It is no secret that the Pakistani society is highly patriarchal, and slowly and gradually, a change can be seen.
The major issue lies in the fact that, in a country whose female population is marginally more than the male population, there is little representation when it comes to politics and decision making.
Recently, UN Pakistan’s account posted a tweet about 4-day long consultations on Punjab Women Development Policy Implementation Framework.
4-day long consultations on Punjab Women Development Policy Implementation Framework concluded 2day on a wide range of imp. issues including reproductive rights and health, menstrual hygiene, mother & child health, emerg response services & anti-quack campaigns were deliberated. pic.twitter.com/FmZSk4Qn8s
— UN Women Pakistan (@unwomen_pak) August 23, 2019
The discussion included a wide range of critical issues including but not limited to the following:
- reproductive rights and health
- menstrual hygiene
- mother and child health
- emergency response services
- anti-quack campaigns
The topics are purely related to women and their rights and issues, and it seems absurd that there is only ONE woman in the panel. Men are making decisions on how women should be treated by the state, and perhaps that is why development for women is so slow?
Social media noticed that, and was furious, to say the least.
Have a look at what people had to say in response to UN Pakistan’s post:
Where are the women, UN Women?!
— Nida Kirmani (@nidkirm) August 23, 2019
“Where are the women, UN WOMEN?”
Isn’t that the right question to ask?
Some decided to take a more sarcastic approach to address the lack of gender diversity:
I must say what a brilliant representation of the women. One.
— Muhammad Moiz (@TMItalks) August 23, 2019
Hahaha…what a joke.
A consultation on issues predominantly related on women's issues and only one woman in attendance. Interesting discussions I can imagine.— Soraya (@SorayaAziz) August 23, 2019
And how many of these men are frequently having their monthly menstrual cycle?
— acrazybich. (@achayaarbas) August 23, 2019
People are beginning to take UN Women nothing more as a joke because of this absurdity, and that is really sad.
I know periods do last for 5 days. How come you don't have even 5 women on board when you discuss reproductive rights, menstrual hygiene, mother & child health policy. Just 1 woman???? Is Pakistan really serious or is actually a Big Massive Joke???
— PotliBaba (@PotliBaba1) August 23, 2019
Famous Pakistani designer, Deepak Perwani, also took notice and made sure to leave a remark:
Wow there is a woman there too !
— Deepak perwani (@DPerwani) August 23, 2019
We are glad to see that people have started noticing these things, and identifying a problem is the first step towards solving it.
What are your thoughts on UN Women’s lack of gender diversity?
Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and details.
