In short: Freedom is a basic human right, yet many women are still denied it through control at home, barriers to education, undervalued work and unsafe public spaces. Amna Pirzada argues that women are not asking for special treatment, only equal rights, respect and safety, and that a nation’s progress must be measured by how fairly it treats its people.
Freedom should be a right, not a privilege.
Freedom is one of the most important rights of every human being. It means having the opportunity to make choices, express opinions, receive an education and take part in society without unfair restrictions.
Yet, for many women, freedom remains limited by expectations and rules that are not applied equally to men. The question is not whether women deserve freedom; the real question is why they still have to struggle for a right that should already belong to them.
When Care Becomes Control
In many homes and communities, a girl’s life is shaped by decisions made for her. She may be told what to study, what work to choose, how to dress, where she can go and whom she may meet.
Advice and care are important in families, but they become unfair when they turn into control. A young woman should be able to share her views and take part in decisions about her own future. Respect for family values should not mean the loss of her individual identity.
Education: The Strongest Foundation of Freedom
Education is one of the strongest foundations of freedom. An educated woman is better able to understand her rights, make informed decisions and contribute to her community.
However, some girls still face barriers such as financial difficulties, early marriage, unsafe journeys to school or the belief that educating sons is more important than educating daughters. When a girl is denied education, the whole society loses her knowledge, skills and potential. Every child, regardless of gender, deserves an equal chance to learn.
The Unequal Value of Women’s Work
Another barrier is the unequal value often given to women’s work. Many women manage homes, care for children and support family members, but this work is frequently treated as if it has little value.
Women who want to earn a living may also face restrictions, discrimination or a lack of safe opportunities. Financial independence does not mean rejecting family responsibilities. It means having the ability to contribute, make choices and live with dignity. Household responsibilities should be shared fairly, and workplaces should provide equal opportunities and respectful treatment.
Safety Is Part of Freedom
Safety is also closely connected to freedom. If women are worried about harassment, threats or blame, their choices become limited. They may avoid travelling, studying, working or participating in public life. The responsibility for safety must never be placed only on women by telling them to stay inside or constantly change their behaviour. Families, schools, communities, employers and public institutions all have a role in creating safe environments and taking complaints seriously.
Tradition Should Not Justify Injustice
Tradition and culture are often mentioned when restrictions on women are discussed. Traditions can provide identity, belonging and valuable guidance. But no tradition should be used to justify injustice or deny someone basic rights. A society can respect its culture while also supporting education, fairness and personal dignity. Real progress does not require women to abandon their values; it requires giving them the same respect and opportunities that men receive.
Change Begins With Everyday Attitudes
Change begins with everyday attitudes. Parents can encourage daughters and sons equally. Schools can teach students to respect one another. Families can listen to women’s opinions and include them in decisions. Employers can ensure fair treatment, while authorities must strengthen protections and make justice accessible. Men and boys also have an important role: equality is not a competition between women and men, but a shared responsibility to build a fair society.
Freedom Should Belong to Everyone
Women are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for equal rights, respect, safety and the freedom to shape their own lives. A woman should not have to prove that she is worthy of education, work, choice or a voice.
The progress of a nation cannot be measured only by its buildings or economy; it must also be measured by how fairly it treats its people. When women are free to learn, work, speak and make decisions, families become stronger and society moves forward. Freedom should never depend on gender. It should belong to everyone.
The picture in Pakistan: The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked Pakistan last, 148th of 148 countries, with a gender parity score of 56.7 per cent. Its weakest area was economic participation and opportunity at 34.7 per cent, and World Bank data puts women at only about 22 per cent of Pakistan’s labour force.
Related reading on Feature Pakistan: Daughter-in-Law Struggles: Family Pressure and Finding Your Voice and How Social Media Influences Our Perception of Beauty.
About the author: Amna Pirzada is an undergraduate student of English at Mehran University. She is interested in writing about social issues, education and the challenges that shape everyday life. Through her writing, she hopes to encourage thoughtful discussion and contribute to a more aware and inclusive society.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Feature Pakistan.
