Source: FlickrTradition, resilience, and progress, all weave together to form women’s roles in Baloch society. A fascinating journey of women’s empowerment and gender equality has taken place in Balochistan, a region characterized by rough terrain and a rich cultural heritage. There have been various difficulties and achievements of women’s empowerment in Balochistan, illuminating the diverse roles and accomplishments of Baloch women.
Baloch women have defied their commonly held reputation of being quiet and docile individuals by taking the lead in several movements that incorporate both politics and social dynamics. Defying stereotypes of their conventional duties, they have always been important figures in the Baloch political struggle. More and more women are taking part in public life. The political involvement of renowned Baloch figures like as Rubina Irfan and Dr. Shama Ishaq has gained significant attention. The increasing number of women involved in the region’s sociopolitical affairs is demonstrated by their presence.
The Balochistan government has made great strides to include women more effectively in healthcare, thanks to funding from international donors, because of the vital role that healthcare plays in women’s empowerment. To better integrate women into public sector roles, the Balochistan government has launched the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Policy, 2020-24. In a province with a shockingly high maternal death rate and a women’s general literacy rate of just 27%, this action is of the utmost importance.
Not only have women in Balochistan proven themselves capable in a variety of healthcare positions, but they have also shown remarkable perseverance in their struggle for gender equality. They dismantle gender preconceptions and pave the way for gender equality in healthcare while making substantial contributions to their communities’ well-being.
Baloch women have established themselves economically with their mastery of handicrafts, especially Balochi embroidery. Many women, especially those living in rural areas with little access to schooling, have relied on this traditional skill as a means of subsistence. Some of the women who work in this industry in places like Makran make up to fifty thousand rupees each month. Their hard work and profits go a long way towards supporting their families and the local economy. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate their economic efforts. The preservation of Baloch culture relies heavily on the work of Baloch women, who have made substantial contributions to literature, dress, food, art, folklore, herbal treatment, and handicrafts. This shows that they are not just confined to domestic roles, as stereotypes would have it; they are actively involved in cultural life as well.
Education continues to be a major obstacle for Baloch women, despite advancements in other areas. Among women in the world, Balochistan has one of the lowest literacy rates at 27%. Seven out of ten girls have never gone to school according to the Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement Survey. Many women are limited in their educational possibilities due to cultural conventions and traditional beliefs that keep them confined to household responsibilities. Early marriage, six in ten women in Balochistan are married before 20, making the problem even worse. The female literacy percentage drops even lower to fewer than 2% in rural areas. But this isn’t because Baloch women don’t want to learn or can’t learn; it’s because of structural and systemic problems.
Removing the barriers that prevent women from obtaining an education is crucial to achieving true gender equality in Balochistan. Achieving gender parity in education and challenging gender norms are two of the most important steps we can take toward empowering women to realize their full potential.
Last but not least, the achievements in Balochistan regarding women’s empowerment and gender equality are a result of the hard work and resilience of Baloch women. Despite the immense challenges they face, they provide varied and evolving contributions to society. They are becoming increasingly involved in politics, expanding their roles in healthcare, and generating income from their crafts. these brilliant women have defied the commonly held prejudices against them and motivated other women to do the same. Their social positions are reflective of a world that is more complex and multifaceted than simplistic assumptions would have us believe. Even though Balochistan has come a long way, there is still a long way to go before every Baloch woman can take the lead, further her education, and prosper so that she can help bring about the region’s overall progress and prosperity. Empowering women in Balochistan is an ongoing process that holds the promise of a better and more equal future for everyone.
