the legislation as well as providing a platform to women whose
voice remained unheard.
1.8 UNIVERSAL STANDARD OF GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Pakistan is a signatory to various international instruments on women’s rights including
CEDAW, which it ratified in 1996.In response to the Beijing Plan of Action as well as
ratification of CEDAW, Pakistan has pursued initiatives to implement gender equality and
women’s empowerment. Further, the Constitution (1973) prohibits discrimination based on sex.
In December 2011, Parliament unanimously passed two landmark laws aimed at protecting
women from negative customs. The new law seeks to punish offences against women such as
forced marriages, depriving them from inheritance and marriage to the Quran. The second law
criminalizes throwing acid at girls and women with life imprisonment as the maximum sentences
for offenders.31

Only four in 10 of Pakistani women over the age of 15 can read and write, compared to his
dramatic educational disadvantage is the result of a deeply unequal education system.32 Violence
against women in the form of physical, sexual and emotional abuse is widespread in Pakistan.
Strict family, tribal and religious customs mean that some intimidating activities have become
cultural norms, while domestic violence is seldom reported and rarely investigated. As well as
the severe impact on these women, this will discourage other women from working as teachers,
which in turn further damages girls’ educational prospects.33

Pakistan’s National Education Coalition (PCE) has partnered with other civil society
organizations to raise public outrage and demand governmental intervention on violence against
women and girls. To this effect, the coalition has made various submissions and participated in
preparatory work for the landmark laws criminalizing violence against women.34

31
http://campaignforeducation.org/docs/reports/GCE_INTERIM_Gender_Report.pdf
32
Ibd.
33
Ibd.
34
Ibd.

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1.10 CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARD TO WOMEN IS PROVIDED IN THE

CONSTITUTION OF PAKISTAN

The constitutional safeguard to women is provided in the Constitution of Pakistan in which it is

specifically provided that (Butt 2012)
1. Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan sets down for equality of citizen before law
that “All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.
There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex alone.”
2. Article 27 seeks to safeguard against the gender discrimination in services that “No
citizen otherwise qualified for appointment in the service of Pakistan shall be
discriminated against in respect of any such appointment on the ground only of ... sex
...”
3. Article 34 stipulates that steps should be taken to ensure a full participation of women
in all spheres of national life.

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SECTION 2: LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

The federal government has taken various steps to beef up the legal framework that deals with
women rights, despite the fact that there is a large room for improvement in this realm. In the
following some of the important pieces of legislation are mentioned and analyzed.

2.1 CRIMINAL LAW AMENDMENT ACT-I OF 2005

Through this piece of legislation various sections of Pakistan Penal Code1860 have been
amended. The primary aim behind these amendments is provide protection and effective means
of prosecution to women who are victim of honor killing. Accordingly in clause ii was inserted
in section 299 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860 (PPC) which defines honor killing as an "offence
committed in the name or on the pretext of honor means an offence committed in the name or on
the pretext of karokari, siyahkari or similar other customs or practices,".

Moreover, under section 302 the punishment for honor killing is restricted to qisas or death or
life imprisonment, the latter two being tazir punishments.

Section 305 of PPC excludes from the ambit of wali a person who is accused or convict in the
case of qatl-i-amd if committed in the name or on the pretext of honor. This section is particular
important as at times the accused himself being the only wali of the victim becomes a bar for the
execution of qatl-i-amd.

Similarly section 310 has been amended to the tune that the no female can be given as a badl-i-
sulh in marriage in cases of qatl-i-amd. Moreover, section 311 makes it mandatory that in case
of qatl-i-amd on the pretext of honor killing, the punishment on the grounds of fasad-fil-arz shall
be less than ten years.

Section 324 of the PPC states that for the offence of attempt to commit qatl-i-amd punishment of
imprisonment shall not be less than five years.

