IN Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, the character Shylock highlighted societal discrimination: “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?”

The prevalent gender inequality in Pakistan, in the words of Shakespeare, is due to societal discrimination. The gender disparity in Pakistan is abominable. Women continue to be treated unfairly.

The Gender Parity Index in 2023 had placed Pakistan 142 out of 146 countries. This rating speaks volumes about gender inequality in the country. Patriarchy is deeply ingrained in society, posing serious challenges to women and girls.

However, gender equality can still be achieved. The panacea to discrimination lies in pragmatism. Concerted efforts are urgently required to abolish patriarchy.

Ramsha Ashraf
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025