The World Is Her Oyster: Unlocking Women's Potential and Expertise

 The World Is Her Oyster: Unlocking Women's Potential and Expertise

 Girls and women around the world continue to suffer from the negative impacts of rigid gender norms and roles. They face restrictions on their freedom and mobility, and often experience violence, harassment, discrimination, and inequality. Although the United Nations (U.N.) Millennium Goals were established to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, two-thirds of the developing world have still not achieved equality. Women continue to encounter issues related to gender inequality, including gaps in education, legal rights, and economic opportunities.

Women are disproportionately affected by economic, food, and climate crises. They face systemic exclusion, discriminatory labor markets, and inadequate social services. In response, various women's organizations have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the socio-economic and cultural factors that have contributed to increased inequality, violence, exploitation, and injustice against women.

Women representatives from Tanzania, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, the United States, and Canada have highlighted significant advancements in the global effort to eradicate violence against women. This includes the enactment of laws against marital rape and the fight against human trafficking, with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable immigrant women through comprehensive national action plans. Moreover, global states and international organizations have recognized the importance of women's economic empowerment. Women’s self-reliance is crucial for ensuring equal access to resources, promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, fostering inclusive economic growth, and enhancing decision-making power for women.

 The rising role of women in Pakistan's socio-economic and political landscape is increasingly significant, with notable progress observed across the fields, including health, education, entrepreneurship, and digital media and entertainment. Despite their resilience and strength, women still face social and economic disparities. Issues such as limited access to employment and education, an increase in trafficking, and the sexual exploitation of women remain prevalent.

A young girl from Gilgit-Baltistan named Mahnoor shared her struggles and the challenges of her life.  “I am one of six siblings, and my father and elder sister are the main supporters of our family. My father works in a factory for low pay, while my elder sister is a school teacher and also gives private tuition. I managed to study until the eighth grade, but I could not continue my education because my family could not afford the expenses. I have always had an interest in knitting and stitching, so I decided to take a sewing course at an institute in Gilgit-Baltistan. I learned about basic machine tools, stitches, and simple projects. Within six months, I became proficient in stitching fabrics like cotton with simple patterns. Gradually, I started contributing to our household expenses. My father is 65 years old and still works in the factory. As a low-income, underprivileged family, we feel trapped in a cycle of poverty, with little hope for improvement or progress.”

"My life is no different from that of any other woman living in poverty in Pakistan," states a 16-year-old girl named Sarah, who is both wretched and heartbroken. She comes from a conservative family in Baluchistan and emphasizes that there are many talented girls involved in sports and non-academic pursuits. The primary issue for women in Baluchistan is their lack of voice and their domination by patriarchal systems. The influence of nawabs and feudal traditions has confined women to the walls of their homes. They remain hidden behind the veil, with no access to education or academic opportunities. Additionally, they are deprived of quality healthcare and social activities. While some families have resisted these harsh feudal traditions and have made efforts to send their daughters to schools and colleges, women in these underdeveloped areas often lack the necessary infrastructure and awareness to showcase their skills and expertise. As a result, they remain suppressed.

Zubaida Anwar, a mother of five, grew up in an environment where women are disempowered and required to wear a white shuttlecock burqa when going outside. She lives in Roshanabad village, near Kandhra, approximately 15 kilometers away from Sukkur. For many years, she felt trapped in this restrictive life until she decided to break free from these chains. After the death of her husband from a heart attack, Zubaida could no longer endure the brutality of her in-laws. She began working in a nearby factory that made patchwork quilts, where she met female workers from a local NGO dedicated to supporting impoverished women. Concerned about her children's bleak future, Zubaida resolved to challenge the outdated customs that held her back. With sheer courage and determination, she entered the office of the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) and volunteered as a community worker. The SRSO officials welcomed her warmly and provided her with training. “From that day on, I walked into new light and never looked back,” she said.

After completing her training, Zubaida successfully encouraged many women in her village to speak up for their rights. The modernization of women's roles, fueled by education and social awareness, prompted men in the community to allow their women to pursue education and take on critical roles in community development.

In the social context of Pakistan, women often face low status largely due to a deeply entrenched patriarchal system that views them as property to be easily exploited. Regressive social norms and gender stereotypes continue to hinder women’s progress. Limited job market opportunities, along with social and cultural restrictions, impede their economic and social advancement. However, women in metropolitan areas are increasingly gaining access to education, employment opportunities, and decision-making roles, which contributes to the socio-economic development of society.

Key Areas of Empowerment

There has been a significant change in the status of women in Pakistan. Empowered Pakistani women have broken traditional barriers and are now actively participating in education and skill development. Access to high-quality education has enabled more women to enter professional fields, improve their vocational and digital skills, and acquire expertise in digital marketing, allowing them to join freelancing platforms and online businesses. The advancement of female education has transformed the societal role of women in Pakistan. Female entrepreneurship has flourished, resulting in a surge of startups and small businesses. Many self-reliant and financially independent women, including working mothers, are now supporting themselves while managing family responsibilities.

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic..." — Sheryl Sandberg

Women's empowerment in Pakistan has transformed their roles in society by improving access to education and promoting economic initiatives. Strong, empowered women act as catalysts for sustainable development, enhancing family well-being and driving economic innovation. Investing in women's participation not only stimulates economic growth but also necessitates the creation of more inclusive and sustainable development plans. These plans should empower women to speak out against social and economic inequalities, promote gender equality, and support women entrepreneurs, ultimately leading to greater inclusive growth.

 

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 Drama Review of Kafeel 

 “Mere Humnasheen Mere meherbaan

Mere Dard ki jo Dawa Nahi

Mere Ashk Mein Naseeb Hai

Mujhe Tujh se koi Gila Nahi.”