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2.2 CRIMINAL LAW AMENDMENT (PROTECTION OF WOMEN) ACT 2006

Under the afore referred amendment some new sections have been added in the PPC. Under
365B if any person abducts or induces any women with intent to marriage shall be imprisoned
for life. Section 366A makes procuring a minor girl to illicit intercourse makes an offence and
provides a punishment of imprisonment for ten years.

Section 371 A prohibits selling a person for the purpose of prostitution and accordingly provides
imprisonment for a term that may extend to twenty five years. Similarly, section 496-A makes
enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a women an offence and can be
punished with imprisonment up to seven years.

2.3 CRIMINAL AMENDMENT ACT 2011

Under the amendment a new chapter has been added under a chapter titled as Offences against
Women. This chapter enables a woman to get her basic rights such inheritance, marriage with
free will and marriage with the Quran.

Under section 498A, prohibiting a woman from inheriting property shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend up to ten years.

Similarly under section 498B, whoever coerces a woman for forced marriage shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to seven years.

Marriage with the Holy Quran is prohibited under section 498C of the PPC and the punishment
provided is three years imprisonment.

Acid throwing on women has got momentum at an unprecedentedly. Therefore to address the
situation section 332 of PPC was amended and acid throwing was made an offence.

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2.4 THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN ACT 2012

National Commission on the Status of Women is established under the National Commission on
the Status of Women Act 2012. The Commission is the first forum established under a statute to
ensure that issues faced by women in Pakistan may addressed in systematic manner. Under the
Act, the Federal Government is empowered to constitute the Commission’s Chairperson and
members from all over Pakistan. The major functions of the commission is to examine the
policies and programs initiated by the Federal Government for gender equality and women
empowerment, to examine all Federal laws and rules that are against interest of women and make
recommendations to the concerned quarters.

2.5 THE PROTECTION AGAINST HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORK PLACE

ACT, 2010

This enactment was long awaited due to anti women behavior prevalent in our society at large.
The title of the Act gives the impression that protection against harassment is provided only to
women. However, the perusal of the Act nullifies this impression as the protection of harassment
is provided to men as well.

Section 2 (h) of the Act defines harassment as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual
favors or other verbal or written communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature or
sexually demeaning attitudes, causing interference with work performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or the attempt to punish the complainant for
refusal to comply to such a request or is made a condition for employment.

After giving a vast definition to term harassment, the Act envisions that every organization shall
establish inquiry committees that shall look into complaints of harassment at workplace. The
inquiry committee shall be comprised of three members out of whom one member shall be

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women. On recommendation of the inquiry committee, under section 4 of the Act the competent
authority of the respective organization can award minor and major penalties to the person who
has committed the act of harassment. Appeal against penalty can be made to the Ombudsman
appointed under section 7 of the Act both at provincial and federal level.

2.6 ANALYSIS

After going through the above pro-women legislation, it seems that women in Pakistan have
been empowered and offences specific against women are on decline. However, the situation on
ground is different. In recent report published by Aurat Foundation reveals some startling facts.
Some of the offences against women are on rise since 2008 while others have declined. The data
of mentioned in the table is subject to one caveat. In Pakistan offences against women go
unreported due to social taboos. Moreover, majority of the population of Pakistan is rural that is
illiterate. Due to illiteracy women are unaware of their rights and more over the tribal and feudal
social traditions are a major hurdle in seeking recourse to legal system for rederessal of their
grievances.

Moreover, the initiatives for the gender equality are sponsored by international donor agencies. 35
What is required is that the initiatives should be indigenous so that the desired results could be
achieved. Once the foreign sponsored laws are enacted, the social acceptance of the laws and the
halfhearted efforts on the part of implementing agencies make them useless.

35
USAID monitor our success in promoting citizen involvement and women’s empowerment in all of our projects
with a variety of well-developed key indicators. In addition, we have several projects specifically designed to foster
democratic institutions and women's development.

http://www.usaid.gov/cross-cutting-themes-good-governance-and-gender-equity

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The laws themselves have many flaws in them. For instance, the NCSW is a recommending
body as the recommendations of the NCSW are not binding on the Federal Government.
Similarly, honor killing is still a compoundable offence under the PPC and it is widely misused.

