Are women subjugated in Pakistani society?

I am curious if you have an educated guess about what percentage of rapes are reported in Pakistan.

Re: Are women subjugated in Pakistani society?

I am a man and do think that in general women are subjugated in Pakistan. I think this subjugation falls on a spectrum which varies across rural and urban areas, and across families in each type of location.

I do not feel defensive against such a statement because I do not participate in this subjugation, and do not feel as if a finger is being pointed at me.

I am proud to say my mother and sister have each had a career, and have done very well at it. It is entirely possible for a woman to have a career without compromising her marriage or parenting. My sister's son is one of the most well behaved children I have ever seen.

In my opinion, economic need is not the only reason for a woman to pursue a career. It could also be done for the sake of fulfillment and to live to one's potential. My mother retired as a professor but still takes on consulting projects from time to time because she finds reward in teaching.

Re: Are women subjugated in Pakistani society?

I would like to share a reflection I have had at times when considering feminism. I think some feminists seek to correct inequality where it does not favor them, and maintain status quo or even encourage inequality where it does favor them. Such an attitude then begins to blur a push for equality with a push for opportunism.

Without suggesting that anyone here seeks that, I wish to share this general observation. In my opinion, an opportunistic approach of this type undermines the cause to seek equality because it undermines the principle or argument on which the push for equality is based.

I also appreciate the tone of the conversation here amongst those who question the subjugation. It is not an angry tone, which I think is more conducive for constructive discussion.

Re: Are women subjugated in Pakistani society?

I think it is fair to say that subjugation of women is more likely to occur in rural areas than urban areas, and that there is likely a similar correlation between education levels.

What is about education that creates a more tolerant or fair perspective? Is it exposure to new ideas and different approaches, which leads one to question those one might have inherited? Is it critical thinking skills that education might help develop?

SUP sis! i agree wid ur thoughts u have snatched my words

:)

Re: Are women subjugated in Pakistani society?

In short. Yes.

i think it might have something to do with inherent fairness.Not that i am saying all educated people are inherently fair minded rather education of some merit in itself encourages that. and even if one cannot practise it truly, one does gain awareness of the perspective and that in itself can be catalyst.
The trouble is of extremely bad nature in rural areas and yes opportunism and politics have side tracked the aim of developing respect and regard for women. I guess i personally like the islamic thought on the matter, men and women are different with different needs , so saying they are equal and toughen up in certain situations is ignorant. However, since nationally we donot educate ourselves religiously or even by liberal standarads i can safely say the problem is of mean proportions.

Re: Are women subjugated in Pakistani society?

Its a common thing in South Asia.