World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Global Gender Gap Report measures progress toward gender parity in four areas including educational attainment, health and survival, economic opportunity and political empowerment.
According to the 2016 report, Pakistan has been ranked the second-worst country in the world for gender inequality. Citing the World Economic Forum’s (WEF), Pakistan ranks 143 out of 144 countries in the gender inequality index, standing way behind Bangladesh and India who rank 72nd and 87th respectively. On the other hand, Iceland tops for the 8th consecutive year, followed by Finland in second and Norway in third place
Pakistan’s ranking showcases modest progress made on female empowerment. In Pakistan, discrimination against woman starts since her birth. In most families, a boy is considered more important compared to a girl. The girls face limitations at every point of their life; taking an independent decision is not an option for them. Social pressures, family limitations are amidst a number of concerns. Importance is given to a way women dress rather than how men stare at her appearance. Women are asked to cover up and seek permission before they leave their house. Horror stories of honor killing prevail in every walk of women’s life. Employment and education are important fact to be considered in gender discrimination. Women are asked to sacrifice their commitment to both these factors for the advancement of men. The success of a man’s life is given precedence, every time
Pakistan needs to work towards changing the mindset of society. This process needs to begin at home and from birth. Every kid born in Pakistan, needs to be taught by the social structure around him/her the importance of gender equality. We need to teach the men to provide women equality and women to stand up for their rights. Disregarding the rights of a women, which is more than half the population of Pakistan, will not let the country progress.
I, would also, like to highlight that this passage is not a generalized view of Pakistan. There are females in Pakistan who are given their fundamental rights. However, for now, I speak for the masses.