Social Status of Women in Pakistan: Cracking the Glass Walls through a New Societal Contract

Abstract

Women in Pakistan are facing hardships in achieving equal rights and opportunities as their male counterparts. Patriarchy is deeply rooted in Pakistani society, making women a marginalized group that faces many problems. Despite strides towards gender equality, the glass walls of social limitations and discrimination continue to hinder full participation of women in various aspects of societal performances and restrict the fullest utilization of their potentials. Qualitative and secondary research methods are employed to uncover the multifaceted barriers hindering women's educational development in Pakistan. The critical review of existing literature provided the researchers with a complex landscape of the social status of women in Pakistan, with a specific focus on the formidable barriers usually known as "glass walls."  When societal expectations and individual goals don't match up, women's education becomes a problem because it limits their access to knowledge and opportunities. Employment opportunities are similarly curtailed, as traditional norms dictate rigid roles for women, hindering their economic independence. Moreover, the literature review explored how Pakistani women are forced to live according to the ideals set by the men of their households. This study determined that the widespread phenomenon of honor phobia is profoundly ingrained in societal norms, serving as a pivotal theme that significantly influences and dictates the lives of women in Pakistan. Cracking the glass walls that constrain women's lives in Pakistan requires a comprehensive approach. It involves changes to educational programs and systems, economic policies, legal frameworks, and, most importantly, societal attitudes. This can be done only by embracing a new societal contract that is built on equality, inclusivity, and respect for human rights and empowers all members of society, including women. The journey towards a truly equitable society will not be easy, but it is a necessary one for the long-term development and well-being of Pakistan.