Suppressing women’s intellectual and creative pursuits is not only unjust but also detrimental to society as a whole

Abdul Basit

Freedom, in many ways assumed, is the foundation of dignity for human beings. It is the power of choosing one’s path, pursuing education, building relationships, and expressing oneself without any fear. It’s the simple act of deciding how to spend a day.

When we are tasked to punish a criminal for his committed crimes, what do we take away from them? They continue to get food, clothes, roof even people to talk to. Instead, we strip a criminal of their freedom, confining them to a prison cell, we recognize its immense value that the loss of their liberty is the ultimate punishment. Then similarly, we should not justify limiting the freedom of women, telling them, “You can do the same at home,” when they yearn for the same basic rights.

This suppression is not simply about physical confinement; it’s about control, founded on the ancient belief that women are somehow undeserving of authority. Certain translations of religious teachings and cultural traditions promote this line of thinking, fostering a culture where women are expected to be submissive and dependent. Today’s challenges include the over-sexualization of women in the media and the commodification of their bodies, which further erodes genuine empowerment.

Read: Empowered Women Change the World

Even women themselves, who uphold these restrictive traditions, contribute to this very cycle that undermines their own potential and empowerment. Women should realize that when they take part in these objectifications by agreeing to act in such commercials and campaigns, they are sending a subliminal message or approval to society that there is nothing wrong in commodifying women’s bodies and it further continues the normalization.

Suppressing women’s intellectual and creative pursuits is not only unjust but also detrimental to society as a whole. A society cannot thrive when half its population is stifled. Further, the degradation of motherhood within capitalist frameworks, where it becomes progressively commodified, underscores the necessity for a change of perspective. Scandinavian nations, where mutual respect between the genders is deeply rooted, are living proof of the advantages of gender equality. Not only are these societies wealthier, but they are also happier and more peaceful.

Let us aim to tear down the walls that limit women’s freedom. Let us break the deep-seated prejudices that cause inequality. Let us strive for a world in which women are not merely admired for their strength and survival but are empowered to lead their lives as they choose. Respecting one another is not merely an ideal, but it is the basis for a just and prosperous society. Let us be reminded that celebrating, respecting, and offering autonomy to women is not an act of benevolence but an essential need for human advancement.

Read: RE-FOCUSING ON A MAN & WOMAN’S ROLE IN SOCIETY

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Abdul Basit is a student of Mass Communication at University of Karachi