Society at the grassroots level is not sensitized about gender equality and women rights. All
successive governments have tried to bring change from the top rather than bottom up. A classic
example in this regard is that of reserved seats for women. Against the seats all women from
influential families got elected in to the national and provincial assemblies. Resultantly, all the
efforts have been a futile exercise.

Role of police is also anti women. Due to male dominated society, police usually do not register
FIRs in cases of domestic violence.36

36
World Bank “Violence Against Women and Impediments in Access to Justice”

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Source : Aurat Foundation

The statistics shows that the crime rate in terms of abducation and kidnapping was around
1,784 however in it raise upto 2,236 in year 2010, like wise the cases of murder remained
at same rate i.e from 1,422 to 1,436. Over all the intensity of cases increased from 7,571
to 8,000 in year 2008 and 2010 respectively.

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SECTION :3 ANTI-WOMEN CULTURAL PRACTICES IN PAKISTAN AND

COMPARISON OF PAKISTANI WOMEN WITH WOMEN OF OTHER SOUTH ASIAN
COUNTRIES AND WOMEN OF WESTERN WORLD

3.1 CHALLENGE AND DIFFICULTIES

In Pakistan, women have been facing daunting challenges and difficulties in order to achieve
gender empowerment and equality. Various elements are involved in violence against women in
the name of customary practices and cultural norms. Most of these practices are based on the
concept of marriage in compensation for the settlement of disputes. For example, Irjaee, Sang
Chatt, Wani and Swara.37 Others include acid violence, honour killings, marriages with Quran,
sexual harassment and domestic violence. Women can be regarded as the most vulnerable group
of individuals in our society as their basic fundamental rights are even on stake, they are being
violated in most parts of our country, rural areas depicts more dismal situation due to lack of
awareness, education and flexibility in attitudes.38

The Constitution of Pakistan provides legal guarantees, safeguarding the rights of both genders
without any discrimination under Articles 4, 8, 14, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 37 and 38. In 2004, the
Criminal Law Act was enacted. Section 310(A) of this Act prohibits Badal-e-Sulh, under which
girls/women cannot be given in marriage as compensation for someone else’s crime. It directly
deals with all forms of “marriage as compensation” carried out under different names, such as
swara, wani, sang chatt and irjaee. Under this Section, punishment for giving a female in
marriage or otherwise, in Badal-e-Sulh is given as follows: “Whoever gives a female in marriage
or otherwise in Badal-e-Sulh shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to
10 years but shall not be less than three years.” Moreover, an Act entitled Prevention of Anti-
Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act, 2011 outlines strong punishments for social

37
“Anti-Women Practices” , Express Tribune Newspaper
38
“An Anti-Women Culture”, Dawn Newspaper

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practices like wani, swara and Badal-e-Sulh, wherein women are traded to settle personal, family
or tribal disputes.39

3.2 THE CONCEPT OF GENDER EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER EQUALITY

The concept of gender empowerment and gender equality has gained international attention and
it is considered as an effective tool in nation building, but in some of the societies this tool has
been challenged by inhuman and cruel cultural practices. Pakistan also presents the same gloomy
picture. At present, Pakistani society has failed to provide fundamental rights to women despite
the existence of legislation in this regard.

3.3 ANTI-WOMEN PRACTICES IN FOUR PROVINCES OF PAKISTAN

Factual data indicates that women literacy rate is Pakistan is low, they are by nature conditioned
to sacrifice. Despite the efforts carried out by various advocacy campaigns and legislation by the
government, the situation of women rights in Pakistan has not been improved. Although the
condition is same in various parts within the country, but still there exists some diversity due to
cultural peculiarities. For instance, in tribal and feudal areas of Pakistan, male members of the
family dominate and decision making vests with them or with Jirga/punchayat. WattaSatta is also
one form of anti-women practice prevalent in Punjab. Walwar is another practice in Balochistan
and KPK.(Riaz n.d.)

