My take on the issue of Women

 

South Asian men are very comfortable about commenting on any women as long as it is not his. In Conservative society like ours, we have conceived the notion of women like a holy diety... pure, sacred and kept in private far from away. Something that has to be concealed as if it is the private property of men. 

We must understand that there has been evolution in how women see themselves. Modern women is experiencing the global influences without any borders through the lens of cell phone. She has access to social media where she recognises, associates and appreciates her like minded users. Modern women is rational, sovereign, financially independent and she has bold and uncomfortable questions for those who are willing to address.

You just cannot convince a women in Pakistan by saying Islam has given her all the rights. In last five years 2200 rapes have taken place in Pakistan. Islam gives us the role models like Bibi Khadija who was the entrepreneur 1400 years ago in Arabian desert. Islam talks about Bibi Aisha who is sole source of guidance for providing the accurate account of sunnah of Prophet (PBUH). Islam talks about Bibi Hajrah and Hazrat Ismail, and the miracle of Zamzam where millions of Muslim go to perform Haj.

Women through out history have performed their role in all the capacities. In wars, in politics, in diplomacy and in business. The modern women seeks space for equality. They need respect, dignity and honor. They want to get rid of domestic abuse, rape and violence. They want to question the notion of dowry. They want economic freedom, they want fair wage rate and they want fundamental rights like right to education and right to marry. 

There has been various disturbing cases of forced conversions in Sindh...certain defective religious narrative is being used to target under age Hindu girls. No effective legislation has been done to counter that. 

I understand and accept that it is quite difficult and unsettling for the person like me to accept the gender studies notions of sex and gender. The overwhelming evidence from scientific community about homosexuality and the politicalization & legislation of such issues in certain countries poses a great unrest to South Asian cultures. 

One may disagree but we can confidently say that despite the emergence of nuclear families, the joint family system in Pakistan is by and large intact. Its the great emotional support for the families who stick together. 

We need to give women rights with the understanding of our own ethos and culture. Women must not challenge the authority of man and man must not exploit the women. We can't afford to disturb our social fabric. Our modesty and honor is our strength. 

Let's make our public spaces safe for working women, respect them, give them their due rights and give them fair wages. Women are important stakeholder of our economy. Our future generations depend on them. 

I expect our religious clerks to come up with the interpretation that is moderate and acceptable to the modern working women. We need to evolve, the society is evolving and so our politics and culture must evolve. 

And I also I think that we need to get rid of suffocating versions that are imposed on women by men. Patriarchy, feudalism and religious extremism has swallowed the spaces of women where they can be themselves. Women need to understand that vulgarity is not fair deal for them, women are more than a commodity or social media product or a barbie dolls - women themselves have played a vital role in objectifying them by minimising their value as human beings and by reducing their dignity only to their physical appearance. Woman is more than that. They are carieers of sphostication, creativity and minute details. Women are catalyst of setting the culture of any society, I don't want to put the necessary pressures but if they act a bit responsibly we can avoid future disaster of moral degeneration and cognitive bankruptcy. 

Men has to be sensible by not using violence as tool to assert control. He has to be understanding. Open minded. He should spark confidence in her. This life is vehicle of two persons and we both should stay in our boundaries to work collectively to be the best parents for the new generation.