Peshawar: In the rugged mountains and conservative plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), women continue to chart difficult paths toward economic empowerment, often pushing against deeply entrenched social taboos, patriarchal norms and restrictive traditions that shape everyday life in the province.
Despite policy reforms, legislative measures and advocacy campaigns over the years, women’s development in KP remains constrained by longstanding cultural practices rooted in tribal customs and narrow interpretations of social values.
Political activists and women rights experts believed that while laws are important, genuine empowerment demands a broader shift in societal mindset in the wake of social media invasion.
‘The biggest hurdle to women’s empowerment in KP is not the absence of laws but the persistence of social limitations that dictate women’s roles in society,’ said Khursheed Bano, Chief Executive Officer of Da Hawwa Lur, a women’s advocacy platform, while speaking to reporter.
She explained that Pakistan’s predominantly patriarchal social structure places decision-making power firmly in the hands of men, both within households and in public life.
‘In Pakhtun society, men control most economic and social decisions, which directly affects women’s ability especially those from marginalized backgrounds to shape their own futures,’ she said.
Khursheed Bano reiterated that the concept of family honour is closely tied to women’s behavior, movement and visibility in public spaces. ‘This places immense pressure on women to conform to restrictive norms, often at the cost of their education, careers and personal aspirations,’ she added.
One of the most damaging outcomes of this negative mindset, she said, is the persistence of child and early marriages, particularly in rural and far-flung districts.
‘Early marriages usually end a girl’s education and permanently limit her opportunities for personal and professional growth,’ she said, stressing that meaningful change can only come through awareness and a shift in attitudes that recognize women as equal stakeholders in society.
Calling for a multifaceted strategy, Khursheed Bano emphasized education, legal reforms and the active involvement of both men and women in challenging discriminatory practices.
‘Empowering women is not just about removing barriers, but about creating an environment where they can contribute fully to society’s wellbeing,’ she maintained.
Education remains a major battleground in this struggle of women folk. Malik Ashfaq, a lawyer, pointed out that gender disparity in education continues to create a wide gap between opportunities available to girls and boys.
‘In many communities, conservative traditions restrict women’s mobility and participation in public life, including education and employment,’ he told reporter.
However, he acknowledged gradual improvement, adding that women are now entering important professions in KP, even while observing cultural norms.
Despite progress, significant challenges persist in less developed areas, including the seven merged tribal districts, Batagram, Chitral, Kohistan, Tank and Kolai Palas.
‘Cultural attitudes often prioritize domestic roles for girls over education, while safety and security concerns further discourage families from sending girls to schools or allowing them to pursue careers,’ he said.
Workplace challenges further compound the problem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sundus Amin, a Statistics lecturer, highlighted systemic discrimination faced by women in employment. ‘Women encounter barriers in hiring, wage disparities and limited chances for career advancement in male-dominated workplaces,’ she said.
She identified workplace harassment as a serious deterrent, aggravated by weak enforcement of laws and social stigma surrounding complaints.
‘Many women leave jobs or avoid entering the workforce altogether because they fear harassment and lack institutional support,’ she added.
Sundus also drew attention to property and political rights. ‘Islamic law grants women the right to inherit property, but in practice, many are denied their share due to cultural pressure from male relatives,’ she said.
Similarly, despite having the right to vote and contest elections, women’s representation in political offices remains low, limiting their influence on policymaking.
Cultural taboos and stigma often prevent women from reporting abuse or seeking help. ‘Many women, especially in rural areas, are unaware of their legal rights and available resources, which keeps them trapped in abusive situations,’ she explained.
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment spokesman, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to gender equality.
‘Women’s empowerment is a cornerstone of KP government policy,’ she told reporter, adding that a comprehensive women’s policy has been approved and notified for implementation across departments.
The spokesman said legislation for protection against workplace harassment has been passed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, while efforts are underway to ensure enforcement of women’s property rights.
‘The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women has also been established to promote and protect women’s rights across the province,’ he added.
He emphasized that economic empowerment and education are key priorities. ‘Stipends for girls’ students in less developed districts have been increased under the Stars of KP program to bridge disparities and bring them at par with developed regions,’ he said.
For many women in KP, empowerment remains a journey marked by resilience and quiet courage. While laws and policies are important milestones, activists agree that the real transformation will come when society itself begins to see women not as bearers of honour or boundaries, but as equal partners in progress.