The “woman question”—the discourse surrounding women’s roles, rights, and status in society—has long been intertwined with the structures of patriarchy and the pursuit of sustainable development. In Pakistan, as in many parts of the world, these issues are deeply rooted in historical materialism, where gender suppression is embedded within the social fabric. Patriarchal structures, reinforced by material conditions and hegemonic control, have shaped gender relations in Pakistan and globally, posing significant challenges to achieving sustainable development, which aims to leave no one behind in the quest for life opportunities and dignity.
Gender differences often reflect power relations rather than inherent human distinctions. Historical materialism highlights how gender suppression is woven into social structures, with hegemonic forces controlling material resources and dictating societal norms. This hegemonic patriarchal structure is closely linked to dialectical materialism—the idea that societal change arises from conflicts between opposing forces. The rise of empires and wars has historically created contradictions in social fabrics and gendered relations, leading to the structuring of patriarchal systems. During the agrarian age, men and women contributed equally to subsistence economies, but imperial conquests and the industrial revolution led to a gendered division of labor, relegating women to private spaces and reinforcing male dominance in public and economic spheres. The unevenness in gender relations presents a significant challenge to sustainable development, whose primary goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing life’s opportunities and dignity. Patriarchal structures systematically exclude women from decision-making processes, denying them access to resources, political participation, and economic independence. Marxist feminism offers a critical lens to analyze these issues, contrasting with liberal feminism, which seeks equality through legal reforms within the existing system. Marxist feminism critiques capitalism itself, arguing that women’s oppression is tied to class oppression and economic exploitation. Capitalism relies on the exploitation of women’s labor, both in formal employment and unpaid domestic roles, maintaining patriarchal structures through hegemonic control over material conditions.
The subaltern approach, as discussed by scholars like Ranajit Guha, examines how marginalized groups, including women, are rendered voiceless within dominant power structures. In colonial India, the British administration and indigenous patriarchal systems collaborated to suppress women’s rights, a phenomenon Guha describes as “dominance without hegemony.” This suppression continues in postcolonial societies like Pakistan, where women’s education, health, and employment statistics remain concerning. Pakistan’s female literacy rate is around 46.5%, significantly lower than the global average of 83.7%. Women’s labor force participation is approximately 22%, compared to the global rate of 47%, reflecting systemic barriers to education and employment. Political participation has increased globally, but disparities persist. As of 2023, women hold about 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide, while in Pakistan, women occupy only 20.2% of National Assembly seats, highlighting the need for structural reforms. The ideological state apparatuses, as theorized by Louis Althusser, play a crucial role in sustaining patriarchal dominance. Educational institutions, media, and religious organizations perpetuate gender inequalities by shaping societal attitudes that resist progressive change. Media representations of women in Pakistan often reinforce traditional gender roles, portraying them as caregivers rather than leaders or decision-makers. Similarly, religious interpretations are frequently used to justify gender inequalities, further entrenching patriarchal norms.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 ranks Pakistan 153rd out of 156 countries, highlighting disparities in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment. In contrast, countries like Iceland and Finland have implemented policies promoting gender equality, demonstrating that political will and policy interventions can dismantle patriarchal barriers.
Jürgen Habermas’s theory of the public sphere elucidates how public opinion is shaped, often excluding marginalized voices, including those of women. This exclusion contributes to uneven social spaces and presents paradoxes in sustainable development, as the voices of half the population remain underrepresented in decision-making processes. Addressing the woman question in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach. Education and awareness initiatives must challenge stereotypes by introducing gender-sensitive curricula in schools. Economic empowerment is essential, ensuring women have access to financial resources, land ownership, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Microfinance initiatives tailored for women can play a significant role in enhancing economic independence.
Political representation must be reinforced through gender quotas to ensure women have a voice in policymaking. However, meaningful participation requires more than numerical representation; it necessitates the creation of safe and inclusive political spaces. Reforming ideological state apparatuses is crucial, as educational institutions, media, and religious organizations should promote gender equality rather than reinforce traditional roles. Media regulations can ensure the portrayal of women as active agents in society rather than passive dependents. Strengthening legal frameworks against gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and unequal inheritance rights is vital, but these laws must be effectively implemented to ensure justice. Engaging men as allies is also essential, as gender equality should not be seen as a women’s issue alone. Men must be involved in dialogues about gender equality, challenging toxic masculinity, and advocating for equitable family structures.
Globally, feminist movements continue to advocate for women’s rights, adapting to contemporary challenges. Digital platforms have provided new avenues for activism, enabling grassroots organizations to challenge patriarchal structures more effectively. While progress has been made, the struggle for gender equality remains an ongoing battle, particularly in postcolonial societies like Pakistan, where historical legacies of patriarchy, capitalism, and imperialism continue to shape gender relations.
Achieving sustainable development necessitates a fundamental restructuring of gender relations, ensuring that women are not merely included in existing systems but are empowered to lead and transform them. Only through dismantling patriarchal structures, challenging capitalist exploitation, and reimagining social norms can true gender equality be realized, paving the way for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad is Chief Executive of Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD).
