International women’s day is being celebrated at 8th March to acknowledge the efforts of women all across the world. Pakistan is a country where women have been facing many hurdles at every step. They are still fighting for their fundamental rights. Most of our population belongs to rural areas and the mindset of illiterate people is very conservative. The women are being treated as servants. which makes the lives of women miserable in rural areas and even in urban settings. They cannot breathe freely, they cannot take part in any activity, and they are living a life of slaves. They are totally dependent on their male members.
We are living in a society, where a baby girl is a mother’s awful shame. The pressure to have sons is terrifying mothers who bear daughters are beaten or cast aside by husbands and in-laws desperate to escape the financial burden of a girl’s dowry. In this society, Sons are considered as father’s strength and daughters are considered as father’s weakness and shame for him. Blunders done by sons can go unnoticed but even the small mistakes of daughters cannot be ignored. People don’t want girls because they have to worry about their safety and security and they have to pay to get them married off. People say bringing up a daughter is like watering a neighbor’s plant. In this society, to be a woman is a sin.
Women empowerment is still a theory. It is absolutely right that “Feminism isn’t about making women strong, women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” When people talk about women’s weaknesses, they actually forget the sacrifices of their mother, daughter, sister, and wife. Being a mother no one can take her place. Her sacrifices for their children are matchless. Islam has given her the respectable place in society. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, “Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai).” Napoleon said, “Give me good mothers, I shall give you a great nation.”
Being a daughter, a woman takes great care of her parents. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) loved his daughter Hazrat Fatima (R.A). Actually, he has given us a message of love and affection towards his daughters. He himself practiced it. His (S.A.W) teachings are a beacon of light for us. Quaid-e Azam said, “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with men”.
Being a sister, a woman is a pride for her brother. Her love for her brother is exceptional. Hazrat Zainab (R.A) supported her brother Hussain (R.A) in Karbala and stood by her brother’s side in difficult times. Ms. Fatima Jinnah was a companion of her brother; she helped her brother through thick and thin.
Being a wife, a woman is a supporter of her husband. Hazrat Khadija (R.A) always supported Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) in tough times. History has repleted with the sacrifices of women. Women empowerment means to strengthen the social, economic, and educational powers of women and having equal rights in community, society, and workplaces. The empowerment of women would result in the overall development of society.
Women should take the charge of their own life. They should be considered as a human being. They have equal rights, they should stand for their fundamental rights and any kind of torture done by male members is rejected. They have a right to achieve their dreams and struggle for it. Women are stronger than men. Once Quaid-e-Azam said, “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.” I am literally confused at how some women still think themselves to be weak and let others take care of them. Why do you need someone to help you walk? Why do you need someone shoulder to weep? You are not born crooked or crippled. No matter what the situation is you must fight and win.
Having a daughter is not a sin. Its an blessing of Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty save all my sisters and daughters.