3.4 IMPACTS ON THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

These practices have serious impacts on the physical and psychological health of females40, due
to which they are unable to contribute towards national development considering the fact that
female to male ratio in the country is higher. This ultimately results in economic and social
underdevelopment. Pakistani women have been facing the phenomenon of mal-treatment and
restrictions since centuries, which make them worthless beings on the face of earth. There is a
clear cut segregation and disparity between the two genders as far as the social and economic

39
“Anti-Women Practices” , Express Tribune Newspaper
40
http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/genderwomen/en/

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opportunities are concerned. Men are considered as the pillars to safeguard family honour and
pride and they exploit women to achieve these so-called goals. This has resulted in making our
society as the patriarchal one, ignoring the importance of very existence of women.

3.5 REASONS FOR ANTI-WOMEN PRACTICES

Reasons for this kind of behavior prevalent in our society are numerous including
unemployment, poverty, expectation of monetary benefits such as dowry, unauthentic and false
religious interpretations, non-implementation of legislative provisions, stagnant values of
society, lack of education, cultural conditioning, frustration and other forms of deprivations.
Overall Gender development index (GDI) of South Asian countries is second lowest around the
globe, Pakistan presents more disappointing figure being lower in GDI than that of India.

As far as the role of government of Pakistan is concerned, it has failed to defend women rights
across the country, despites the efforts of signing various International treaties and domestic
legislation. Loopholes exist in strategizing and implementing the laws.(Noor, Daughters of Evel:
Violence Against women in Pakistan n.d.)

3.6COMPARISON OF PAKISTANI WOMEN WITH WOMEN OF OTHER SOUTH

ASIAN COUNTRIES AND WOMEN OF WESTERN WORLD

According to a poll conducted by Thomson Reuters Foundation, Congo, Afghanistan and

Pakistan are the most precarious countries around the world for women due to inundated wave of
(Riaz n.d.) Intimidations including sexual harassment, dismal health care, honor killings, rape
and domestic violence.

Trust Law is an international organization and it conducted a survey in which 213 41 experts on
gender discrimination ranked in order of danger based on following six 42factors:

1. Threats to health
2. Sexual violence
3. Non-sexual violence

41
(Thomas Reuters Foundation)
42
(Thomas Reuters Foundation)

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4. Religious and cultural dynamics

5. Lack of access to resources
6. Trafficking

Following is a description of these five countries in a sequence with most endangered as

being ranked first:

3. 1. AFGHANISTAN

Insurgency, rampant corruption and poverty made Afghanistan as one of the most worst so far as
following factors are concerned depending upon the polling result of the survey43:

1. Health
2. Non-sexual violence
3. Economic parity

3.2. CONGO

The post war scenarios of 1998-2003 brought humanitarian disasters that took a death toll of
people around 5.4 million. Sexual violence is a bane to Democratic Republic of Congo and
makes it the second worst country on the survey ranking. Unfortunately the numbers are
frustrating as described below44:

 1,150 women are raped every day that makes a total of 420,000 women per annum
subjected to indecent and inhumane act. The Congolese Women’s Campaign against
Sexual Violence play its part to bring down the number to 40, but still it’s inhumane.
 57 percent of women, who are pregnant, are anemic.

3. 3. PAKISTAN

43
Thomas Reuters Foundation, 2013
44
American Journal of Public Health, 2013
45
Thomas Reuters Foundation, 2013

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Pakistan is unfortunately ranked third on the list due to the following factors45:

1. Tribal culture
2. Misinterpreted religious practices
3. Acid attacks
4. Child and forced marriages
5. Women harassment

This makes the following odd numbers on the reports of Pakistan Human Rights
Commission:

 Victimization of girls and women through honor killing is more than 1000 per annum.
 Domestic violence is an unreported case which victimized 85 percent of women46

3.4. INDIA

India again ranked fourth despite its status as one of the biggest democratic power on the survey
list due to the following factors47:

1. Child marriage
2. High levels of trafficking
3. Domestic servitude

Following are the observations by the former Indian Home Secretary, Madhukar Gupta48:

 100 million people are subjected to human trafficking; most of them are girls and women.
 Up to 50 million girls went missing on account of mal-medical practices.
 44.5 percent of girls are taken into marriage before the age of 18.

