Feminism: Fight for Rights or Rebellion?

The article highlights critical issues like child marriages, domestic violence, and the pay gap, presenting a perspective on the true essence of feminism in Pakistan

• According to UNICEF, Pakistan is home to nearly 19 million child brides, with one in six young women married before the age of 18

Sobia Khan

When Pakistan came into being, women played a vital role in its creation and progress. However, Pakistani society has largely failed to recognize and honor the significance of women’s contributions. Unfortunately, whenever someone speaks about women’s rights in the country, they are often labeled as feminists—a term that carries a taboo in Pakistan. Feminism is perceived by many as rebellion against Islamic society, even though it emphasizes basic human rights such as inheritance, education, the right to marry by choice, and the freedom to choose a career. It also advocates against domestic violence, harassment, and other injustices.

Despite being fundamental human rights, women in Pakistan are deprived of these freedoms. Pakistan, being an Islamic state, often imposes selective Islamic teachings on women. For example, a woman who chooses to wear Western attire is judged harshly and subjected to harassment, as if her clothing gives others a free pass to violate her dignity. While Islam commands women to be modest, it equally commands men to lower their gaze. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, religion is often misused to oppress women, ignoring the fact that Islam provides women with extensive rights and protections.

Why Feminism Is Essential in Pakistan

A common misconception about feminism is that it is exclusively for women. In reality, it also addresses men’s rights and promotes equality for all genders. However, injustices against women are more pronounced in Pakistan. For instance, Pakistan has one of the largest gender pay gaps (GPG) globally. According to a report by the International Labor Organization, this disparity is not due to differences in skills or education but rather stems from gender-based discrimination. Alarmingly, Pakistan’s GPG is higher than that of many other South Asian countries.

Child Marriages: A Persistent Issue

Child marriage remains a widespread practice in Pakistan, particularly in impoverished and illiterate communities. Many girls are married off to older men or cousins, often against their will. According to UNICEF, Pakistan is home to nearly 19 million child brides, with one in six young women married before the age of 18. Despite the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2014, weak enforcement and deeply entrenched social norms allow this practice to continue unchecked.

Domestic Violence: A Widespread Crisis

Domestic violence is a critical issue in Pakistan, affecting a majority of women. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reports that around 90% of women have experienced some form of domestic violence, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. Between 2018 and 2021, the Ministry of Human Rights recorded 63,000 cases of gender-based violence, with 80% related to domestic abuse. Alarmingly, only 0.4% of victims take their cases to court due to stigma, underreporting, and lack of support. Education plays a pivotal role in combating this issue, as educated women are more likely to resist abuse and seek help.

Education: The Gateway to Empowerment

Education is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan. However, over 12 million girls in Pakistan are currently deprived of this basic right, as highlighted in a Dawn article. Many believe that higher education makes women rebellious, but in reality, it empowers them to understand and assert their rights. Educated women contribute significantly to the economy and society, underlining the importance of prioritizing women’s education for national progress.

The Cultural Burden of Honor

Pakistan’s patriarchal society is deeply rooted in the concept of honor, which often dictates social boundaries. Honor is perceived as tied to women’s modesty and men’s actions, leading to harmful practices such as honor killings. Each year, approximately 1,000 women are murdered in the name of honor, often by their own family members. This gruesome practice persists despite legal reforms, reflecting the deeply ingrained cultural conservatism.

Acid Attacks: A Symbol of Revenge

Acid attacks are another form of gender-based violence, with approximately 200 cases reported annually in Pakistan. Women are often targeted for rejecting marriage proposals, giving birth to daughters, or failing to meet dowry demands. These heinous acts leave survivors physically and emotionally scarred. Organizations are working to support victims, but the prevalence of such violence underscores the urgent need for societal change.

A Call for Meaningful Feminism

Feminism in Pakistan is often misunderstood. Movements like the Aurat March are criticized for focusing on controversial slogans rather than pressing issues such as domestic violence, child marriages, and education. The oppressed women of Pakistan do not seek superficial freedoms; they want liberation from cruelty and injustice. It is imperative to refocus the feminist movement on addressing the real challenges faced by women in Pakistan.

The plight of women in Pakistan demonstrates the undeniable need for feminism. It is not a cultural rebellion but a fight for basic human rights, equality, and justice. Let us move beyond misconceptions and work together to create a society where women can live with dignity and freedom.

Read: Feminism in Pakistan

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Sobia Khan is a second-year student of Mass Communication at the University of Karachi