In the fabric of Pakistani society, where family values and traditions hold significant importance, elderly women often find themselves battling an invisible crisis. Despite their invaluable contributions as mothers, daughters, and caregivers, many older women face deep-seated challenges that threaten their dignity and well-being. Widowhood, financial dependency, and social isolation are among the most pressing issues, yet they remain largely unaddressed. This silent crisis demands urgent attention and targeted interventions to ensure that elderly women lead dignified, secure, and fulfilling lives.
Widowhood is one of the most significant turning points in an elderly woman's life. In Pakistan, where the patriarchal structure often positions men as the primary breadwinners, the loss of a husband can leave a woman in a state of extreme vulnerability. Many widows are left without financial security, facing rejection from their own families and society. A lack of inheritance rights enforcement further exacerbates their suffering, making survival a daily struggle.
Islam, however, places immense emphasis on protecting widows and ensuring their welfare. The Quran repeatedly instructs Muslims to treat widows with kindness and justice. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:240), وَالَّذِيۡنَ يُتَوَفَّوۡنَ مِنۡکُمۡ وَيَذَرُوۡنَ اَزۡوَاجًا ۖۚ وَّصِيَّةً لِّاَزۡوَاجِهِمۡ مَّتَاعًا اِلَى الۡحَـوۡلِ غَيۡرَ اِخۡرَاجٍ ۚ فَاِنۡ خَرَجۡنَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡکُمۡ فِىۡ مَا فَعَلۡنَ فِىۡٓ اَنۡفُسِهِنَّ مِنۡ مَّعۡرُوۡفٍؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِيۡزٌ حَکِيۡمٌ ۞
Those of you who die leaving widows should bequeath for them a year's maintenance without forcing them out. But if they choose to leave, you are not accountable for what they reasonably decide for themselves. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” Allah commands that widows should be provided for, not abandoned. Unfortunately, societal attitudes often contradict these teachings, leaving many elderly women in destitution.
Economic dependence is another significant challenge. Many older women in Pakistan have spent their lives serving their families, often without securing any financial assets of their own. Without pensions, savings, or independent income sources, they become reliant on their children or relatives for survival. In many cases, they are neglected, considered a burden, or even subjected to emotional and financial exploitation.
Approximately 7% of the population (around 14 million individuals) are over the age of 60. Despite this significant demographic, only 2.3% of those above the legal pension age receive public pensions, leaving the majority without financial security
Islam advocates financial justice and independence for all individuals. The concept of Mahr (dower) and inheritance rights for women, as established in Surah An-Nisa (4:7), لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيۡبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الۡوَالِدٰنِ وَالۡاَقۡرَبُوۡنَ ۖ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِيۡبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الۡوَالِدٰنِ وَالۡاَقۡرَبُوۡنَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنۡهُ اَوۡ كَثُرَ ؕ نَصِيۡبًا مَّفۡرُوۡضًا ۞
"For men there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave, and for women there is a share in what their parents and close relatives leave—whether it is little or much. ˹These are˺ obligatory shares". underscores the importance of securing women’s financial well-being. Yet, cultural practices often overshadow these religious directives, leaving older women with little control over their own economic security.
Elderly women frequently experience severe social isolation. As children grow up and move away, many older mothers and grandmothers are left alone, with limited interaction or support. The lack of engagement in community activities and societal neglect deepens their loneliness, often leading to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Islam profoundly emphasises the rights of the elderly. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, " لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يَرْحَمْ صَغِيرَنَا وَيُوَقِّرْ كَبِيرَنَا " "He is not of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders" (Tirmidhi, 1919). The responsibility of caring for aging parents is a sacred duty, yet modern lifestyle shifts and urbanisation have led to a weakening of traditional family support systems, pushing many elderly women into a state of despair.
Addressing the silent crisis of elderly women requires urgent and comprehensive action. Some key interventions include:
- Strengthening the enforcement of inheritance laws to ensure that elderly women receive their rightful share of property and financial security.
