This past year has seen a rise in violence and abuse against women in Pakistan, and very little has been done by public officials to improve the situation. With the horrifying murder of Noor Mukadam and then public officials going on an international interview and saying that the reason why rape exists is because women do not cover themselves up properly. It’s clear that women are done explaining and trying to exist in a society that doesn’t love them or care about their individual rights. This is why we’ve seen a rise of more discussions among women on Twitter regarding how they can apply abroad and leave the country.
A user on Twitter had asked this same question by pointing out that there was a rise in more women applying for scholarships to study in another country, or even to find a job. He questioned what could be the reason, and women gladly stepped up to explain why. We have shared some of their responses below:
Some women shared that sexism at workplaces was a reason behind their motive to leave the country, by pointing out that many over-qualified women still get paid less than men who have only done bachelor’s degrees
Because there is no place for educated and talented women in the country. We go into workplaces with the same or better qualifications than men, only to be paid a fraction of what they earn. In workplaces, more focus is on what we wear & when we plan to marry & have kids 1/
— the moon landing is a hoax (@ratata_q) March 27, 2022
Other women shared the constant moral policing they are made to endure in Pakistani societies.
The constant judgement by society,people forcing them what to do & what not to do,It’s difficult to make choices on their own & no basic freedom.Every single choice they make are being judged & questioned.They do not get the treatment they deserve! https://t.co/yiFs1F2f5c
— Maryam (@Maryammr285) March 27, 2022
Women have hardly any support systems here. Women face triple the amount of hardships men face when trying to establish themselves as professionals and even then they are constantly doubted, maligned and ridiculed. And that’s the best case scenario. Worst is they’re killed. https://t.co/EqXY04bAfv
— Nuzhat. (@guldaar) March 26, 2022
Educated women start feeling suffocated bcs of constant gender discrimination. Talented women cant find opportunities. Yet in both cases, self awareness increases, which leads to feeling pressurised abt what their future will look like in Pak, given their open minds. https://t.co/u2NZjXNMQx
— Zeenat Tariq (@ZeeZabardast) March 26, 2022
One reason is feeling safe in public spaces, as described by @AslamZohra. It is a mission to be outside here for women. Education. Work. For whatever reason. Even going to the park for a walk is daunting. Freedom is everything. And being abroad means freedom to live.
— Ibad Uzi (@uziibad) March 26, 2022
