Role of women in society

Sarir Ahmad

“Women make up one half of society. Our society will remain backward and in chains unless its women are liberated, enlightened, and educated,” said Sadam Hussain, an Iraqi politician and revolutionary person (The New Humanitarian 2023). Similarly, women are the backbone of families and are crucial for growth and development in societies. One cannot exclude the role of women form a community and at the same cannot deny the importance of women in all facets of life. This article will show that the role of women is crucial in the contemporary Pakistan. It will also show that women play vital roles in advancement of education, promoting employment, and participation in politics.

The role of women in Pakistan has been entangled with the traditional values, religious norms, and socioeconomic factors. Despite historical barriers and cultural challenges, women have played their vital role in the society in different forms. Numerous empirical investigations have demonstrated that an expansion in women’s education leads to higher wages for them, with returns on education often surpassing those for men(Pakistan 2019). This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, including increased access to better job opportunities, enhanced skills and knowledge, and greater economic independence. Additionally, elevating the level of female education has a broader impact on society, positively influencing human development outcomes. Studies indicate that societies with higher levels of female education experience improved child survival rates, as educated mothers are better equipped to make informed healthcare decisions and provide adequate nutrition and care for their children.

Women have significantly contributed to the progress of education, taking on the roles as teachers, advocates, and are a catalyst in transformation of educational system. As educators, women have played a crucial role in sharing knowledge and nurturing young minds. From trailblazing figures like Mary McLeod Bethune and Maria Montessori to modern icons such as Malala Yousafzai and Michelle Obama, women have been unwavering advocates for universal education (Besheer 2014).

They champion equal access and high-quality learning experiences, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or geographic location. Additionally, women have actively shaped educational policies and institutions, advocating for reforms that emphasize inclusivity, diversity, and equity. Additionally, organizations like Girls Learn International (GLI) empower students to advocate for universal education and human rights (“Girls Learn International –,” n.d.). Through initiatives such as letter-writing competitions and educational workshops, GLI mobilizes young activists, fostering collaboration and collective action to address educational disparities and promote gender equality. By amplifying the voices of young activists, GLI contributes to a global movement for social justice and equitable access to education in Pakistan also.Moreover, women have significantly contributed to bridging educational gaps and advocating for continuous learning opportunities among marginalized groups, such as girls, refugees, and people with disabilities. Their endeavors not only widened access to advanced education but have also fostered social and economic empowerment, propelling us toward achieving sustainable development objectives.

In the contemporary Pakistan Women are playing a crucial role in the workplace, contributing to the economic wellbeing of different sectors. Women hold positions across a wide spectrum of domains, including healthcare, education, finance, information technology, and manufacturing. Their impact spans from highly skilled professionals to entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders within their specific fields(Chaudhary and Dutt 2022). Furthermore, women play a critical role in the informal sector, participating in activities like agriculture, crafts, and home-based businesses, which substantially contribute to household earnings and local economies.

In Pakistan, women have achieved remarkable milestones in political representation. They hold crucial positions of authority and impact at different government levels. From serving as Prime Minister, Federal Minister, and Speaker of the National Assembly to assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition, these women have broken barriers and challenged societal norms to assert their leadership in politics. Their competence and capabilities have not only been evident but have also paved the path for future generations of women leaders, inspiring others to pursue careers in public service and politics. In the contemporary context, there are women taking part in electoral processes and working as a leader of parties. Alongside other parties’ allocation of seats to women, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) issued ‘record’ National Assembly tickets to 21 women in the general elections of 2024 (Desk 2024). Giving women an opportunity to take part in politics has allowed women to play their roles in making a society and to work for the betterment of people.

Apart from the politics of Pakistan, women of Pakistan are plating their roles for social justice and uplifting marginalized communities. For example, Mahrang Baloch is a student, and she is well known as a social activist for Balochistan. She is vigorously asking the state to provide them with facilities and may respect their rights(A and A 2023). This is a role in a community that one is delving for promoting equality and seeking a better place for the upcoming underprivileged generations.

In a nutshell, women in contemporary Pakistan play multifaceted and indispensable roles across various sectors, significantly contributing to the country’s social, political, and economic progress. As educators, they tirelessly advance quality education and drive positive change. In politics, they break barriers, advocate for gender equality, and promote inclusive governance. Their increasing participation in the workforce challenges traditional gender norms and fosters economic growth. As activists, they champion social justice, human rights, and gender equality. Collectively, their resilience and unwavering commitment build a more inclusive and prosperous society. Moving forward, continued support and empowerment are crucial for Pakistan’s betterment. Essentially the role of women is equivalent to men and women are responsible to shape the future of the communities, starting from a single home.