Islam has shown women a great deal of regard. These are the Islamic teachings, but the truth is contradictory and difficult to accept. Pakistani women are not as powerful as women in other nations. They experience marital abuse. In the name of honour, they suffered beatings, accusations, and occasionally even murder. This act is one that their father and sibling frequently perform. Even at home, they are not secure. In Pakistan, there are many instances of honour murders.
According to Human Rights Watch, nearly 1,000 women are killed in Pakistan every year in the name of honour due to 'unacceptable' romantic relationships, disregard for physically or digitally gendered places, brazenness in language and dress, or perceived immorality. Humans are created with a free spirit, and as such, we have the right to live according to Islamic law. What will happen if individuals restrict women's access to their fundamental rights? Women's rights assist women in every way, but what about the general populace? They are not abiding by those guidelines. Will following the rules be effective if individuals do not comply? Such a downward spiral.
Our culture values moral behaviour in females. Let's explore what this good really implies. Even though she may not agree with the regulations, the girl is expected to abide by them all. But she must follow orders. If she chooses to talk for herself, it is viewed as sinful.
Women should have courage and boldness because brave women create history, not good women. They must acquire the fortitude necessary to defend themselves before defending someone else. How do they achieve this? This is crucial. Here, each of us must put in some effort.
Women were viewed as objects in the feudal society and even in the upper class. The situation may differ from the past, but the fundamentals remain the same. Ladies experience both problems. Women who excelled in their professions include Pakistan's first female prime minister, female pilot, female mountaineer, and female scientist. Why don't we have champions like we do? We have heroes why do we don't have Sheroes (She-heroes)?
Why do we think of the male gender instead of the female gender when we speak about positions of power including PMs, pilots, and scientists? This interpretation demonstrates how our culture has ingrained itself in our minds. The work of Pakistani women is well-known throughout the globe. Their fathers and siblings help them out. Who enabled them to shine? Their success in Pakistan will open doors for other women. Both groups experience life differently in Pakistan. Women have a much lower literacy rate than males. Before turning 18 years old, 45% of women married.
Although they are physically grown, what about emotionally? Do we expect babies to take care of their babies? A Big Fat No! Wage disparity based on gender, domestic abuse represents yet another glass ceiling that women are expected to break through. What a harsh, hard ceiling!
Instead of playing the blame game, we must strengthen them. The Aurat March is in memory of the women who endured abuse at home, whose cries go unheeded in society, by women who have the freedom to live by Islamic principles. Because mothers are the foundation of civilisation, we must have mothers who are both financially and emotionally secure. They serve as our residents' first teachers. They are the ones who will raise Pakistan's future spirits.
"There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women." - Malala Yousuf Zai