 

Kafeel, a real tear-jerker, the emotional scenes that tear the eyes of many innocent girls suffering in silence, experiencing a toxic marriage. A soul-stirring drama set in the era between 80 and 90s defines the rigid family-oriented traditions and values related to girls' marriages. Written by celebrated writer Umera Ahmed, produced by Fahad Mustafa and Dr. Ali Kazmi, and directed by Meesam Naqvi, the drama has evoked a strong emotional response. A heartfelt narrative with compelling storytelling highlights the consequences of toxic, high-stakes marriages on relationships, particularly parental and child relations. The drama explores the complexities of marriage through the lens of traditional, toxic, societal expectations that force many women to stay in a troubled marriage for the sake of securing the future of their children. Moreover, the drama showcases how the family's financial struggle, emotional abuse, and lack of parental support affect children’s personality, low self-esteem, sense of security, and inner peace.

Starring Sanam Saeed as Zeba, the first episode adds a poetic flair to the storyline. The drama began with Zeba meeting a charming young man at a friend's wedding. A handsome singer named Jamal, the role played by Hasan Khan, found a gold earring that Zeba dropped accidentally at the event. The singer picks it up but does not return it immediately. He returned her at the end of the party along with a special cloth with a note. Zeba, a naive, young, college-going girl having no prior romantic experience with men, simply fell in love with the singer. This pivotal event sets up the central conflict of the play.

Taking on a role as Zeba's mother, Munazzah Arif was depicted as a rigid, traditional 90s-era mother who prioritizes societal reputation over her daughter’s happiness. Instead of supporting her daughter, the mother decided to get Zeba married off to a respectable family. Therefore, she approached her friend Farhana, who wanted to marry her brother Jami to Zeba. While Zeba’s mother instantly accepted the proposal without conferring with other family members about the groom's family background, profile, financial, and social standing.   

As Jawwad, Zeba's father, learned about Zeba’s proposal, he looked astounded. Zeba was her father’s favorite, and he always encouraged her to study and live a fulfilling life. He would not agree with the decision of Zeba’s wedding in urgency. However, Zeba's father, the veteran actor Kashif Mehmood, was compelled by his wife and mother to accept the proposal.

What a heartbreaking next episode of Kafeel!  Zeba represents all those unfortunate girls who are never forgiven for a small mistake and are not given the right to lead a life of their choice.

Zeba develops intense feelings for this singer, named Jami. She tried hard to find the piece of cloth given by Jami that was already hidden by her mother. Ultimately, an innocent girl was subjected to a forced marriage. The drama took a great twist when Zeba discovered that a marriage had taken place with a different man who coincidentally has the same name, Jami (played by Emmad Irfani).

The story centers around Zeba and Jamshed’s incompatible relationship.  The youngest child of the family, Jami, was raised with extreme love and devotion by his parents and siblings. Being spoiled, Jami lived on his brother’s expenses; he was unemployed and too greedy. From demanding a dowry from his wife to keeping a close watch on the monetary gifts Zeba received, the obsessive greed of Jami continued. As in one scenario, Jami demanded brand-new furniture and other gifts, and harshly persuaded Zeba to use her own name in front of her family. Consequently, the relationship between Zeba and Jami remained a partnership of power imbalance, emotional neglect, unmet needs, and suppressed selfhood. The plot does not unfold through big revelations but moves with Zeba continuing to endure marital distress and the cruel treatment of Jami. Her marriage to Jamshed never remained stable; the cracks were visible from the beginning. Financial pressure, emotional volatility, and Jamshed’s deep-seated insecurity slowly begin to weaken the bond. Zeba’s love for real Jami withers along with fear and disappointment.

Zeba’s father felt her daughter’s anguish and distress. Moreover, the passive-aggressive behavior of Jami forced Jawwad, Zeba’s father, to make a bold decision to get Zeba divorced and not let her continue to bear a tormenting life with Jami. Meanwhile, Zeba's parents decided to end her marriage, and they found Zeba expecting her first child. Once again, the story twist, Zeba decided to continue her devastating marriage for the child’s security.

 

Kafeel drama is now fast-forwarded to Zeba’s 4 kids and their hard, tormenting life with Jami.  Zeba’s father is dead, and still they are facing the same issues, bijli ka bill is not paid, as Jami used the money for his personal expenses.

The drama has now moved into Zeba’s kids’ lives, and how they are surviving under financial crisis and emotional instability. Every episode displays generational trauma. The drama points out how unhealed parents' trauma has passed on to the new generation, subjecting children to adverse and traumatic experiences.

The play reached the tipping point; Zeba finally realized that she regretted wasting years hoping for a change in Jami's behavior. However, her endurance merely strengthens the abuser's control through emotional mistreatment and financial exploitation. Refusing to let her children suffer a dysfunctional life, she lived through, Zeba came up with a difficult decision to file for khula. At last, she decided to get rid of the toxic marriage and start the next chapter enthusiastically. Zeba, chose to build a peaceful future for her kids; therefore, she decided to leave Jami's house and relocated into a small, unfurnished house. Her brother helped with the resettlement, transporting furniture and other possessions.

Zeba’s four children, elder son Subok (Aashir Wajahat), Javeria, the second daughter, played by Nooray Zeeshan. The third daughter, Zoya, the role played by Haya Khan, and Tanya, the youngest daughter, played by Hania Ahmed. The kids are depicted as utterly depressed, yet energetic and hopeful with a new beginning.

Even though the drama is supposed to be set in the 90s, it reflects what is still happening in our society today, how married girls are still suffering in silence, and the trauma children endure. Even if some women take the initiative of getting divorced, they face the stigma of being divorced. Therefore, mostly girls stay in a soul-sucking relationship.

To Catch Up latest episodes of Kafeel drama on ARY Digital. https://bit.ly/arydigitalyt.

 

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