Ayesha, 32, a mother of three, wakes up to the same pattern every morning in the sleepy streets of a small Punjabi village: the sound of her kids laughing, the aroma of morning chai, and the eerie anticipation of the day ahead. The secret that Ayesha has been carrying about for years is all too […]
Author: Umm-e-Habiba & Humaira Raheem
Rural women and exploitation as cheap labor: A story of struggles and strength in Faisalabad
In many villages, particularly in developing nations, the image of women working in fields or industries is commonplace. These women, many of whom come from disadvantaged areas, confront structural challenges such as a lack of education, healthcare, and economic prospects. This lack of access frequently forces people into low-wage, precarious, and physically demanding professions. What […]
Education: A key to breaking gender stereotypes
In a classroom in rural Pakistan, a young girl raises her hand to answer a math question. She dreams of becoming a scientist, but society has other plans for her. “Girls belong in the kitchen,” she’s often told. Stories like hers are all too common, not just in Pakistan but worldwide. Gender norms—society’s unspoken rules […]
Gender roles and their impact on the family balance in dual earner households in Pakistan
Gender roles refer to the societal expectations of how individuals should behave according to their gender; men are often to be primary breadwinners, whereas women are mostly used to manage the household work. In dual-earner families, the gender roles are affecting the lives of spouses and creating the imbalance, so the women often end up […]
The Impact of gender stereotypes on career choices and opportunities
Gender stereotypes play a vital role in shaping career choices and opportunities in Pakistan. Traditional societal norms have created these stereotypes, deeply influencing individuals’ aspirations and professional pathways. Boys and girls are socialised early to fit into these defined roles, which confines them to limited educational and career opportunities. Boys are mostly encouraged to pursue […]
Retirement vs gender: Women’s unique retirement challenges: Addressing income gaps, longevity, and financial preparedness
Fatima, a 62-yr-old retired faculty member, spent decades teaching and maintaining a central authority faculty in Lahore. She became recognised for her willpower and passion for education, always going above and beyond to ensure her students succeeded. Her retirement five years in the past marked a big shift in her life. She moved right into […]
Can Donald Trump really end US birthright citizenship?
Can Donald Trump really end US birthright citizenship? US President-elect Donald Trump has categorically said he plans to end birthright citizenship in America as soon as he assumes the office. Birthright citizenship, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, means that anyone born within American borders automatically becomes a citizen of the United […]
Pakistan among worst global rankings for internet speeds
Pakistan among the worst global rankings for internet speeds. Pakistan has been ranked among the lowest countries globally for internet speeds in October 2024, according to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index. The report places the country 100th out of 111 nations in mobile internet speeds, with download speeds of 20.61 Mbps and upload speeds of […]