Changing roles of Pakistani women
cctv.com 10-19-2004 09:49
In Pakistani tradition, men were the providers, while women stayed home to take care of the family. But now things are changing. An increasing number of women are entering public and private sectors, making their contribution to the development of Pakistan.
The keenly competitive banking and business arena used to be dominated by men in Pakistan, but now more women are engaged in such activities. Women's participation in the labor force has risen from 13 % in 1990 to 37% in 2000.
MADIEHA FAATIMAH 锛圧elationship Manager锛孊ank of Punjab锛夛細
"Our generation is much better off, because in our time period, governments have taken a lot steps where were not there before. Now women are freer than before, being given more chances for employment. The government is trying to provide employment at government or provincial level for women."
Faced with the new freedoms, modern Pakistani women are seeking careers, and many have reached decision-making and administrative levels. While their participation in the labor force is still well behind the rate of 87% for men, there is a rising public awareness that women are important human resources and should have equal rights to education and employment.
SIDRA WAHEED (Relationship Manager, Bank of Punjab):
"This has been my first experience over here, according to that, I can say I've got the chance. There is no biasness. No men get better position, get promoted, and I won't just for being a woman. It's not like that. We are equal, given responsibilities, just thinking we would be able to do them".
Women who have received higher education often have more job opportunities. The originally conservative Fatima Jinnah University for Women is now popular for its market-oriented courses such as computer science. Pakistani women know that the barriers they face are a lack of vocational training and a literacy rate of only 35 %, compared to 59% for men.
Student (Fatima Jinnah University for Women):
"Today, people of this generation are broad-minded. I think there is a slight difference, that's because education, especially in women, there is a great difference. They are excelling in their fields."
Besides gaining access to education and work, the involvement of women in the political process is a major improvement. Now, in the Pakistani national assembly, 33% of the seats are reserved for women.
NAJMA NAJAM (Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah University for Women)
"So the quarter system have ensured and it has made it compulsory for the political parties to bring in women to the forum. We hope by doing so, we'll see more women coming up in the political carders. But we have to make our efforts, see coming up in the young women in Pakistan. "
People say that educating a girl brings welfare for the whole family, and the whole society. The government has taken this to heart with policies to improve female literacy and promote women's progress. Through the efforts of generations, Pakistani women are walking towards a better future.
Editor:Wang Ping Source:CCTV.com
