Discrimination against women: Pakistan, a biased society

A study conducted by a NGO in Pakistan has found that the country’s Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) textbooks perpetuate gender disparity in society by portraying misogynistic images which affect the minds of children from an early age.

The research titled ‘Expression of Masculinity in Textbooks’ was carried out by Shirakat, ¬a non-governmental organisation which works for gender equality and social justice, under its project ‘Collaboration for Change: Transforming Lives and Minds for Equal Citizenship’. The project was funded by the European Union (EU) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).

The research focuses on how women have been portrayed in the stereotypical roles in the textbooks.

It pinpoints that the representation of muscularity in textbooks shapes the mind of children and help perpetuate gender stereotypes and inequalities from an early age. “These textbooks are engaged in a gendered process of citizen creation, wherein masculinity is defined in relation to the nation. The hegemonic male ideal is being aggressive, militaristic, authoritative, and following a strict division of labor on gendered lines,” the report states.

According to the research, gender bias is quiet visible in the textbooks despite of the fact that 64% authors of these books at the federal level are women.

The study calls for making textbooks gender-sensitive so that from the very beginning, children can understand the concept of gender equality.

It further highlights that almost all pedagogical authors, editors, and designers who participated in the development of these books were men and there were hardly any women on those positions.

Regarding the pictorial images, the study says that almost 89% of pictures in the history books illustrated men while only 3.6% illustrated women. Similarly, men in the textbooks were shown in economical, productive, skilled professions while women were portrayed in limited professions which conveyed a negative message to the youth regarding the role of women in society. Generally, according to the study, in most of the textbooks, men were depicted as brave, adventurous and hardworking. In terms of personality traits, the study observes that generally men are depicted in more rational behavior and in a superior position than women.

What the Global Gender Gap Report says

According to World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report released in November 2016  by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan has ranked at 143 out of 144 countries surveyed (ranked even lower than it was 10 years ago.)  The reasoning behind this is based on Pakistani women being systematically denied access to important social facilities that determine the gender gap ranking. These include education, health, economic opportunities and political empowerment.

In 1979, Pakistan established the Ministry for Women's Development in response to recommendations from the UN Commission on the Status of Women. This ministry facilitated women's access to education, health, legal services and ensured their placement in provincial and national legislatures. It also set up services like credit facilities for women, study and computer centers, child care and hostels for working women.

Legal restrictions on women

Even women who are elected in Pakistan are hindered by the 18th Amendment, which stipulates that cannot work or vote without the instructions of the party leaders, and if they fail to comply, they shall be expelled from the assemblies.