Do it yourself

 

[T.E.X.T]

Each time I tried to make my mind on saying something about Feminism and related women marches, that are widely observed in Pakistan, I got stuck in confusion over subject specially in its relation with contemporary Pakistani society. Like other countries in the world, Pakistan too has divided opinions into which majority of men and women vehemently oppose it while there are social divisions, individuals and mainstream political bodies that, at least in theory, agree with it though practically stands at a gape. It is also observed that majority of people who oppose the feminist views either does not understand the move at all or for some good reasons think it unnatural and even harmful for society and the underlying family system.

It is observed that majority of people who oppose the feminist views either does not understand the move at all or for some good reasons think it unnatural and even harmful for society and the underlying family system.

Before analyzing the case in cultural perspective of Pakistan let us first see what actually Feminism is and what change it demands from society? Feminism is all about gender equality. Commonly agreed upon definition of includes (1) Social Equality (2) Economic Equality and (3) Political Equality. Feminism advocates that women and men have equal social, political and economical rights. Many people fail to understand the meanings of equality. Equality here does not mean similarity. Thus a feminist is not likely to say man and woman are same. Their advocacy is about equal rights for example equal access to education, ownership of land or holding a public office.

Equality here does not mean similarity. Thus a feminist is not likely to say man and woman are same. Their advocacy is about equal rights

There were times in Europe and America when women were not given the rights to vote in elections. They were not allowed ownership of property, traveling or running a business without a male partner. It was almost established that woman has no role in society outside home and the prime duty expected from woman was domestic one at the top of which was to give birth to the heirs of family property.

Though status of women in society has always been a subject of philosophy dated back to Plato who discussed it in details - the term, in modern sense, was first coined in France during French Revolution. The movement has different objectives during the times with more or less the same theme ie. same rights as men enjoy.

During the last few years feminist views, specially Woman March on designated days, got wide attention on social media probably due to indecorous messages conveyed by some of the participants on their play-cards. I shall discuss the symbolic meanings of the messages sometimes later and focus only on the move itself.

When it comes to society, women in Pakistan are generally expected to behave in a pattern defined by man. At the atomic level an average married woman has to confirm the supremacy of her husband (traditionally the head of the family) and an unmarried one is usually under the influence of her mother, father and brothers. The mother which is under the influence of her husband usually reinforce the patriarchy. The collective equilibrium of all these forces create the picture of woman in society.

it is seemingly not the the real female issues that provoked the fierce remarks rather it is the male attitude in Pakistan towards female issues.

Generally speaking, it is seemingly not the the real female issues that provoked the fierce remarks we received as message on Women Day rather it is the male attitude in Pakistan towards female issues. As for the laws in Pakistan they are generally women friendly and at par with other countries. It is however not the law but the social pressure and general male attitude which intimidate the women to access the rights and privilege that usually a male enjoys.

Written and Posted by Salam Esapzay on 11-03-2019