Women: Pakistan’s second-class citizens

[Pakistanisage]

sir,there exists a universal partiality towards women,and practically saying i doubt if we can ever level that..

And isn't it a SAD state of affairs when half of our human race is subjected to this torture to varying degrees and yet we do nothing. You have to marvel the courage of this 16 year old MALALA YOUSAFZAI who has been fighting this battle fearlessly since she was 12 years old and even after being SHOT in the head from point blank range, it has not dampened her spirit.

I stand with my Sisters and my Daughters in defending their GOD GIVEN HUMAN RIGHTS.

 

[Dubious]

Women: Pakistan’s second-class citizens

By Sabina Khan
Published: July 31, 2013

Women in Karak have been prohibited from leaving their homes without a mahram due to the reason that they spread vulgarity and distract men during the holy month.

tou ankhain phar kay dekhnay ko kisnay kaha?!

Idiots cant control themselves so cover up the woman...Hell they even stop and stare at women in burqa....WHAT NEXT? Where the Hell is this Karak?! And who is the mental man lying (that this is Islam and making people accept it) in the "HOLY MONTH" ...Hell they should mind their own business even during other months!

Perhaps, a better way of ensuring that these weak-willed men stay chaste would be for the primitives to blindfold themselves and stay in their homes. Evidently, women do not suffer from any such inclinations when they head out to the store to purchase groceries; it is only the men who become overwhelmed by uncontrollable urges. It makes perfect sense that they should also be the ones to take precautions.

agreed!

The Constitution of Pakistan ensures equal rights for all, but women are still treated as second class citizens and their space is severely restricted in the rural areas each day. Malala Yousufzai was shot in the head for trying to pursue an education, rape victims are treated as adulterers and girls dancing in the rain in their own home are murdered because their video brought dishonour to their step-brother. Why is the honour of men so fragile and so easily undermined? Many women, who have had acid thrown on their faces, somehow find the will to carry on.

:agreed: Weaklings!

Over the years, we have allowed our values to be subverted by Middle Eastern culture, which is brought over from Pakistanis working in the region. While driving through Skardu last year, I saw several signs stating “dear sisters, hijab is our culture. Be considerate so that you are respected”. Hijab has never been a part of our culture; women who observe purdah have traditionally worn a chador. If women choose not to wear the hijab, niqab, burqa or chador, then that is their choice and should be respected.

MAYBE the author should have used the word BURQA....Hijab literally means to cover be it with chaddar or be it using a burqa...Purdah is the Persian form of Hijab...people get your facts right..

The flawed logic of comparing women with diamonds does not make sense either. No, women are not just pretty things that need to be hidden away and protected. They are human beings who deserve an equal chance just like men to live a self-sufficient life. Society needs to understand that women are not asking to be raped if they step out of the house to go to university or work. Patriarchal societies condone oppression of women for childish reasons, such as the unwillingness to accept a proposal rejection and the possibility of living side by side with a successful independent wife instead of ruling over a subservient child-bearer.

Well, if the wife was educated she would know he is not allowed this and that and her rights....Now THAT is not what PATRIARCHAL SOCIETIES want...a woman's opinion!

In the long term, education is, of course, key to reversing the damage caused by religious charities in Pakistan funded by certain overseas countries. However, that remains an out of reach dream at the moment since Pakistan’s legislation is determined by a set of officials who themselves have fake degrees.

Education IS THE KEY! I have said it since day 1 on this forum!

Despite numerous challenges, women have recently made strides in Pakistan. The first female jirga in Swat is a recent step in the right direction. Women have joined the Pakistan Army, Air Force and also climbed Mount Everest. Although the Burqa Avenger’s costume has received a mixed reaction, there is even a new female superhero on the scene to save girls’ education. However, this is just the beginning; ultimately, Pakistanis need to decide if they are going to be governed by the Constitution of Pakistan, which grants equal rights to everyone or by the will of illiterate clerics and whatever fantasy laws they whip up. If the government remains silent and no action is taken to correct this dysfunction, then there is a risk that ignorance will spread to less affected urban areas. Nothing is static. We’re either advancing as a nation or slowly devolving into intolerant subcultures. Having lived in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, my vision of a modern Pakistan does not include a man followed at four paces by his wives draped in black with nothing but a slit for their eyes. Pakistani women may be irresistible beauties, but they have contributions to offer to society, many are well-educated and it would be a loss for the nation to hide them away like second-rate citizens.

Funny a German man said the same to me not long back...why do Muslim women walk behind men? It was a first I had heard ...

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2013.

