Habib Baloch
The female education in rural Balochistan depicts an abysmal picture. According to a baseline survey, less than the 2 % of rural females in Balochistan are literate. Sadly, like so many other spheres of our life, the female education in Balochistan has remained political orphan, neglected by the corrupt and uncaring governments. In fact, the governments in Balochistan are focused on escalating their own bank balance rather than working for the prosperity of the People. Every girl in Balochistan has a dream to achieve the highest level of excellence in her life and to seek higher education in a fearless environment.
Undoubtedly, every girl in Balochistan has the potential to become Malala or Nergis Mavalvala but unfortunately, the girls in our society are stereotyped for cleaning the house, cooking food and rearing children. The irony is that we have never comprehended the benefits of female education in rural Balochistan.
Illiteracy in Balochistan is worse than the other provinces; nevertheless, the female education in Balochistan is disastrous. According to Alif Ailan’s report, 62 % of girls’ between the ages 5 to 16 are out of schools. Dera Bugti, having the biggest natural gas field in Pakistan which accounts 26 % of Pakistan’s gas production, stands first in terms of low female literacy in Pakistan. Moreover, there are around seven thousand shelters less schools. The existing condition of the school in rural villages of Balochistan is more horrifying. Despite having no drinking water, toilets, infrastructure etcetera yet the little angles of Balochistan travel several kilometers in search of Education.
For the past few years, several girls have been victim of acid attacks, honor killings and militant threats, which has sparked an impassioned debate about rising extremism that is forcing an increasing number of women to stay at home. It is huge insult for the government, when a young girl, who battles so many challenges to seek education, kills herself. This is not only Saqiba Kakar but matter for all girls who give up their dreams of seeking higher education; their dreams are mutilated because of the pathetic education system in rural villages of Balochistan.
80 % of the population in Balochistan is scattered in rural villages. While, thinking to build new institutions in the Capital city to end the deprival of the people of Balochistan is senseless. Majority of the population in rural villages are deprived of their basic necessities, among which the female education in rural villages is a burning question. Despite several projects by World Bank and other international organizations; including the World Bank’s project PGEB (Promoting Girls Education in Balochistan) of 10 million US dollar, have failed to turn the corner of female education in rural villages of Balochistan due to rampant corruption by the authorities.
There is no any denying factor that the girls in rural villages, can be Malala or Nergis Mavalalva provided that they are given all the opportunities, well equipped education in a fearless environment. The mobilization of girls towards education will surely lead the posterity towards prosperity but unfortunately, we have failed to understand the important role of female in nation building.
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