RURAL society in Sindh is perceived as having a negative view of women whereas womenfolk have remained so highly honoured and empowered in the Indus Valley civilisation. The Sindhi society used to honour and venerate women as equivalent to seven Holy Books. But unfortunately nowadays it is easy to feel that being a woman is a curse and not a blessing in different segments of society.

In such a dismal scenario, during my visit to my home district Larkana and other districts in Sindh last week when I interacted with girls and women, I happened to learn that many of them aspired to join the judiciary as judicial officers and also as court personnel

One college girl from a village near Moenjodaro, Dorki taluka, said: “ Sir, I don’t want to be a housewife but a judge or any employee in the court. If I get a job in Islamabad, even then I will not hesitate taking it up. I want to help the poor litigant public of my country because I know that they suffer in courts.”

These words of a young aspirant girl still echo in my mind here in Islamabad. Believe me! This growing interest of women in joining courts made me joyful and optimistic about their effective role, if opportunities are provided to them

It is a fact that there is a serious shortage of women in courts in any capacity. Thus womenfolk, especially from, rural areas, may be encouraged and recruited in various capacities in district courts, special tribunals, and superior courts in the country. I am confident that once women are recruited in adequate number in courts, then positive results will begin to show.

Hashim Abro

Islamabad