Structural violence is a hallmark of Pakistan's persistent gender inequality. Despite legal protections, a deeply entrenched patriarchal system marginalises women, limiting their social standing, healthcare access, and participation in key institutions. Pakistan's dismal ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index 2024, coupled with alarming statistics on gender-based violence, underscores the severity of this issue. This structural erasure denies women agency, perpetuating a cycle of oppression that manifests in both physical and psychological harm.
Addressing this requires more than symbolic gestures. True progress demands a fundamental restructuring of societal institutions, driven by state action and a comprehensive strategy to address gender inequality and discrimination. Civil society and individual commitments are also crucial. Reactionary forces opposing women's advancement must be actively countered. Recognising that oppression is a social construct, a concerted, multi-pronged effort is essential to dismantle these oppressive structures and foster genuine gender equality and progress and development in Pakistan.
Anwar Sayab Khan
Bannu
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