Webs of Ethos

Cultural Traditions and the Battle for Women's Education in Pakistan

"We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." - Malala Yousafzai

For decades, women in Pakistan have lived in the shadows of their male counterparts, often perceived as incapable of making decisions, pursuing careers and aspirations, and contributing significantly to society. Throughout their lives, women in our nation have been conditioned to suppress their aspirations, pressured by their families to conform to cultural norms shaped by society, all too often to be married off as perceived burdens.

Entangled in a web of societal expectations and domestic duties, they are denied access to education due to fears that it might divert them from the traditional roles imposed on them, especially in rural Pakistan. In a country where women constitute 50% of the population, it is astonishing that only about half of them receive a complete education.

While multiple factors contribute to this disparity, the social standards imposed on women pose a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality in Pakistan. The injustice inherent in our societal norms casts a dark shadow on the vibrant tapestry of our nation's rich traditions and culture.

Ensnared in Domestic Duties

There are numerous aspects of the traditional Pakistani family system that dissuade women from pursuing education. From a young age, girls are instructed to learn culinary skills and encouraged to partake in household chores alongside their mothers. These early experiences not only define their roles within the household but also position them as ideal candidates for future marriage proposals. In our society, the quintessential daughter-in-law is distinguished by her culinary prowess, homemaking abilities, and readiness to assume her mother-in-law's responsibilities—all while not asserting her rights.

Consequently, a woman's societal role becomes confined to domestic activities, with her rights suppressed, while men are encouraged to pursue education and employment to support their future families. Additionally, young girls are often viewed as a 'burden' on their families and are married off at a tender age. After marriage, they are pressured to bear children, further restricting their educational and employment opportunities.

The Dance of Society

Due to widespread poverty in rural areas of Pakistan, even if a woman were to complete her education, it is often considered futile and a squandering of valuable resources and time. Instead, families meticulously save for substantial dowries to protect their daughters from potential shame at the hands of their in-laws after marriage. In a traditional Pakistani household, a woman's reputation is closely tied to her adherence to domestic roles without complaint or resistance.

Her responsibilities are limited to child-rearing and tending to her family and in-laws. In fact, it is seen as an affront to a man's masculinity if his wife were to earn for the family. Traditionally, the man is the sole breadwinner, and if a woman were to earn, it might challenge his sense of masculinity. Consequently, female education is often dismissed as unnecessary, as women are not expected to bear the financial responsibility in any case.

In the Grasp of Traditions' Keepers

Furthermore, the pervasive influence of zamindars and influential community elders in many of Pakistan's rural areas presents another hurdle. Traditional patriarchs- ensnared in the echoes of a bygone era, within the clutches of a culture steeped in misogyny- sometimes label women's education as un-Islamic, a misconception far removed from reality. Residents are hesitant to challenge these leaders for fear of community backlash. Such unjust restrictions are often imposed to appease landlords who openly express disdain for women's education. These zamindars fear that an educated community might become more aware and stand up against the unfair treatment they have endured for years.

As a result, women from tenant families are treated as mere servants to feudal and landowner families. While their own daughters attend prestigious institutions in Pakistan and abroad, women from their own community are unjustly deprived of basic rights. What people often fail to recognize is that education transcends knowledge acquisition; it's a means of breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and dismantling systemic inequalities that have oppressed women for centuries. It's about unlocking the full potential of half the world's population. The lack of educational opportunities for women is a significant reason why they remain a marginalized segment of our society.

The Shadowed Pain

In many rural communities, women are regarded as inferior beings whose sole purpose is to serve men and authority figures. Consequently, men are often allowed to resort to violence if women fail to complete assigned tasks or breach societal boundaries. Unfortunately, many women across our nation have come to accept this way of life, as they have witnessed predecessors make similar unjust sacrifices to preserve their marriages. Domestic abuse continues to persist because women believe they have no alternative; they must endure abusive husbands for sustenance and shelter. In our society, people feel entitled to impose their decisions on others, especially women. Respect should never be a luxury, but a fundamental right that all deserve.

The Economic Ramifications

The absence of choice, freedom, and education not only diminishes women's self-esteem and prospects for a better life but also hampers our already struggling economy, hindering potential growth. When women lack the empowerment to work, they become part of Pakistan's dependent population, relying on the limited income of their male counterparts to support large households. Amidst political turmoil and economic crises, our nation teeters on the brink of collapse, imposing additional burdens on citizens, particularly those in rural areas. In such times, it is imperative to encourage women's participation in the labor force.

A study published in the International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development reveals that a 1% increase in female education and female labor force participation leads to a staggering 96% increase in Pakistan's GDP (Syeda Anam Hassan & Nazish Rafaz, 2017).

In today's world, the trend is shifting towards shared household responsibilities, both domestic and non-domestic, between men and women. Hence, for their own betterment, rural communities should also embrace this lifestyle. There is substantial evidence that women possess untapped potential, capable of significantly benefiting our nation if provided with opportunities.

Dreams of STEM

In the sphere of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, women in Pakistan confront a multitude of hurdles deeply rooted in societal norms. A pervasive belief that women are inherently inferior in fields like STEM prevails, perpetuating the idea that they should instead opt for careers deemed "more suitable" for their gender, such as fashion design or teaching.

This stereotype not only hinders women's aspirations but also restricts the diversification of STEM fields with fresh perspectives and talents. Moreover, women face severe restrictions when it comes to education in co-ed schools and universities offering STEM programs. Many families and communities deem co-education as culturally inappropriate, further limiting women's access to quality STEM education. These constraints severely disadvantage women, preventing them from pursuing their passions and contributing their potential to the STEM landscape.

The consequences of gender inequality in STEM extend beyond the individual, affecting the entire nation. A lack of women in these fields hampers Pakistan's technological and scientific progress and perpetuates economic disparities. Many talented women, who could excel in STEM careers, are instead sidelined, missing out on the high-paying and intellectually stimulating opportunities these fields offer. To address these challenges, it is imperative to dismantle deeply ingrained stereotypes, create an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue STEM careers, and expand access to quality STEM education for girls, especially in co-ed institutions. Empowering women in STEM is not merely about achieving equality; it is an investment in Pakistan's future prosperity, innovation, and competitiveness on the global stage.

Towards a Brighter Future

In conclusion, women's empowerment and education are inseparable pillars that hold the key to a brighter, more equitable future for our society. Throughout this blog post, we have explored myriad ways in which education empowers women, from fostering economic independence to nurturing leadership skills and promoting gender equality. It is abundantly clear that when women are educated, they benefit personally, and entire communities and nations prosper. As we conclude this discussion, let us remember that women's empowerment through education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. It is a path to a more just, prosperous, and harmonious world. It is a cause worth championing, and it requires the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and nations.

So, let us become the change-makers, the advocates, the educators, and the supporters who stand up for women's rights and education.

Let us strive for a future where every woman and child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we can build a world where the empowerment of women and the pursuit of knowledge go hand in hand, lighting the way to a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.