We Must Join the Women Who Are Fighting for Our Rights

image from Canva

I grew up in a small town in Pakistan, where gender roles were clearly defined.

Men were the breadwinners, while women were expected to stay at home and take care of the household. I never questioned this division of labor until I left my hometown and began to see the world from a different perspective. As I traveled and interacted with people from diverse backgrounds, I realized that the issue of gender equality was much larger than I had ever imagined.

Pakistan is a country where gender inequality is deeply ingrained in the cultural and social fabric. The patriarchal system has perpetuated discrimination and violence against women for centuries. Women have limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They are often subjected to domestic violence, sexual harassment, and forced marriages. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas where poverty and lack of education exacerbate the problem.

Even in the face of these enormous challenges, there are women in Pakistan who are breaking the mold and challenging the status quo.

One such woman is my cousin, Ayesha.

Ayesha grew up in the same town as me, but she had a fire in her belly that burned brighter than anyone else’s. She was determined to break free from the limitations…