The Perception of Feminism and the Inclination for Empowerment among Educated Muslim Women from Pakistan

Abstract

Women have been oppressed and exploited in the patriarchal world throughout history. Studies into feminism and its counterparts have mostly been conducted in Western individualistic cultures where women are comparatively better in status as compared to women belonging to collectivistic cultures. The current study intended to portray a well-documented feministic picture of the status of educated Pakistani women. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches and involved 1321 women from Pakistan. The findings revealed that Pakistani women perceive feminism in align with the essence of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. They are satisfactorily aware of the dire need to change the culture in their favor and are desirous to be actively involved in the pursuit of development. The study forecasts a rapid and progressive cultural change for women empowerment in Pakistan, by the women themselves, in the coming decade.