In today’s world, women’s education is often celebrated as a symbol of progress. Across communities, support for women’s empowerment through education is widely vocalized. People share posts on social media, attend gatherings, and celebrate the educational pursuits of the women around them.
However, beneath this visible support lies a troubling contradiction: while society champions the education of women, it frequently imposes limitations on their freedoms and falls short of truly embracing their independence. This article explores the complex double standards that continue to shape society’s approach to women’s education and autonomy.
‘Special Quota Of Tickets For Indian Fans’: PCB’s Offer To Indian Fans Ahead Of Champions Trophy
US sanctions 19 Indian companies for ‘aiding Russia’s war’ against Ukraine
Ammunition cartridge found on seat pocket of Dubai-Delhi Air India flight
Canadian Diplomat Summoned After Allegations Against Amit Shah By Minister
For more such opinions & blogs, click here.
The Social Double Standard
To understand these contradictions, it’s essential to examine the depth of societal conditioning around gender roles. For centuries, roles for men and women have been strictly defined, with men seen as providers and women confined to family-centered responsibilities. These roles were upheld not only through tradition but also through social expectations and interpretations of cultural or religious norms. Even with progress toward gender equality, echoes of these traditional divisions persist, influencing modern attitudes toward women’s rights and opportunities.
In contemporary society, there appears to be strong support for women’s education and autonomy. Many advocate for women’s right to study, work, and achieve financial independence. Yet, societal expectations often still place limitations on how these rights are exercised. For example, parents might encourage their daughters to pursue education but insist on prioritizing marriage or family obligations over career ambitions. Husbands may support their wives’ educational goals, only to prefer that they remain within domestic roles after marriage. These inconsistencies reveal a deeply ingrained societal double standard.
Citizens urged to prioritize health, take precautionary measures against smog
Climate financing for developing countries should be priority at COP 29: Sherry Rehman
Chairman PCB felicitates Pak team for victory against India in Hong Kong sixes
1st ODI: Pakistan to face Australia on Monday
Beyond Words: What Does Support Really Mean?
Supporting women’s education goes beyond promoting school or university attendance. True support requires creating an environment where women can apply their knowledge, make independent choices, and contribute to society as equals. However, many in society support women’s education superficially, encouraging academic achievements while placing limitations on professional or personal growth. For example, some families support daughters’ or sisters’ education, yet hesitate to allow them full independence or professional careers, treating education as a cultural status symbol or a tool for securing a favorable marriage, rather than a step toward genuine empowerment.
The Marital Dilemma: When Society Prefers Domestic Roles for Women
A significant double standard is often visible in societal expectations surrounding marriage. There exists a common societal preference for women to prioritize family over careers post-marriage, even when they are well-educated. Ironically, society values educated, independent women in public spaces, but frequently prefers them to adhere to traditional roles within marriage. This contradiction reflects an ongoing reluctance to fully embrace gender equality within family structures, where independence in women may challenge deeply rooted norms around authority and control.
FC Balochistan organizes awareness convention on breast cancer in Turbat
At UN, Pakistan urges to increase focus on HR violations in disputed territories
Pakistan deeply values its friendship with Qatar: PM
Pakistan firmly believes in freedoms of press: Acting President, PM
How Society Perpetuates This Hypocrisy
This issue goes beyond individual attitudes and is embedded in broader social expectations. Families, for instance, often view a daughter’s education as a way to enhance her marriage prospects rather than a means of achieving financial independence or personal growth. Successful women are sometimes pressured to conform to traditional roles, with their accomplishments reduced to mere “qualifications” for family responsibilities rather than celebrated for personal or professional impact. These societal expectations continue to perpetuate double standards, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s primary value lies in fulfilling predefined roles rather than pursuing her ambitions.
The Economic Paradox: Why Independence Faces Resistance
Financial independence among women can be seen as challenging to traditional family dynamics. When women begin earning, they contribute to a shift in family roles, often perceived as a challenge to established norms. Some societal attitudes regard this shift with resistance, as independence might disrupt long-standing structures of authority. While society may celebrate women’s education, it often subtly discourages independence, reinforcing expectations that women’s primary role remains within the household.
Int’l Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists today
Thousands Missing After Storm hit Spanish Coastal City, Valencia
Renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal dies
Wikipedia Declares Senior ANP leader ‘Dead’, raising concerns about its Factual Credibility
The Need for Genuine Change
Addressing these double standards requires redefining what it means to support women’s education. Real support extends beyond formal education to encompass advocacy for independence, the freedom to make personal choices, and the opportunity to pursue aspirations without limitations.
Promote True Equality: Society as a whole needs education on what genuine equality entails. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations should implement programs emphasizing gender equality and the importance of women’s participation in all areas of life.
Reframe Family Expectations: Families should see education as a tool for daughters’ empowerment and autonomy, rather than solely as a means of improving marriage prospects. Parents must celebrate their daughters’ achievements for the independence and growth they bring, rather than their potential to enhance family prestige.
Challenge Cultural Norms: Redefining women’s roles requires a collective effort. Community leaders, media, and influencers play a crucial role in promoting the idea that educated women belong in all sectors of society, not just the home.
Imran Khwaja reappointed as ICC Deputy Chair
Ali Zafar makes history with record-breaking concert in Riyadh
Qatar will invest $3b in Pakistan’s economy: Info Minister
Pakistan drafts transshipment policy to promote regional, Int’l trade, NA told
(Centre) Education activist Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan speaks with students at School No. 2 in the Za’atari camp for Syrian refugees, in Mafraq Governorate, near the Syrian border. Mozoun, a peer educator and student at the school, is beside her. Mozoun advocates for education in the camp, going from household to household to encourage families to send their children to school. The UNICEF logo is partially visible on a knapsack beside her. Za’atari, which opened in 2012, is now the second-largest refugee camp in the world. UNICEF supports ongoing education initiatives in the camp and in host communities.
For more such opinions & blogs, click here.
Death anniversary of lyrist, poet Tanveer Naqvi today
Wasim Akram urges India to visit Pakistan to play ICC Champions Trophy
Acting President, PM condemn bomb blast in Mastung
Seven martyred in Mastung blast
Conclusion: Towards a Society of True Equality
Achieving genuine equality and respect for women’s education requires more than words it calls for actionable changes across all levels of society. When society genuinely champions women’s education, it empowers not only individuals but entire communities and future generations. It’s time to shift from supporting women’s education as a formal gesture to recognizing it as a pathway to freedom, growth, and fulfillment. Only then can we create a world where women and men, as true equals, stand together to realize each other’s potential and work toward a more inclusive and progressive society.
Stage Actress Nargis a Victim of Alleged Domestic Abuse
Twilight of my life
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for more. Download our app for the latest news, updates & interesting content!
