Full Answer
What percentage of Pakistan's population is female?
Women in Pakistan make up 48.76% of the population according to the 2017 census of Pakistan. Women in Pakistan have played an important role throughout Pakistan's history and they are allowed to vote in elections since 1956.
What are the problems faced by female workers in Pakistan?
He claimed that female workers faced problems like the withholding of promotion and even demotion if they refused to fulfil the "demands" of officers. Every year, thousands of women in Pakistan are harassed by their male colleagues. Most women from the so-called "respectable families" are forced to remain silent.
What is it like to be a woman in Pakistan?
Pakistan is a largely rural society (almost two-thirds of the population lives in rural areas) and women are rarely formally employed.
Do women in rural and tribal areas of Pakistan live differently?
Women in elite urban districts of Pakistan enjoy a far more privileged lifestyle than those living in rural tribal areas. Women in urbanized districts typically lead more elite lifestyles and have more opportunities for education. Rural and tribal areas of Pakistan have an increasingly high rate of poverty and alarmingly low literacy rates.
How many women were murdered in Pakistan in 1999?
When did Pakistani women get the right to vote?
How many cases of domestic violence in Pakistan in 2020?
How did the women of Pakistan get sentenced to death?
When was Nawaz Sharif elected as Prime Minister?
When did women join the Women's Action Forum?
Is abortion illegal in Pakistan?
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About this website
Pakistani Women: What Makes Them The Best Muslim Wives?
Lately, Iranian women have been increasingly popular among men all across the world. That’s because more and more men are noticing their distinct features of character and prominent personalities that stand behind an image of strong, independent, and highly self-reliable people.
Treatment of women in Pakistan - The Express Tribune
Pakistan does not treat its women well. This can be attributed to two traditions the country has inherited. One, women’s poor status is common in the Muslim world.
Country Fact Sheet | UN Women Data Hub
Asia. Globally, some progress on women’s rights has been achieved. In Pakistan, 18.3% of women aged 20–24 years old who were married or in a union before age 18.
How many women were murdered in Pakistan in 1999?
In 1999, at least 1000 women were murdered in Pakistan and 90% of women reported being subject to domestic violence. Law enforcement authorities routinely dismiss domestic violence as private disputes. With domestic violence cases, it is important to acknowledge that marital rape is not considered a crime.
When did Pakistani women get the right to vote?
Pakistani women were granted the suffrage in 1947, and they were reaffirmed the right to vote in national elections in 1956 under the interim Constitution. The provision of reservation of seats for women in the Parliament existed throughout the constitutional history of Pakistan from 1956 to 1973.
How many cases of domestic violence in Pakistan in 2020?
A 2020 Report by Aurat foundation on "Violence against women and girls in the time of Covid 19 pandemic" from identified 25 districts of Pakistan reported 2297 cases of domestic violence against women which included crimes like honour killings, murder, rape, suicide, acid burning, kidnapping; out of which 57 % cases were reported from Punjab, 27 % from Sindh.
How did the women of Pakistan get sentenced to death?
They were sentenced to death by stoning. The public criticism led to their retrial and acquittal by the Federal Shariah Court. The Ministry of Women's Development (MWD) established Women's Studies centres at five universities in Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and Lahore in 1989.
When was Nawaz Sharif elected as Prime Minister?
In 1997 , Nawaz Sharif was elected as Prime Minister. He had also held office for a truncated term (1990–1993), during which he had promised to adopt Islamic law as the supreme law of Pakistan.
When did women join the Women's Action Forum?
In September 1981, women came together in Karachi in an emergency meeting to oppose the adverse effects on women of martial law and the Islamization campaign. They launched what later became the first full-fledged national women's movement in Pakistan, the Women’s Action Forum (WAF).
Is abortion illegal in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, abortion and infanticide is illegal and so is adultery. Premarital relations are strictly prohibited in the country and are frowned upon by society. According to media reports, the ratio of female infanticides is higher than male. People give more value to a baby boy than a baby girl. People are worried and scared about the finances required for her marriage as dowry is also worst practice followed by our society. This whole scenario leads them to commit the hideous crime of infanticide. Three different research studies, according to Klausen and Wink, note that Pakistan had the world's highest percentage of missing girls, relative to its total pre-adult female population.
How many labour inspectors are there in Pakistan?
Almost half of Pakistan’s 180 million-strong population live in Punjab province, and it is home to more than 48,000 industrial units. But there are just 180 labour inspectors for the whole province, only two of which are women.
Is there harassment at Afsheen's factory?
There is no representation of women because you need an appointment letter to become member of the union.”. Unfortunately, the situation at Afsheen’s factory is not unique.
What are the barriers to women's employment in Pakistan?
Lack of education limits women’s access to jobs. Lack of education is another significant constraint to women’s work. Working age women in Peshawar have a strikingly low level of education, as 54 percent of them have not completed primary education and only 29 percent have attained higher than primary education.
What occupies women's time in KP?