- Introducing pension schemes, vocational training, and small business support programs to help older women become self-sufficient.
- Establishing elderly care centers, social clubs, and helplines to combat loneliness and provide emotional support.
- Encouraging families to uphold Islamic values of compassion and respect for elderly women, reinforcing their role in society.
- Policies should be designed to specifically cater to the unique needs of elderly women, ensuring access to healthcare, legal aid, and financial assistance.
Aging and Rights in global and nation perspective: The SDGs emphasise the inclusion and well-being of older persons across various objectives. Notably, SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) address the economic and health aspects of aging populations, advocating for their social security, financial independence, and access to quality healthcare.
In Pakistan, approximately 7% of the population (around 14 million individuals) are over the age of 60. Despite this significant demographic, only 2.3% of those above the legal pension age receive public pensions, leaving the majority without financial security.
To ensure the dignity and well-being of elderly women, Pakistan must move beyond generic senior citizen protections and introduce gender-specific laws that address the financial, social, and legal challenges unique to older women
While Pakistan has introduced some legislative measures to safeguard senior citizens, elderly women remain disproportionately vulnerable due to cultural, economic, and social barriers. Despite their significant contributions to families and society, many older women lack financial security, healthcare access, and legal protection against abuse and discrimination.
Existing Legal Protections for Elderly Women
- Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizen Act, 2021 & Provincial Laws: These laws provide frameworks for elderly welfare, including the establishment of councils and support funds. However, they do not specifically address the unique challenges faced by older women, such as widowhood and inheritance disputes.
- Parental Protection Ordinance, 2021: This law protects elderly parents from being forcibly evicted by their children. While beneficial, it does not cover cases where older women are abandoned or mistreated by extended family after the loss of a spouse.
- Inheritance Rights (Under Islamic and Civil Law): According to Surah An-Nisa (4:7), women, including elderly widows, have a rightful share in inheritance. However, weak enforcement and cultural barriers often deprive them of their legal entitlements.
Legal Gaps and Areas Needing Urgent Action
- Economic Security and Pension Reforms:
- Only a small fraction of elderly women receive pensions or social security benefits, making them financially dependent on their families.
- The government should expand pension schemes and introduce financial aid programs specifically for widows and elderly women.
- Protection from Abuse and Neglect:
- Older women face a higher risk of financial exploitation, domestic violence, and abandonment, particularly when they have no male guardian.
- There is no specific legal framework criminalising elder abuse—a law ensuring penalties for mistreatment and neglect of elderly women is crucial.
- Access to Healthcare and Housing:
- Most elderly women lack access to affordable healthcare, particularly for age-related diseases and mental health support.
- Geriatric healthcare programs and dedicated housing schemes should be established to support abandoned or homeless elderly women.
- Inheritance and Property Rights Enforcement:
- Although Islamic law grants widows and daughters a share in inheritance, cultural practices often deny them these rights.
- Stronger legal enforcement mechanisms and awareness campaigns are needed to ensure elderly women receive and retain their rightful property.
To ensure the dignity and well-being of elderly women, Pakistan must move beyond generic senior citizen protections and introduce gender-specific laws that address the financial, social, and legal challenges unique to older women. Legislators, civil society, and religious scholars must collaborate to develop policies aligned with both Islamic principles and international best practices, ensuring that elderly women live with security, dignity, and respect.
The struggles of elderly women in Pakistan are a stark reminder of a silent crisis that demands collective responsibility. It is imperative that we, as individuals, communities, and policymakers, work towards safeguarding their rights and dignity. Islam provides clear guidance on the respectful treatment and protection of elderly women, and it is our duty to translate these principles into meaningful actions.
By recognising their struggles and advocating for change, we can ensure that elderly women are not left to suffer in silence but are instead valued, supported, and empowered in their later years. After all, the measure of a society's strength lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members.