The saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” comes into play here. However, this notion is far too complex to be conveyed by a single photograph, as it is a combination of both the so-called ‘freedom of expression’ in Pakistan and gender discrimination, of course. So, allow me to present a 16-year-old’s stance on this, which may differ from yours’ either because of the gravity of the issue or simple negligence.
When women speak up either in the workplace or a social gathering, primarily in the presence of a ‘man’, they are compelled to be very cautious. And topping it all off they are barely heard, barged on and signed off as too aggressive, pompous or officious, which leads them to the conclusion saying less is more.
In the professional realm, if you closely acquaint the situation, you’ll see how deep the disparity runs when you start picking up on little things like how women hesitate to step up, take on more authority and bear responsibility mostly because they’re scrutinized a lot more than men.
Nevertheless, that was just an example of the hideous gender discrimination in the context of freedom of speech that women in Pakistan have to undergo 24/7. Whether it is their take on a certain social issue, or a political muddle: silence is expected to be their companion at all times.
Apart from putting forth their opinion, when women demand their basic rights, they are termed as “kanjari (prostitute) feminists” If that’s how it is, then we should have flowers -to appease the masculine egoistical men- rather than mouths on our faces, which are capable of conveying our perceptions.
So, yet again I reiterate: ‘‘For Men, Freedom of Speech; For Women, Silence Please’’, which truly defines the mindset of certain individuals in our society, whose number is plaintively more than it should be. But I just have one question, why?