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“Challenges to Women in Pakistan and Rights of Women in Islam”

🌸 Introduction: The Irony of Two Realities

In a country where Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim
state, millions of other women still struggle for basic rights. In contrast, Islam, over 1400 years
ago, bestowed upon women unparalleled rights in marriage, education, inheritance, and dignity
— long before the West even began discussing women’s liberation.

Yet, modern-day Pakistan — formed in the name of Islam — witnesses a paradox: women are
constitutionally equal, religiously protected, but culturally oppressed. The distance between
Islamic teachings and societal behavior forms the core of this challenge.

“Treat women kindly, for they are your partners and committed helpers.” —
Prophet Muhammad ‫( ﷺ‬Sahih Bukhari)

🚫 What Are the Challenges Faced by Women in Pakistan?

Here are 10 eye-opening challenges that continue to hinder women’s empowerment and well-
being:

1. Gender-Based Violence

• Fact: Every day, around 11 women are raped in Pakistan (HRCP, 2023).
• Example: The motorway incident in Lahore (2020) ignited public outrage.
• Takeaway: Weak judicial system and delayed justice amplify the trauma.

2. Honor Killings

• Fact: Over 1,000 women are killed annually in the name of 'honor' (UN Women,
2022).
• Example: Qandeel Baloch’s murder by her brother reflects societal hypocrisy.
• Quotation: “No man has the right to judge honor; only Allah does.”
3. Limited Access to Education

• Fact: Over 12 million girls are out of school in Pakistan (UNESCO, 2023).
• Example: In tribal areas, schools are destroyed or discouraged by extremists.
• Takeaway: Illiteracy breeds generational disempowerment.

4. Workplace Harassment

• Fact: 70% of working women face harassment (Aurat Foundation, 2021).

• Example: Female journalists and nurses report daily abuse.
• Quotation: “A working woman is not public property.”

5. Lack of Economic Empowerment

• Fact: Women contribute only 22% to the GDP due to limited participation (World
Bank).
• Example: Home-based workers remain unpaid or underpaid.
• Takeaway: Empowering women economically fuels national progress.

6. Restricted Inheritance Rights

• Fact: Only 39% of women receive their rightful inheritance (NADRA, 2022).
• Quotation: “Give women their due share in inheritance as ordained by Allah.” —
(Surah An-Nisa 4:7)

7. Early and Forced Marriages

• Fact: 1 in 3 girls in rural Pakistan is married before 18 (UNICEF).

• Example: Rural Sindh and KP have high rates of child marriage.
• Takeaway: It stunts mental, physical, and economic growth.
8. Cultural Misinterpretation of Islam

• Example: Islam gives freedom in marriage, but many still force girls.
• Takeaway: Cultural practices override religious commands.

9. Limited Representation in Politics

• Fact: Women occupy only 20% of parliamentary seats, mostly through reserved
quotas.
• Example: Very few women contest general elections on open seats.

10. Healthcare Inequality

• Fact: 50% of pregnant women in rural Pakistan lack access to healthcare.

• Takeaway: Lack of maternal care contributes to high infant and maternal
mortality.

🕌 Rights of Women in Islam (With Quran, Sunnah & Stories)

1. Right to Education

• Hadith: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim man and woman.” —

(Ibn Majah)
• Example: Prophet ‫’ﷺ‬s wife Aisha (RA) became one of the greatest scholars of Islam.

2. Right to Inheritance

• Qur’an: “To the woman a share of what the parents leave...” — (Surah An-Nisa 4:7)
• Example: Fatima (RA) inherited from Prophet ‫’ﷺ‬s personal belongings.

3. Right to Choose Her Spouse

• Hadith: “A virgin should not be married without her consent.” — (Bukhari)

 • Example: Khansa bint Khidam’s marriage was invalidated by Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬as it was
forced.

4. Right to Own Property

• Fact: Women can buy, sell, or gift property without male permission.
• Example: Khadija (RA) was a successful businesswoman.

5. Right to Work and Earn

• Hadith: “Pay the laborer his wage before his sweat dries.” — (Ibn Majah)
• Example: Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬worked for Khadija (RA) before their marriage.

6. Right to Respect and Dignity

• Qur’an: “And live with them honorably...” — (Surah An-Nisa 4:19)

7. Right to Participate in Public Affairs

• Example: Umm Salama and Nusaybah (RA) gave counsel in treaties and wars.

8. Right to Mahr (Dower)

• Qur’an: “Give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.” — (4:4)

9. Right to Divorce (Khula)

• Example: Jamila approached the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬for Khula and he granted it (Bukhari).
10. Right to Spiritual Equality

• Qur’an: “The believing men and women are allies to one another...” — (9:71)

📊 Case Studies in Pakistan

1. Mukhtaran Mai Case

Gang-raped on orders of a tribal council; she later became an activist.

Impact: Highlighted lack of justice and tribal oppression.

2. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Faced injustice and imprisonment abroad with limited support.

Impact: Became a symbol of neglected Pakistani women.

3. Maria Baloch (Honor Killing Victim)

Killed for social media activity.

Impact: Showed how digital freedom is policed for women.

4. Khadija Siddiqui Case

Survived a stabbing attempt by a classmate.

Impact: Her case proved that even elite women face injustice.

5. Noor Mukaddam Case

Beheaded in Islamabad in 2021.

Impact: Shook the nation; became a test case for elite accountability.
6. Lady Health Workers’ Protests

Thousands of LHWs protested for better pay.

Impact: Highlighted healthcare gender disparity.

✅ Recommendations to Address the Challenges

1. Implement Inheritance Laws Strictly

• Fact: NADRA should digitize inheritance records.

• Quotation: “Do not withhold women from what Allah has prescribed.” — Qur’an

2. Ensure Free and Safe Education for Girls

• Example: Mobile schools or community setups in rural areas.

• Takeaway: Educated women change generations.

3. Speedy Justice for Gender-Based Violence

• Fact: Fast-track courts for rape and harassment.

• Book: “The Weak Shall Inherit the Bench” — Human Rights Watch

4. Economic Uplift Through Skill Training

• Example: Hunar Foundation and Kamyab Jawan Program for women.

5. Enforce Workplace Harassment Laws

• Fact: Penal Code Sec 509 must be practically enforced.

6. Ban Child Marriages Strictly

• Figure: Raise the marriage age to 18 nationwide.

• Example: Sindh CMRA law as a model.

7. Public Awareness Campaigns on Women’s Rights in Islam

• Takeaway: Bridge the gap between culture and religion.

8. Political Empowerment of Women

• Fact: Reserve not just seats but party tickets for general elections.

9. Healthcare Equity for Rural Women

• Suggestion: Deploy more mobile health units and women doctors.

10. Digital Literacy and Online Safety

• Fact: Create safe internet zones and reporting platforms.

🏁 Conclusion

While Pakistan celebrates women like Arfa Karim, Malala, and Justice Ayesha Malik,
millions more still suffer silently behind closed doors. The irony remains: Islam gave women
dignity, but society strips it away.

“The best of you are those who are best to their women.” — Prophet
Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬

For Pakistan to truly prosper, we must align our society with the rights given by Islam, not the
shackles imposed by misinterpreted customs.
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