Household production of services occupies women’s time in KP. Most women and men in KP believe that women’s rightful “place” is in the home. Not surprisingly, the production of services for family use occupies most women’s time.
How do social norms affect women's labor outcomes?
Social norms shape women’s labor outcomes. To mind the demeanor of women and protect their honor, many men restrict women from leaving home and, if they do go out, they are chaperoned. Women therefore seek work that can be done at home.
Where is the first women's empowerment?
The first one covers the city of Peshawar, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province where women’s economic empowerment is challenged by rigid cultural norms.
Should a non working woman do home based work?
A non-working woman previously employed as a school helper stated: “I think a woman should do home-based work. This way she can keep an eye on the children. She will be able to perform household responsibilities, everyone will get food on time, and everything would be done smoothly.”.
Who was the first female cabbie in Pakistan?
But the country is grappling with physical, psychological and sexual harassment of women in the workplace. Woman in a man's world: Kazmi is Pakistan's first female cabbie. Afsheen*, an air hostess with the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), recalls when she was selected to work with the airline company.
Who is Zahida Kazim?
Zahida Kazim, a widow in her 50s, drives her leased taxi in the capital Islamabad. Passengers are kind, respectful and friendly. But this might be because of her old age and the big shawl that covers her head all the time.
Do hostesses in Pakistan get harassed?
Air hostesses in Pakistan are often harassed by their male colleagues. "Harassment exists and we cannot ignore that. But we have to remain silent, otherwise our fathers and brothers wouldn’t let us continue working, and we cannot afford that," Sara, a 25-year-old banker, says.
What is labor force participation rate?
Definition: Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.
What is labor force survey?
Labor force surveys are the most comprehensive source for internationally comparable labor force data. They can cover all non-institutionalized civilians, all branches and sectors of the economy, and all categories of workers, including people holding multiple jobs.
Do women have higher education?
In many high-income economie s, women have been increasingly acquiring higher education that has led to better -compensated, longer-term careers rather than lower-skilled, shorter-term jobs. However, access to good- paying occupations for women remains unequal in many occupations and countries around the world.
What are the factors that contribute to the poor employment of women in Pakistan?
The major factors contributing to poor employment trends for females in Pakistan include low literacy rates, and social and cultural taboos and norms that impede their active participation in national economic activity. The situation calls for immediate action from both organised and unorganised sectors of employment. The government’s taking the lead by reviewing its labour policies and by offering incentives to women who due to numerous factors remain out of jobs can address the problem and set an example for others. For an effective workforce, the capacity of the women workers should be enhanced through creation of more vocational training institutions and through on-the-job trainings. Since it is the key to the success and economic growth of a country, education must be made compulsory and free at least at the primary level for all girls.
What is the most accommodative category of female workers?
The category most accommodative of female workers was “elementary (unskilled) occupations,” where their ratio was 25.1 percent of the total number of workers employed.
What percentage of family helpers were female in 2001?
Similarly, as unpaid family helpers, females were 46.9 percent of the total of 20.8 percent in 2001-02. The number of unpaid family helpers followed a rising trend, reaching 60.5 percent of the total of 26.3 percent in 2012-13. This indicates that more females were pushed, or forced, into this category. This is a confirmation of the discrimination against female employees in the Pakistani job market, and of fewer opportunities available to them in white-collar jobs.
What are the causes of the dismaying employment situation for female workers and professionals in the country?
Gender discrimination, social injustice and the low literacy rate are the root causes of the dismaying employment situation for female workers and professionals in the country. Unless these problems are effectively addressed,
Why are women's wages so low?
In addition to the high rate of female unemployment and the low job opportunities in major occupational groups, there is the factor of lower wages for female employees. Low female representation in professional jobs and senior positions is a result of social injustice, socio-economic conditions, low educational levels and persistent discrimination against women in our society. In 2001-02 women managers and officials at senior levels were only 1.9 percent, of the total 11.6 percent in the group. Of the total 11.5 percent, the number of women in the same group declined to 1.6 percent by 2012-13.
What is the unemployment rate for females in 2012?
According to the LFS, the unemployment rate was 8.3 percent in 2001-02, but the rate for females it was 16.5 percent . That declined to 9 percent in 2012-13, which was higher than the 6.2 percent for male employees which is another positive point.
Does female participation in economic activities increase over time?
However, while this shows that female participation in economic activities gradually increased over the period in question, there is little room for self-congratulation: we still have to go a very long way before we achieve the goal of male-female parity in employment, and that can only result from full female participation in economic activities at all levels.
Who was the first female ambassador to Pakistan?
The most famous names are Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, the wife of Pakistan’s first prime minister, who was one of the very first female ambassadors in 1954. Or Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, sister of the state founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was run as a presidential candidate in 1965. And Benazir Bhutto, former leader of the Pakistani People Party ...
Which class is most likely to find innovative behavior with regard to female schooling?