3.5. SOMALIA

46
(American Journal Of Public Health, 2013)
47
Thomas Reuters Foundation, 2013
48
Madhukar Gupta “Indirect Dangers affect More Women than Rape” The Economic Times, January20, 2011

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Somalia is the famine stricken country which is capitulated by violence, civil war and
lawlessness. She has been ranked fifth due to a catalogue of danger to female gender as narrated
below49:

 95 percent of women between ages of 4 and 11 face female genital mutilation.

 Health facility for child birth is available to only 9 percent of women
 Parliament seats are held by only 7.5 percent of women.

49
Thomas Reuters Foundation, 2013

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SECTION 4: WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER EQUALITY IN ASIAN

COUNTRIES

4.1 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER EQUALITY IN ASIAN COUNTRIES

If we see the Asian countries have been in the lead when it comes to women entering the top
echelons of political power, with Sirimavo Bandaranaike Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto,
Corazon Aquino, Gloria Macpagal – Arroyo, Megawati Sukarnoputri and Khaleda Zia, are just
some examples of female political leadership throughout the region.50

In contrast, the history of active and passive voting rights for women in general particularly their
political representation on legislative levels and their political citizenship status is characterized
by exclusion and marginalization.

4.2 PATTERNS OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN ASIA

The patterns of men and women’s participation are different in all forms of formal political in
both first and third worlds. In conventional politics Asia’s women participate rather equally in
elections, attend public meetings, rallies. They are members of elective bodies and political mass
organizations, engaged in political struggles and movements i.e. independence and Pro
democracy like in India, Pakistan, Burma, Malaysia and Indonesia. Although this showed an
equal rate of participation, this does not tell us about the significance effectiveness and character
of their political activity and their representation share in organs of decision and policy making.
Often women act in supportive roles as unrecognized foot soldiers than as leaders as or less in
formal than informal structures such as social reforms movements’ community organizations and
NGOs. Their increased number started in the late 1990’s. When several Asian countries
implemented the quota provisions in the south Asia repeatedly in the form of reserved seats.51

To mobilize women on adhoc basis to support specific cases and issues, and letting them to lose
as the routine political game of power distribution starts is quite a worldwide phenomenon.
Nevertheless examples like Benazir Bhutto, Corazon Aquino Khaleda Zia, Sheikh Haseena and
Megawati Sukarnoputri, seem to prove contrary as all of the women lead pro-democracy

50
AazarAyaz and Andrea Fleschenberg “The Gender Face of Asian Politics “ Oxford University Press, 243 Pages
51
Ibd.

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movements, opposition parties in transition times and gained a normally elected top political
office, after the phase of power distribution.

Women in politics like Aung san Suu Kyi and Wan Azizah Ismail are recognized opposition
leaders in a political transition context where lasts. As in the case of two, for several years and
with male alternatives, having been available, currently according to the UNO’s UNIFEM
highlights 3 out of 14 elected women head of state/government come from South Asia. UN
gender related developing index, and gender empowerment measures calibrate women’s societal
status compared to me with regard to their socioeconomic life standards access to social
infrastructure, decision making and leadership positions as well as income.