SOURCE - Women: Pakistan

I'm sorry for whatever part I my have played, knowingly or unknowingly, in perpetuating a Second-Class Status for Our Women !

On my part, hence forth, I will be more conscious of the rights of our women & ensure that they're protected - I promise !

Our women are the best in the world & they deserve so much better from us - the Pakistani Men !

' @Secur @Talon @Hermione G @Marshmallow @Spring Onion @Developereo @ZYXW @DESERT FIGHTER @truthseer @Hyperion @474474 @RazPaK @mafiya @balixd @Argus Panoptes @ANTIBODY @Awesome @Aeronaut @chauvunist @Pak-one @TaimiKhan @Xeric @Leader @Abu Zolfiqar @xyxmt @Jungibaaz @darkinsky @pak-marine @notorious_eagle @HAIDER @Rafi @Ehsan @Jazzbot @LoveIcon @Farah Sohail @HRK @SHAMK9 @cb4 @Ghareeb_Da_Baal @niaz @S.U.R.B. @Peaceful Civilian @JonAsad @jaibi @A.Rafay @razgriz19 @Raja.Pakistani

 

[livingdead]

Sure, why not. Are you willing to organise and lead the protest?

I am not trying to trivialize the issue.. but more visible participation of women in our society is required.. I on my part will never discriminate against an women and will always support any law that brings parity between genders.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

the title is overly sensationalist.....

 

[Marshmallow]

Women: Pakistan’s second-class citizens

By Sabina Khan
Published: July 31, 2013

Women in Karak have been prohibited from leaving their homes without a mahram due to the reason that they spread vulgarity and distract men during the holy month. Perhaps, a better way of ensuring that these weak-willed men stay chaste would be for the primitives to blindfold themselves and stay in their homes. Evidently, women do not suffer from any such inclinations when they head out to the store to purchase groceries; it is only the men who become overwhelmed by uncontrollable urges. It makes perfect sense that they should also be the ones to take precautions.

The Constitution of Pakistan ensures equal rights for all, but women are still treated as second class citizens and their space is severely restricted in the rural areas each day. Malala Yousufzai was shot in the head for trying to pursue an education, rape victims are treated as adulterers and girls dancing in the rain in their own home are murdered because their video brought dishonour to their step-brother. Why is the honour of men so fragile and so easily undermined? Many women, who have had acid thrown on their faces, somehow find the will to carry on.

Over the years, we have allowed our values to be subverted by Middle Eastern culture, which is brought over from Pakistanis working in the region. While driving through Skardu last year, I saw several signs stating “dear sisters, hijab is our culture. Be considerate so that you are respected”. Hijab has never been a part of our culture; women who observe purdah have traditionally worn a chador. If women choose not to wear the hijab, niqab, burqa or chador, then that is their choice and should be respected.

The flawed logic of comparing women with diamonds does not make sense either. No, women are not just pretty things that need to be hidden away and protected. They are human beings who deserve an equal chance just like men to live a self-sufficient life. Society needs to understand that women are not asking to be raped if they step out of the house to go to university or work. Patriarchal societies condone oppression of women for childish reasons, such as the unwillingness to accept a proposal rejection and the possibility of living side by side with a successful independent wife instead of ruling over a subservient child-bearer.

In the long term, education is, of course, key to reversing the damage caused by religious charities in Pakistan funded by certain overseas countries. However, that remains an out of reach dream at the moment since Pakistan’s legislation is determined by a set of officials who themselves have fake degrees.

Despite numerous challenges, women have recently made strides in Pakistan. The first female jirga in Swat is a recent step in the right direction. Women have joined the Pakistan Army, Air Force and also climbed Mount Everest. Although the Burqa Avenger’s costume has received a mixed reaction, there is even a new female superhero on the scene to save girls’ education. However, this is just the beginning; ultimately, Pakistanis need to decide if they are going to be governed by the Constitution of Pakistan, which grants equal rights to everyone or by the will of illiterate clerics and whatever fantasy laws they whip up. If the government remains silent and no action is taken to correct this dysfunction, then there is a risk that ignorance will spread to less affected urban areas. Nothing is static. We’re either advancing as a nation or slowly devolving into intolerant subcultures. Having lived in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, my vision of a modern Pakistan does not include a man followed at four paces by his wives draped in black with nothing but a slit for their eyes. Pakistani women may be irresistible beauties, but they have contributions to offer to society, many are well-educated and it would be a loss for the nation to hide them away like second-rate citizens.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2013.

SOURCE - Women: Pakistan

I'm sorry for whatever part I my have played, knowingly or unknowingly, in perpetuating a Second-Class Status for Our Women !

