The Women's Movement

The year 2000 marked the beginning of the women's movement in Pakistan. The liberalization of women is very important for the success of this country. Equality leads to the process of development of a nation.

There are four ways in which this movement is working. giving a public voice, rise in employment and educational opportunities and lastly the overall perception of women. However there has always beena clash in view points. Is too much freedom and the promotion of civil rights giving a rise to western thinking in Pakistan? This debate needs to be viewed with respect to the islamoc teachings and not the western democrats.

This is surprising to know that women's movement has its root in the 19th century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan had the same agenda to lift certain reastriction and focus on literacy but this was very slow. By 1921 only 4 out of 1000 women were educated.

There are great prospects in Pakistan for women of substance but the true women are hidden behind the elites who are only interested in shopping, kitty parties and pretention. It is safe to say that such women have a big hand in deteriorating thier position and respect. True women of substance were legends like Fatima Ali Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto.

Another issue that rose was the fact that if there were vacancies in the jon market it was the post of sweepers and nannies which was not approved by the families. Currently what we need in this country is support from the government, traditional social welfare activities and equality. Hence consiousness and awareness needs to be raised.

Moreover women need to be active agents rather than passive ones. Thier aim in life should not just revolve around reproducing childeren but also participating in the welfare of the state.

In 2009 PM Gillani himself has stated that women empowerment is embedded in the heart of the government. It is thier utmost priority so i hope the women development centres and NGO's are properly funded. Women rights is the core belief of human rights and without this a nation can never totally move forward. the growth will be slow but it will be steady and consistent.