Pakistani Women
The practice of “guarding” females from the outside world is viewed in Pakistan as a caring act that preserves her honor, and the honor of her family’s. The women in Pakistan tend to be married young; they rarely work outside of the home. Brides can be as young as 15 in Pakistan.
The top priority for a Pakistani woman is to maintain a good reputation for herself and her family. It is not polite in Pakistan to talk about female members of the family. behaviors such as divorce and promiscuity can destroy a women’s reputation and respect is not often re attained. Women who are wealthy tend to have more freedom in Pakistan, but the treatment of women varies depending on the geographical area. Women were often offered less education than Males. This is beginning to change though, with the institution of compulsory education. They are also realizing the importance of education and how it can better their country. |
Pakistani Men
Men in Pakistan have much expectation to be disciplinarians and to provide for their family. All important decision making is done by the senior male in the family.
Men are often affectionate with one another and can be seen hugging and kissing on the cheek. A man holding another man’s hand in public is taken as a sign of friendship and trust. Men do all of the contact with the outside world for the family. Women are not likely to socialize with anyone other than family at a risk of ruining her reputation. It is not even polite for someone to speak of one's female family member. |
Children
Children in Pakistan are considered to be a blessing from Allah. They are cherished and loved very much. Great celebrations happen at the birth of a child, especially when the child is a male.
At first young girls and boys are allowed to play together, but later around 7 or 8 they are separated. They must abide by their family responsibilities, which for girls is the expectancy to stay with their Mother and help with household chores. Boys are expected to go to work with their Fathers, whether it is business or working in the fields. |
The Third Gender
The third gender, known as hiijra consists of male eunuchs, homosexuals, hermaphrodites, and transvestites. The hiijra are known to be called fallen children of Allah. During the Mughal Empire the hiijra had very important roles. Their role was to be care takers to a rulers harem and to be a political confidant to their masters. They now are known to make a living by performing at weddings, and births, and unfortunately by begging and prostitution as well. Here is a link to a very inclusive look at life of a hiijra: http://www.ipsnews.net/2016/06/transgender-in-pakistan-a-forgotten-people/.
Gender Issues
When comparing Pakistan gender roles to western lifestyle, it may seem absurd the way that women are treated. We must understand and be mindful of the differences in culture. If a westerner was to address a Pakistani women to tell her she is being treated unfairly, the women would be scared by that statement and confused. We are so different in so many ways.
The issue that is of most concern is if women are lacking education, but recent information suggests that they are making progress in that direction. As a woman who very much believes in equality what I have learned makes me fearful for some Pakistani women. When looking at the index for equality it was quite surprising to see that According to the index, Pakistan ranks second-worst in economic participation and opportunity, eighth-worst in terms of equal access to education, 13th from the bottom in terms of health and survival. (http://www.dawn.com/news/1051796). This is something everyone must look at as alarming. The gaps in equality between men and women in Pakistan is large. Women must abide by many more rules then the men do, and are not given the same privileges. The issues with gender in Pakistan is that women are not equal as man, and although this has been a way of life in the Pakistan culture, equality is a goal that everyone in the world should strive for. The current government is trying to improve the situation for women in Pakistan, but it will take time, the people still hold onto their old customs and traditions. |
By: Alyssa Murfin