An inheritance of her own

In what is a rare pleasant turn, Pakistan has seen a series of judicial rulings recently that uphold women’s rights. In a landmark decision -- also rare and unexpected -- the Federal Shariat Court has affirmed women’s inheritance rights, declaring that no tradition or custom can deprive women of their rightful share in family property. This ruling, along with a recent Supreme Court verdict that allows women to retain their eligibility for government jobs under their father’s quota even after marriage, can be seen as a shift towards a better and more progressive country -- at least as far as laws and rights go. For far too long have Pakistan's women faced systemic discrimination, particularly in matters of inheritance. Cultural practices such as denying daughters their rightful share on the pretext of dowry, coercing them into cousin marriages, or even forcing them into marriage with the Holy Quran have been used to maintain male control over family wealth. It is odd to have to repeat that such customs reduce women to mere commodities, stripping them of their agency and economic independence. Now, the federal Shariat Court’s ruling effectively dismantles such regressive justifications, setting a powerful legal precedent against these deeply entrenched patriarchal norms.

Ideally, this should be it. Women should now no longer need to worry about their share in the fathers' wealth. But we all know that these judicial and legal victories alone are not enough. Women’s struggles in Pakistan extend beyond inheritance rights. Even when they march for their rights, public discourse focuses more on the spectacle of these protests rather than on the legitimate demands they raise. The broader issue lies in a society where patriarchal attitudes dictate that women remain submissive and dependent. Economic experts have long argued that excluding women from financial and property ownership not only entrenches inequality but also hampers national growth. Encouragingly, some change is in the offing. More companies are now cautiously recruiting and training women for leadership roles, recognising the potential economic benefits of inclusivity. Inheritance rights are particularly crucial in empowering women to make independent life choices. Many women tolerate abusive marriages due to a lack of financial security and a place to call their own. Ensuring their rightful share in family wealth will grant them greater autonomy and protection against exploitation. The latest ruling is a promising step toward dismantling the economic marginalisation of women, but its impact will only be realised if laws are effectively implemented.

Despite these recent gains, Pakistan remains one of the lowest-ranked countries in gender equality. According to the World Population Review, the nation scores 0.57 on a scale from zero to one, where one represents ideal equality. While Pakistan performs relatively well in education and health, its abysmally low score of 0.36 in economic participation and opportunity continues to hold it back. To truly empower women and, by extension, the country, authorities must ensure that legal rights translate into tangible change. The Federal Shariat Court’s verdict is indeed a historic stride towards justice, but it must not remain symbolic. Implementation mechanisms must be strengthened and awareness campaigns must be launched to educate both women and society at large about their legal rights. The women of this country deserve equal rights, healthcare, education, the right to movement and the right to their own wealth -- no matter how small or big.