If a society can develop without strengthening the political, social and economic status of women, then the answer is no. Because the only society that is practically stable is one where men and women have equal development opportunities based on equality. Am In a society that seeks to advance by discriminating against or degrading women, women will certainly be exploited.
The issue of women’s development is not only in Pakistan but all over the world. The development of women is lagging behind that of men. Especially in South Asian countries, if we look at the situation of women, they suffer from problems such as political, social and economic deprivation. This is mainly due to the priorities of states like ours where women’s issues are not taken very seriously, Nor are they given any importance.
This year in 2019, as every year, on March 8, the world of women was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The important thing is that now because of the importance of this day, people of different schools of thought including the state, government and institutions are showing their political commitment and solidarity with women by organizing this day with great pomp and splendor. Similarly, another important aspect is that more men than in the past now show their seriousness about women’s issues and stand up for them. This is welcome because it also reflects a positive image of the nation, if men stand by women’s rights or the solution to their problems.
There is no doubt that Pakistan, like other South Asian countries, faces many important challenges for women in terms of their development. They have serious problems such as education, health, employment, environment, security, justice, poverty. Here are some common causes of these problems.
First, there is effective legislation in favor of women in the country or there are loopholes in some laws, but overall there is a weak system of enforcement or oversight of these laws. Second, there are issues such as the unfair distribution of resources and the limited share of women in the budget or even cuts in the budget. Third, the lack of a conducive environment for women without fear and insecurity and fourth, the weakening of institutional processes or women’s limited access to institutions, and fifth, discrimination based on political, social and religious attitudes. Issues of segregation or non-inclusion in the decision-making process, prioritization of priorities in the Sixth National Issue, Seventh Legal protection and barriers to access to justice and the weak economic status of women as a result. Exploitative behavior is important.
The question is, do we want to empower women? What do we mean by empowerment? In practice, when it comes to women’s empowerment, it refers to issues such as education, health, employment, self-determination, and security. If we look at women’s education, health, employment at the Pakistani level. If we look at the official statistics of India, we are far behind in the global and South Asian rankings. Although we have signed many global agreements in a global commitment to women’s rights, the purpose of these signatures is to reassure the world that we are committed to women’s rights at the state and governmental levels. We will ensure security and bring them into the national mainstream of development.
One of the misconceptions regarding women’s advancement is that perhaps the purpose of talking about women’s rights or movement is to fulfill a global agenda. However, the issues that are being raised are related to fundamental rights and their guarantee is ours. Gives religion and law. The Fundamental Rights Chapter of the 1973 Constitution guarantees that we guarantee the fundamental rights of women following the law.
In terms of women’s development, Pakistan is not far behind but has moved forward. Now our women are playing their role as an active and dynamic party in every sphere in Pakistan. Women’s activism at the political level is very beneficial and their presence in decision making bodies is a protection of women. Pakistan is one of the countries that have signed the National Development Goals 2015-30 under a global agreement. Under this agreement, we need to effectively address women’s issues in key issues such as education and health. I have to move forward. But this cannot be done by the state or the government alone. To this end, the government, together with civil society, fought a battle for women’s rights that empowered and empowered women in practice to contribute to national development.
Much is being done in Punjab at the state and government level to ensure the rights of women. In the presence of Provincial Minister for Women’s Rights Begum Ashfa Riaz Fatyana, Provincial Secretary Iram Bukhari and Provincial Commission for Women’s Rights Fauzia Waqar, the discussion on women’s rights has not only moved in the right direction but also many new legislation and existing laws. The system of implementation is also being made efficient and transparent. According to Provincial Minister Ashfa Riaz and Secretary Women Development Iram Bukhari, the main focus of the government is to provide maximum opportunities to women at the economic level.
Punjab also has its parliamentary forum for women in the provincial assembly, which aims to work on issues related to women. It should be more active. So now is the time.