On my part, hence forth, I will be more conscious of the rights of our women & ensure that they're protected - I promise !

Our women are the best in the world & they deserve so much better from us - the Pakistani Men !

' @Secur @Talon @Hermione G @Marshmallow @Spring Onion @Developereo @ZYXW @DESERT FIGHTER @truthseer @Hyperion @474474 @RazPaK @mafiya @balixd @Argus Panoptes @ANTIBODY @Awesome @Aeronaut @chauvunist @Pak-one @TaimiKhan @Xeric @Leader @Abu Zolfiqar @xyxmt @Jungibaaz @darkinsky @pak-marine @notorious_eagle @HAIDER @Rafi @Ehsan @Jazzbot @LoveIcon @Farah Sohail @HRK @SHAMK9 @cb4 @Ghareeb_Da_Baal @niaz @S.U.R.B. @Peaceful Civilian @JonAsad @jaibi @A.Rafay @razgriz19 @Raja.Pakistani

..............

 

[blood]

this problem is of whole subcontinent. Only way is for women to assert themselves, and demand equality. I know feminism is derided now, but we should have our own feminist movement. Inspite of its failings, it did wonder for western society.

the main difference in women of our subcontinent and the women in west is they vote in every election on such issues.We saw how the women voters gave a victory to obama for speaking against laws for birth control to be introduced by romney if he won.
the only thing these politicians care for is 'power' , when these women voters start giving the political mandate based on such grievances only then will things change.
i hope women in the next delhi elections come out in large numbers and vote out sheila dikshit govt.

 

[JonAsad]

Its funny how the article started by mentioning a local event from Karak and ends up painting the whole of Pakistan in same prejudice color-
Exaggeration much?-

 

[Ayush]

Its funny how the article started by mentioning a local event from Karak and ends up painting the whole of Pakistan in same prejudice color-
Exaggeration much?-

sir,u really deny that our women,dont face such problems??

 

[JonAsad]

sir,u really deny that our women,dont face such problems??

I hate when people assume the exact opposite to what is written-

Pray tell me where i hv said any thing like that-

 

[karan.1970]

this problem is of whole subcontinent. Only way is for women to assert themselves, and demand equality. I know feminism is derided now, but we should have our own feminist movement. Inspite of its failings, it did wonder for western society.

The only way any oppressed segment of society has ever asserted itself (except a few exceptions) is thru a revolution. Typical revolution where one segment overthrows another is not possible in this case, since here, the oppressed can not exist without the oppressors (not dependence but due to the biological need for co existence).

So only 2 real options... Oppressed become the Oppressors (wont be pretty).. Or the oppressors make way for the oppressed to assume the equal position (aka most of western world). The choice as they say is with us (men)

PS: applies for both India and Pakistan and a bunch of other countries in the region

 

[Armstrong]

..............

Wait why did I mention you ?

You're not a woman...you're a 15 year old little girl !

 

[Amaa'n]

i don't know what to say, We live in a country where we have people from different corners of the society.
Go to a reputed University in your city and see for yourself. In a same group you will find women wearing hijab and women wearing sleeveless tops and jeans. So, when author says that women are treated as second class citizens , i think that is a bit over-rated.

Though such group of people are in minority and 70% of the people are still living in the dark ages.
And here I would say is Education has a role to play.

sir,u really deny that our women,dont face such problems??

such cases are like a cancer in this part of the world, you want me to quote Thailand or Malaysia here, where extra marital affair can land you in jail?
It is an over-statement to say that this issue is country wide, however this is not the case.

 

[EAK]

we do know. because thats not how statistics work... not one particularly demented act but on average how many ofences occur...
apparently you have higher chance being raped there...

yeah yeah everyone knows in which country rapes are like national sport.... want me to remind some details about stats of the R.C.O.T.W => (dehli)

 

[Jazzbot]

Its not like all women are always forced to use Hijaab. My wife used to use veil before getting marriage and after marriage, I asked her about it and she said, she feels more comfortable with it so we never talked about it again. On the other hand, my sister used to use veil here in our house before her marriage, but now after getting married, she isn't using it. She visits us now without any veil and we don't have any issue with it.

The point is, in developed cities or in most of educated families no one takes it that seriously most of the times. These are the sub urban or rural areas where illiteracy and other factors play a vital role in these kind of issues.

 

[Slav Defence]

I have felt that this article's tempo is quite disturbed,first author portrayed the condition of women in Karak,then she jumped off on Malala,later on she suddenly showed up with all positive sides after criticizing society,furthermore,she hasn't enhanced her views well on every event she described,the article has nothing new and topics are typical,I felt some spark in the beginning only,but later on,it die down.