The middle and upper classes are most likely to find innovative behavior with regard to female schooling. The way family members are brought up and employed increases the family’s prestige and status. Women from these privileged classes have access to university education and can usually choose a career of their own.
Is there any training opportunities for women in Beluchistan?
In Beluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is little industrial development and hardly any training opportunities for women due to the sporadic urban centers.
Is Pakistan a female sphere of influence?
Women and Work in Pakistan. The female sphere of influence in public and the possibility of employment for Pakistani women is to a large extent dependent on the gender segregation (‘Purdah’). However, there are also major differences in terms of professional opportunities depending on social class and the income levels of the entire family.
Do women have access to university?
Women from these privileged classes have access to university education and can usually choose a career of their own. At this level of the socio-economic scale, there has been a large increase in the teaching and medical professions. About a third of all teachers and a fifth of all doctors are women. The need for teachers and doctors is explained ...
How many women were murdered in Pakistan in 1999?
In 1999, at least 1000 women were murdered in Pakistan and 90% of women reported being subject to domestic violence. Law enforcement authorities routinely dismiss domestic violence as private disputes. With domestic violence cases, it is important to acknowledge that marital rape is not considered a crime.
When did Pakistani women get the right to vote?
Pakistani women were granted the suffrage in 1947, and they were reaffirmed the right to vote in national elections in 1956 under the interim Constitution. The provision of reservation of seats for women in the Parliament existed throughout the constitutional history of Pakistan from 1956 to 1973.
How many cases of domestic violence in Pakistan in 2020?
A 2020 Report by Aurat foundation on "Violence against women and girls in the time of Covid 19 pandemic" from identified 25 districts of Pakistan reported 2297 cases of domestic violence against women which included crimes like honour killings, murder, rape, suicide, acid burning, kidnapping; out of which 57 % cases were reported from Punjab, 27 % from Sindh.
How did the women of Pakistan get sentenced to death?
They were sentenced to death by stoning. The public criticism led to their retrial and acquittal by the Federal Shariah Court. The Ministry of Women's Development (MWD) established Women's Studies centres at five universities in Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and Lahore in 1989.
When was Nawaz Sharif elected as Prime Minister?
In 1997 , Nawaz Sharif was elected as Prime Minister. He had also held office for a truncated term (1990–1993), during which he had promised to adopt Islamic law as the supreme law of Pakistan.
When did women join the Women's Action Forum?
In September 1981, women came together in Karachi in an emergency meeting to oppose the adverse effects on women of martial law and the Islamization campaign. They launched what later became the first full-fledged national women's movement in Pakistan, the Women’s Action Forum (WAF).
Is abortion illegal in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, abortion and infanticide is illegal and so is adultery. Premarital relations are strictly prohibited in the country and are frowned upon by society. According to media reports, the ratio of female infanticides is higher than male. People give more value to a baby boy than a baby girl. People are worried and scared about the finances required for her marriage as dowry is also worst practice followed by our society. This whole scenario leads them to commit the hideous crime of infanticide. Three different research studies, according to Klausen and Wink, note that Pakistan had the world's highest percentage of missing girls, relative to its total pre-adult female population.
Overview
History
Historically, Muslim reformers such as Syed Ahmad Khan tried to bring education to women, limit polygamy, and empower women in other ways through education. The founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was known to have a positive attitude towards women. After the independence of Pakistan, women's groups and feminist organisations initiated by prominent leaders like F…
Practices
Purdah norms are followed in few communities of Pakistan. It is practised in various ways, depending on family tradition, region, class, and rural or urban residence. Purdah is most likely to be practised among the Pashtuns and the Muslim Rajputs. Now, many women in Pakistan don't practise Purdah, which is opposed by many religious scholars. Generally, women living in more develope…
Culture
The most common female dress is the shalwar kameez with a shawl called dupatta. The shawl is draped over the shoulders and sometimes over the head, usually for prayer. Most women wear very baggy trousers however more westernised girls have made it less baggy and tight. Upper and middle class women in towns wear burqas over their normal clothes in public.
Education and economic development
In Pakistan, the women's access to property, education, employment etc. remains considerably lower compared to men's. The social and cultural context of Pakistani society has historically been predominantly patriarchal. Women have a low percentage of participation in society outside of the family. As per research study of Khurshid, Gillani, Hashmi; Pakistani school textbooks are dis…
Other concerns
In Pakistan, Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan are kidnapped, raped, forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. These girls are generally 12 to 18 years old. According to the Aurat Foundation, about 1,000 non-Muslim girls are forcibly converted to Islam in Pakistan every year.
Pakistan is a patriarchal society where men are the primary authority figures an…
Notable women
Pakistan has many immensely talented women who have played a vital role in changing the social standards and norms of the country. These women come from all walks of life and have played their role in all sorts of sectors. Women in Pakistan have progressed in various fields of life such as politics, education, economy, services, health and many more.
See also
• Acid Survivors Trust International
• Acid throwing
• Aurat March
• Divorce in Pakistan
• Feminism in Pakistan