On international women day, Pakistani society seemed divided: many supported the Aurat March while others opposed the same. The opponent of the Aurat March were of the view that Islam has given each and every right to the women. On the other hand, the advocators of the March held that women have long been ignored in all spheres of life be it social, economic or political. Both sides presented strong arguments, and common men remained confuse as usual.
However, it appeals to the mind if Islam has safeguarded women rights, then why women are the victim of inequalities, and why they are leading a deprived lives in approximately all muslims countries? It’s crystal clear that here is no issue in our religious teaching. Islamic teachings are universal in its nature, and there are vivid references from the Quran and the life of Holy Prophet(PBUH) that demonstrate gender equality. But, the real fault lies somewhere else!
Pakistan ranked 151 out of 153 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2020, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) , only managing to surpass Iraq and Yemen.
Furthermore, the scorecard for the country places Pakistan at 150 in economic participation and opportunity, 143 in educational attainment, 149 in health and survival and 93 in political empowerment.
We are responsible for this deplorable state of gender equality.
Islam stresses on coexistence and tolerance, but today’s muslims are different in their approach: women from religious minority communities remain particularly vulnerable to abuse. A report by the Movement for Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan found that at least 1,000 girls belonging to Christian and Hindu communities are forced to marry. Where does it mention in Quran ?
Another report published in Dawn unveils the reality of our society: at least 66 women were murdered in Faisalabad district in the first six months of 2018, the majority in the name of “honor.” If a woman refuses from marriage, her opinion, in majority cases, doesn’t respect which compels her to act otherwise, and interestingly our Muslim society label her as violator of the norms and kills her in the name of honor. There is no fault in Islamic-teaching rather in its followers.
Moreover, Pakistan has the sixth highest absolute number of women married or in a union before the age of 18 in the world.
Early and child marriages are directly attributable to deep-rooted gender inequalities, traditional practices, and customs.
So, these are just the tip-of the iceberg of the issue, we have countless case studies that show gender inequality and atrocities of the society on women.
Then question raises here ….
What could be an alternate solution to the issue?
In my opinion, what they demonstrate is good option, If they give it up, our cruel society will become more wild.
In the light of above discussion it can be said that the Aurat-March is justifiable. It is not a foreign funded project; instead it’s funded from within the mentality of this society.
