The meaning of misogyny

With Pakistan Women’s Day having come and gone on February 12, it is worth reflecting on the impact of the efforts by various groups regarding women’s rights. There is no doubt that such movements make a significant difference. Each year, we see more people, including a growing number of men, joining the Aurat March and upholding women’s rights to be treated as equal citizens, empowered to determine their own paths.

However, these efforts cannot obscure the pervasive misogyny and patriarchy embedded deeply in our society. This gender bias is visible everywhere – in homes, workplaces, marketplaces, and public spaces. Women, including those fully veiled, frequently report harassment from men of all ages. Disturbingly, it is not only young men who engage in catcalling or make obscene gestures; older men, many of whom have daughters themselves, are equally culpable. This misogyny extends to the entertainment industry, where television dramas often reinforce regressive stereotypes. Social media platforms are flooded with demeaning content.

The issue is not confined within our borders. Reports from countries like Turkey and Thailand highlight complaints about Pakistani tourists staring at women, recording them without consent, and behaving inappropriately. Similar grievances have emerged from domestic tourist spots, such as Hunza and other areas in Gilgit-Baltistan. In these regions, local women often take on roles as land surveyors, carpenters, plumbers, landscape artists, and architects – positions supported by organisations like the Aga Khan Foundation. Yet, despite these strides toward gender equality, tourists frequently violate the privacy and dignity of local women, undermining the cultural values of these communities.

The impact of this misogyny is both widespread and deeply damaging. It manifests in educational institutions and on social media, where girls and women face relentless bullying and harassment. This includes derogatory comments about their appearances and unsolicited advice on how they should dress. Such judgments are deeply invasive and disrespectful, as a woman’s choice of attire should be hers alone. The barrage of hateful comments left on women’s social media profiles, particularly on platforms like Instagram, contributes to a toxic environment that stifles self-expression and personal freedom.

Women also face significant challenges in other aspects of daily life, including transportation and access to education. Incidents of harassment and exploitation are alarmingly common in universities across the country. There have been numerous cases where women have been secretly videotaped in washrooms or hostel rooms, leading to blackmail and extortion. Many of these women come from remote areas, and their families have shown immense courage in sending them away for higher education.

When such violations occur, they not only traumatise the victims but also discourage other families from pursuing education for their daughters. This is a devastating setback in a country where the female literacy rate remains below 50 per cent – the lowest in South Asia and among the lowest in the world.

To address these issues, universities must implement stricter safety measures to protect female students from harassment and exploitation. There must be zero tolerance for such violations, and perpetrators should be held accountable through transparent legal processes. Creating a safe educational environment is crucial to empowering women and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.

Efforts must also be made to encourage women to report incidents of domestic violence. Too often, such cases are concealed within the confines of homes due to societal pressure and fear of stigma. Families must be encouraged to support victims in seeking justice rather than perpetuating a culture of silence. Law-enforcement agencies need to be sensitised and trained to handle such cases with the seriousness they deserve. While some police officers have shown commendable initiative in addressing domestic violence, a more comprehensive and consistent policy framework is necessary to ensure that all victims receive the support they need.

The prevalence of sexual harassment allegations – as highlighted by the ‘Me Too’ movement – against pop stars, singers, YouTube personalities, and other celebrities highlights the extent of the problem. These allegations must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. Public figures wield significant influence, and their actions set examples for their followers. Celebrities accused of harassment must be held accountable to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Television channels also have a responsibility to advocate for women’s rights and challenge harmful stereotypes through the content they produce.

Changing deeply ingrained societal attitudes is no easy task, especially in a culture where gender bias is so pervasive. However, acknowledging the problem is the first step toward addressing it. Many people recognise that women face extreme challenges in public life. The cultural and social factors contributing to this phenomenon must be examined and addressed through targeted interventions.

Political leaders also have a crucial role to play in fostering a more equitable environment for women. Policies promoting gender equality must be prioritised, and efforts to dismantle patriarchal structures should be championed at the highest levels of government. Given that women constitute nearly half of Pakistan’s population, their full participation in all aspects of society is essential for the nation’s progress.

The gender imbalance in Pakistan’s population – where women do not make up a full 50 per cent, as is the case in most countries – also warrants investigation. Experts attribute this disparity to factors such as inadequate healthcare, poor nutrition and neglect of girl children in their formative years. These systemic issues must be addressed to improve the well-being of female children and ensure their survival and development.

Another deeply troubling practice is female infanticide, which persists in various parts of the country despite being morally reprehensible and contrary to religious teachings. The use of ultrasounds to determine the gender of fetuses, followed by the selective abortion of female fetuses, is a practice that must be eradicated. Public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of laws and community engagement are essential to combat this issue and promote the value of female life.

The time has come to create a society where citizens of all genders can thrive without facing constant barriers and discrimination. This requires a collective effort from individuals, communities and institutions to challenge misogyny and promote gender equality. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, we can ensure that women in Pakistan have the freedom and opportunity to lead fulfilling lives, contribute to society and achieve their full potential.

The writer is a freelance columnist and former newspaper editor. She can be reached at:

kamilahyat@hotmail.com