An Emerging Wave of Feminism .
Feminism is the term that is mostly misunderstood by a layman in conservative societies like South Asian countries .
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Feminism is a term that advocates equal rights for the women those that may be justified for men . It constitutes of all the rights on social , political , economic grounds , access to medical care ,right to quality education and social participation.It is another word for women empowerment .However when we talk about Gender Equality we further generalise our concept of equal rights for all human beings regardless of their sexes whether male , female or transgender etc .
Women' Day is celebrated globally on 8 march every year . When women protest for their equal rights in our country then unfortunately : heaps of criticism is hurled at them , their character is assassinated and a trend of abuses is trolled at social media against the protesting women . General public call them treater, vulgar and preachers of western culture . These sentiments are mostly sparked by religious hardliners . Last time Aurat March( women’March) in Islamabad (Pakistan) was attacked by provoked workers of one of the prominent religious party of Pakistan . One of the participant women got severe injuries and was admitted to hospital
. Regardless of this dichotomy of opinions Let' s have a look Do we actually need struggle for gender equality and what is the situation of Women rights in our country .
Domestic violence is prevalent since decades and is decriminalized by individuals as men consider women as their private ownership. Coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the domestic violence according to UNHRC ( United Nations Human Rights Council )since disasters hit the vulnerable ones the most . Due to lockdowns imposed by countries to contain the pandemic" men were restricted to homes ' thus inflicting their female partners psychologically, ,emotionally and even hitting them physically .Even one of the woman was killed by his male partner due to putting less amount of salt in the curry. So Women are demanding in protests to legislate and implement the laws to curb domestic violence .And this makes sense too.
The exploitation of women is not only limited to domestic violence but they are also harassed , abused and sexually assaulted by men , even by their neighbours and relatives. If the accused is a close relative or an influential one then the chances are high that he may escape of legal prosecution process. A few months ago a woman was raped by a gang at a motorway in front of her children . But instead of lamenting criminals people blamed her for her scanty dress and leaving home late at night . Even CCPO Lahore was of the same view that woman should have not left the home late at night . Although govt in Pakistan has introduced death penalty or chemical castration for rape criminals however Its implementation will be a real challenge in future .
Most of the families in our country consider that only their boys deserve the right to education . As they think that education will make their sons earn good for their families in future and their daughters will be fed by their husbands who shall earn for them.In this way the most important aspect of education that is "moral and character improvement' is neglected . As Napoleon claimed "Give me a good mother ,I shall give You a good nation". Not only Napoleon but all great leaders admitted that contribution of women is pivotal to forge a civilized and powerful society.
So we must have to change our prejudiced and misogynist attitude towards women if we really want an enlightened and peaceful society . We have to respect our women and treat them equal human being ' neither inferior nor superior than men. These norms will not westernize our society but our own culture will flourish and Earth will be a heaven for everyone .
