Tilyan Aslam
Everywhere we look today, we can see the advancement of man, how the human mind has invented, created, and built a whole new world, yet strangely the same human mind continues to allow the exploitation of girls and women across the globe where women denied to participate equally in the society.
“ Women must have a say in matters that affect their countries, communities, and their families. After all, they are half of the population, so women’s equal participation in decision-making is a question of justice and democracy.” – Emma Watson
Women are an integral part of the society who have played an incredible role in history to make the world the way it is today by their hard work and determination.
Phenomenal changes have taken place all across the world in recent years, yet the status and fate of women remain unchanged.
The first wave of the feminism movement – the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of gender equality and the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of sexes – began in 1848 at Seneca Falls Convention, New York when nearly three hundred men and women rallied to the cause of equality for women.
One hundred and seventy-one years of constant struggles and persistent efforts for impartiality and justice, women are still striving for their basic rights and freedom. Women have been turned down of the rights to participate in the cultural life of their communities, families, even government and politics for years. Women are under-represented in decision-making positions worldwide. Although, gender equality and diversity are recognized to have beneficial effects on organizations, institutions, and overall the economy of a nation.
Sadly, women’s rights continue to be violated and disrespected disproportionately due to social norms, legal discrimination, and economic equality around the world. One of the very human rights that women are deprived of disproportionately to date is a woman’s involvement in decision-making.
Involvement of women in leadership and decision-making in all aspects of life such as public administration, judiciary, political constitution bodies, the private sector, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention will not only promote gender empowerment but enhance growth and stability across the world.
A woman’s role in decision-making in community affairs and local institutions is very crucial for increased political representation.
Giving women a voice in community matters and access to leadership positions at the grass-root level is the first step which is then followed by supporting women at the municipal and departmental levels, later to province and governmental levels.
Neglecting women in decision-making is not merely a problem within a certain region or country, but it is a worldwide problem that has limited women for over centuries to excel and be treated equally.
No doubt, women have played a necessary part to preserve social order when communities collapsed. Women have proved to build bridges instead of walls in peacemaking in history. We have seen examples of women playing an important role yet their potential contribution in so many aspects of life is undervalued. Without the participation of women in a society, there will neither be justice served nor any development will be seen.
We can never create a peaceful world unless we don’t allow a woman to participate in every walk of life. When women can on behalf of the community, they should also be considered half of the solution.
It is high time that we stand for each and everyone woman’s right to live equally just like other individuals in the society, to have a say in matters ranging from her family issues to political constitution. Equality will merely be a dream if women are neglected to voice their opinions and beliefs. We can never build an equal world unless women are not allowed to sit at the table of decision-making.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the author and Balochistan Voices not necessarily agrees with them.
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