Hafiz Mudassir Rizwan

On International Women’s Day, communities around the world come together to celebrate the vital contributions of women across various fields—science, politics, education, and more. However, for many women in conflict zones and regressive societies, this day serves as a painful reminder of the deep-rooted challenges they continue to face on their path to empowerment. Countries like Afghanistan and Gaza illustrate the grim reality of how women are systematically oppressed. In these places, women endure unimaginable hardships, including violence, denial of basic rights, and a constant battle for visibility in a world that often devalues them.

In Pakistan, a country that remains deeply entrenched in patriarchal traditions, women’s struggles continue to be overlooked, even by the state. Despite some legal progress and international commitments, the reality of women’s lives in Pakistan paints a starkly different picture. The country’s leadership has been slow to recognize that the root cause of many of Pakistan’s socio-economic and political problems lies in the systemic oppression of women. This refusal to confront the issue has left women in a perpetual state of vulnerability, deprived of their basic rights, access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

On this backdrop, the United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day—’For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’—holds profound significance, particularly for Pakistan. The theme calls for action that ensures equal rights, opportunities, and a “feminist future” for women, especially for young girls and adolescents who continue to be denied the promise of a better future. Unfortunately, for many women in Pakistan, this future remains an illusion.

While Pakistan has made some strides in the form of pro-women legislation, constitutional protections, and international treaties, the tangible impact of these measures on women’s lives has been minimal. The state’s reluctance to rid its institutions of patriarchal practices and attitudes is a major impediment to meaningful change. Pakistan’s leaders have failed to foster a culture of empathy and support for women’s rights, thus making true empowerment an increasingly distant dream.

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The statistics surrounding gender inequality in Pakistan are troubling, to say the least. According to the Human Rights Ministry, over the past three years, there have been 63,000 reported cases of violence against women—this figure is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as most incidents go unreported due to fear of social stigma or retaliation. In 2024, the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index ranked Pakistan a dismal 142nd out of 146 countries, placing it among the worst performers in terms of gender parity. The statistics paint a picture of a country where women face insurmountable barriers in education and the workforce, as evidenced by high school dropout rates and extremely low female participation in the labor market, which stood at just 15.5% according to the Labour Force Survey of 2020-21.

These numbers suggest that Pakistani women face a starkly inequitable environment, one in which their rights are marginalized, their potential stunted, and their existence rendered invisible. In such an environment, it is difficult to imagine how women could breathe freely, let alone thrive. However, despite the overwhelming obstacles, there is a sense of defiance and hope. The courage of women who continue to fight for their rights against all odds offers a glimmer of hope for change.

A few notable figures have become symbols of resilience. Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch and singer Hadiqa Kiyani were both featured in the BBC 100 Women 2024 list, recognizing their contributions to their communities and to the fight for gender equality. Additionally, novelist Alishba Khan Barech was named a finalist for the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards. These women represent the rare few who have managed to overcome the numerous barriers to success in Pakistan, but their stories are not the norm. They are exceptions in a society that continues to place women at the bottom of the social and economic ladder.

The Aurat March, a grassroots feminist movement that has been gaining momentum in Pakistan, is a testament to the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The movement, which will take place on multiple dates in 2025, aims to challenge entrenched norms and offer a platform for diverse feminist voices. Its rallying cry—”The Year of the Aurat March Caravan”—signals a commitment to broadening the scope of feminist activism and pushing back against a system that has long disregarded women’s rights. Yet, despite this visible activism and the progress made in recent years, the fact remains that a truly equitable and just society for women in Pakistan is still a distant dream.

The inability of the state to confront its own role in perpetuating gender inequality is a harsh critique of its leadership. Pakistan’s failure to break free from the grip of patriarchal politics has allowed reactionary forces to flourish, maintaining a stranglehold on women’s rights and opportunities. This lack of political will has created an environment where progress is painfully slow, and meaningful reforms are continually stalled. The state’s complicity in upholding these patriarchal structures has made it nearly impossible for Pakistan’s women to achieve the equality and empowerment they deserve.

The state’s failure to actively combat gender-based violence, provide equitable access to education and healthcare, and create opportunities for women in the workforce is not just an oversight—it is a deliberate choice to maintain the status quo. The leadership’s indifference to the plight of women can only be seen as a form of passive complicity, enabling the persistence of gender inequality and the abuse of women across the country.

As we reflect on the struggles of women in Pakistan and across the world, it is clear that the fight for gender equality is far from over. The international community may celebrate progress on International Women’s Day, but for women in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Gaza, the struggle for basic rights and safety continues every day. It is high time for the state to shift its priorities and make women’s rights a central issue in its policy agenda. The empowerment of women is not a luxury—it is a necessity for the social and economic development of any nation. Until the state acknowledges this, the journey towards gender equality will remain a long and arduous one.