KHYBER Pakhtunkhwa is Pakistan’s only province where girls can acquire education in government girls schools as well as general schools along with boys. The general schools have never been segregated for boys only.

This shows females have more opportunities for education than boys. The reality, unfortunately, is to the contrary. Many girls are out of school at the higher and the secondary level.

Female education does not receive its due importance in Pashtun society as girls are married off when they reach the sixth or seventh standard. Early marriage besides robbing girls of a good education also has adverse physical and psychological effects.

Gender inequality is common in Pakistan, especially in rural areas. Even well-off families don’t encourage female education preferring to concentrate on the boys.

Owing to these factors, every year an estimated 300,000 women die in Pakistan from pregnancy related complications. Literacy and a good education are important for ensuring women understand these issues and take decisions that protect their health and interests.

A good education will guarantee empowerment of Pakistani women. The need is to ensure girls are allowed and encouraged to study.

Dr Sumera Shams

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2018