TRANSFORMING THE GENDER FACE OF ASIAN POLITICS

The data selected for this section is taken from a two days conference held at Islamabad on
women political empowerment Conference in 2005, wherein recommendations called for more
interactive participatory research to be conducted on comparative level thinking academies with
women politicians and activists to understand the parameters of women’s political participation
and to develop best practices.52

According to the author of the book Gender Face of Asian politics Andera Fleschenberg, Many
studies in gender and politics have examined whether an increased in the number of women in
parliament makes a difference in the lives of women in Europe and United States. Their findings
have shown that, in many cases women do pursue a different legislative agenda than men. The
Asian case studies ( Taiwan, Philippines and Thailand) according to her analysis were all
conducted in environments of female legislators well below critical mass, and show both
tendencies to highlight women issues as well as tendencies to not to do so to any significant
degree. The increased presence of women in politics has altered the legislative environment and
has created a generally supportive cultural atmosphere conducive to the atmosphere of gender
equality. A critical minimum of women seems to be a pre requisite to create the necessary
political will. It will be difficult to obtain the political will for gender equality if women are not
fully involved in decision-making. The increased presence of women ensures that the various
values, interest and life experiences of women are taken into account when decisions are made.

52
AazarAyaz and Andrea Fleschenberg “The Gender Face of Asian Politics “ Oxford University Press, 243 Pages

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3.3 STRATEGY, ACTION, TRANSITION: WOMEN AS GENTS OF CHANGE

The role of women in transitional societies rarely receives the merit it deserves. Drawing
conclusions from the case studies of Indonesia and Malaysia have revealed,( p,20) and the
criteria for assessment of a state’s transformation management presented by the Bertelsmann
Foundation, the relative neglect of the gender aspects become evident, the view of BTI can gain
value if they included a gender sensitive view.

In order to illustrate how women can function as agent of change, the example of two south East
Asian states has been raised in which women movements have actively engaged in the national
reform movements of the late 90S.

In Malaysia according to Fleschenberg, this engagement was strategically planned, and members
of political elite were directly approached. The women organizations themselves tried to enter
the parliament by running a candidate from their midst in the general elections of 1999. Although
they did not succeed the agenda because of state’s responsiveness. The state’s readiness to
attend the women concerns was largely driven by the wish to secure women votes. Women
capitalized on this, the women movement has won respect, but it was not possible without the
sympathies and support of ruling and opposition elites.

The other illustration is from Indonesia where political liberalization took place. One would
expect the women movement to be among the main change agents. When the political climate
had changed and women political concerns could have had a chance, to enter the circles of police
formulation, moreover the political elite is still significantly influenced by the military, which
has other priorities in mind, other than promoting women’s political activism. Here was a
suggestion that if a stronger connection between the open-minded political elite members and
movement activists, would surely facilitate the women struggle for change.

QUOTA WOMEN IN POLITICS

It is a new global trend. The Asian continent has had a weaker proportion of gender quotas
relative to other countries. As in case of Pakistan it is 10% currently enhanced from 5% to 10.
Many countries all over the world have introduced electoral gender quotas. It is a wide spread
worry that quota women would have merely token value. According to the UNO’s UNIFEM

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highlights in world only 17% of women are parliamentarians, which employs that men still
occupy over whelming majority of elected seats in parliament around the world. The most
serious cases of stigmatization occur when only a few women are elected, and mostly in
countries marked by, general hostility against women politicians. However the very construction
of the quota regulation may in fact, influence the status of women politicians. In the absence of
their own constituencies the status of quota women may diminish. In Pakistan under devolution
plan 2001 is the starting point where women was given the political representation across
country under the said ordinance. The reservation ratio of seats was 10% for women. The same
gender quota was applied in the parliament where 10% seats were reserved for women to
empower her politically. And in a decade a visible difference is felt that women are more aware
and educated about her civil and political rights. But still there is gap which is to be measured
and filled and a true representation of women is still to be achieved through more such efforts to
bring her at par with men.

