Status of Women in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The status of women in Pakistan is worsening day by day and their living standard is also decreasing abysmally. Women in Pakistan do not only suffer from domestic inequalities in terms of the distribution of resources but their access to outside resources like education and employment is minimal and support from government or non-governmental organizations is nominal. Patriarchal structures embodied in kinship, religion, division of labour, violence and class hierarchy have further reinforced subordination of women and their dependence on men. The inability of state to fulfil basic needs of people has increased the number of poor women in the country. This study attempts to present an analysis on the plight of women and widening gender inequalities being reinforced by patriarchal set up and norms in Pakistani society. The analysis is done in the light of two main analytical frameworks: Women in Development (WID) and Gender and Development (GAD). The methodology applied for the study is qualitative. The study concludes that until gender inequalities are removed, women would continue to suffer from subjugation in Pakistan; therefore, state should adopt more gender sensitive human development policies and ensure women’s representation and participation in all the crucial domains.