New financing system can improve women economic status.

Byline: Syed Fazl-E-Haider

Present government should create conditions leading to the economic empowerment of women in Pakistan. They should be provided opportunities to play their role at all levels and in all types of development activities. They must have the opportunity and be provided with an environment to develop their talents. Rural women should get the possibility to enter all types and all levels of education and training. Education and training facilities should be provided to a large extent on the inputs women are already providing. Under the 1973 constitution, all Pakistani citizens are equal, with no distinction based on gender alone. Unfortunately, constitutional guarantees of equality have not been enforced in actual practice in Pakistan. Enforcement of the law is the real challenge. It has been observed on ground that force of custom most often prevails over official laws, making it difficult for women to claim their legal rights.

Last year's general elections witnessed a large number of womencandidates that contested polls to the national and provincial assemblies seats across the country. The growing participation of women in politicsand the decision-making process is a strong sign of weakening traditional and cultural practices of a closed society in Pakistan. Women participation in policy-making will open the door to their economic empowerment in the country. A strong local government system may help build the capacity of local councilors, including women councilors, improve the quality of women's lives and lay the groundwork for greater autonomy for women in all spheres of social life. Women police stations and offices of women councilors need to be established at district and sub-district level across the country, particularly in rural areas.

It is, however, still hard to challenge the long-cherished traditions of the society. A change in the status quo will take a long time. It is the history, culture and tradition, which determines the status quo in a society and it is also a fact that the history and tradition cannot be abandoned immediately and completely. The Women Protection Bill, 2006 was strongly opposed by majority of members of the parliaments, particularly the Islamist parties, which claimed the bill was against the Islamic law. Bringing about gender reforms is an uphill task in Pakistan. Overall, the country has a poor record when it comes to women's rights. Under the anti-women practices like wanni and...