However, the quota provision does not solve all the problems for women in politics and they
may even create new ones. If the society is prejudiced for women as often is the case, quota do
not remove these barriers for women route to full citizenship.53

53
The United Nations Organization’s “UNIFEM highlights”
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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Although the legal framework is there but he problem lies in its implementation. Thus the
implementation of women such friendly legislation needs to be carried out well within the
stipulated time.
2. Government proposed plans and policies for women that have been overlooked need to be
seen through accurately, such as Women Protection Act.
3. Women need to be better accommodated in the socio-economic sector by allowing them
greater opportunities and safeguarding of their rights at workplace, this could be achieved by
implementing the Harrassment of Women at Workplace Act in true letter and spirit.
4. Representation of women in the judiciary needs to be improved through the appointment of
more of them as judges.
5. There is need to have more female representation in the law enforcement department and for
putting more resources at their disposal.

CONCLUSION:

Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in country like Pakistan has great importance. In
this regard Aurat Foundation, ShirkatGaah along with other non-governmental organizations is
working for the betterment of Pakistani women. However the overall Status of Women in
Pakistan is quite deplorable due to non-implementation of CEDA 54 principles along with
promulgation of negative aspects of legislation regarding the process of Gender Equality and
Women Empowerment which always remained hurdles in the smooth development of our
society. Moreover, we are still not sure how far local government system has been able to
empower women at all levels of life? Was it only just participation of families of political elites?
Or was it only allocation of seats only for a particular society. In order to promote peace and
prosperity we have to ensure and safeguard women rights and in this regard we have to take
affirmative actions and dynastic politics should be discouraged and poor women have to be
encouraged. No only this but also political workers have to be give chance to contribute in their
constituencies.

54
http://societalissues.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/cedaw-pakistan/

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In order to promote women empowerment we have to encourage women at the grass roots level
in decision making process so that they can identify their choices and can make priorities. In
addition to this induction in the civil service of Pakistan should be encourage which should be
encouraged and 10 percent quota which is reserved for women should be fulfilled on yearly basis
.Higher posts like home secretary and other line department have not been given to women and
such tendency should be discouraged, because if tough assignment are given to women then they
can compete with their colleague by working with sincerity and dedication.

Women rights at grass roots level are almost in deplorable conditions. They are not aware about
their basic fundamental rights. The main lingering question is how to aware women at lower
level of society? In addition to this even in parliament all women MNA and MPA are not
allowed to voice the concern of women and therefore we need to promote and sensitize male
gender about the rights and responsibilities of women. And this could be possible by inducted
women in all sectors of government either it is private or government sector, because a society
cannot fully develop until and unless women in brought in mainstream with men by carrying the
same responsibilities and roles on their shoulders.55

Working women versus working man is quite different phenomenon, as a man can do their job
single mindedly like women cannot do at all, because she is entitle with countless responsibilities
which she had to do even if she is employed so in this regard there should be positive attitude
towards women while in professional as well in common day life. Though we know that hardly a
support system for women in domestic life is there but even then we can bring change and it
would come lately but surely.56

Women’s working environment are always full of challenges and education regarding women
rights and gender sensitization has to be introduced at work place level for the clerical staff
because women are more prone to problems. Moreover the acceptability of women in
government and nongovernment sectors like secretary services, Cooperative Societies and
Ombudsman as well as Ambassadors should be encouraged on wide levels.57

55
Interview with Madam Farkhanda Waseem Afzal, Director General , PAS Campus
56
Ibd.
57
Ibd.

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In Zia-ul-Haq times there was the question of non- acceptability and now things have changed a
lot. We need to bring women in the mainstream and decision making power has to be given to
working women. In policy making women should contribute at all levels at all departments
which could only be possible by removing the ills of illiteracy by promoting free education at
grass roots level.58

Economic and financial independence, gender equality education and economic security have to
give more importance and if these things are provided to women at all levels of society then we
can see that there is the possibility of women growth in terms of gender equality and women
empowerment.59

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4. Patel, Rashid. Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Pakistan. Oxford &
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5. Petter Buck, Janne Lexow, Janne Andresen. Gender Review -Discussion.
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58
Ibd.
59
Ibd.

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