Pakistan Islamicus

An International Journal of Islamic and Social Sciences

(Bi-Annual)
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TOPIC
CULTIVATING EQUALITY: WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN RURAL CULTURAL
SETTINGS

AUTHORS
Roheena Sajid
MPhil Scholar, Department of Anthropology,
Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
[email protected]
Dr Nazia Rafiq
Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology,
Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
[email protected]
Rashina Mehr
MPhil Scholar, Department of Anthropology,
Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
[email protected]

How to Cite
Sajid, R., Rafiq, D. N., & Mehr, R. 2023.

“CULTIVATING EQUALITY: WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN RURAL CULTURAL SETTINGS”.

PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic & Social Sciences)

3 (2): 231-244.

Retrieved from:

https://pakistanislamicus.com/index.php/home/article/view/58.
PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic and Social Sciences) 231
Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

CULTIVATING EQUALITY: WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN

RURAL CULTURAL SETTINGS
Roheena Sajid
MPhil Scholar, Department of Anthropology,
Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
[email protected]
Dr Nazia Rafiq
Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology,
Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
[email protected]
Rashina Mehr
MPhil Scholar, Department of Anthropology,
Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
[email protected]
Abstract
This study is about women's rights and the way these rights are influenced by cultural settings.
To study the relationship between women's rights and culture, an anthropological lens will be
used to understand the phenomenon. This is an exploration of the idea, of up to what extent;
culture is responsible for influencing women's rights in different cultures and how the cultural
settings can be transformed to encourage and ensure gender equality.
The relevant literature suggests that there is a close relationship between women's rights and
the culture, they live in. Multiple studies have proved that there is a strong correlation between
the culture and the provision of women's rights. This study will focus on the issues of women's
rights and will explore their link to the cultural settings.
It is predominantly, a qualitative study that will employ the inductive research approach.
Participants of the study include men and women from rural areas. Two different cultures
within a rural setting have been selected for the study. This is because; it will bring clarity
about women's rights and their relationship with the relevant cultural settings. Different data
collection techniques will be used including in-depth interviews, archival research, and
secondary data collection (data sets that have already been collected by government agencies
or research organizations).
This topic is interesting and worth researching because there is no substantial research available
on the relationship between women's rights and culture in Pakistan. Pakistan could not achieve
its goals that were committed in the CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination against Women) and Sustainable Development Goals (2030) declarations. So,
this study has both practical and theoretical importance. Furthermore, this study will also give
a way out and coping strategies for including women in the process of development and to
ensure gender equality. Moreover, this study may encourage policy-makers to focus on the
solution of the phenomenon.
Keywords: Women's Rights, Culture, Gender, Agency, Sustainable Development, Women’s
Empowerment, Women’s Education.
Cultivating Equality: Women’s Rights in Rural Cultural Settings 232

Introduction
Women are dealt with as secondary to the men around them and this concept of women’s
subordination is a universal phenomenon. It can be seen in almost all the cultures of the world,
though nature and intensity differ. Women are subordinated and discriminated against around
the world. (Ortner, 1974).
There is a close relationship among culture, gender, and sex. Culture is such a powerful factor
that it can transform social behaviors about gender inequality; it has the power to even eliminate
the same. Culture may play an important role in encouraging and ensuring gender equality.
We cannot guarantee sustainable development until and unless gender equality is guaranteed.
These two phenomena are so closely interconnected that one cannot be achieved if the other
one is not present. The only way to achieve gender equality is to focus on women’s rights and
to ensure the same through proper legislation and law enforcement.
Pakistan is a member of international human rights organizations such as the United Nations
(UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and it has signed many human rights treaties
and declarations including the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW) and Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs). Yet the situation
of women’s rights is not very encouraging. Pakistan is the second lowest country in the world
when it comes to gender equality. These facts have been declared by the Global Gender Index
Report by the World Economic Forum.
“Patriarchy and the politics of gender in modernizing societies: Iran, Pakistan, and
Afghanistan” a book, written by a famous feminist and sociologist, Valentine M. Moghadam
argues that tradition and modernity are two opposite forces, their presence may result in
destruction, especially when it comes to the women’s status in a society. (Moghadam, March,
1992)
There are multiple factors that are responsible for this situation with respect to women's rights
or gender equality in the country. One important factor that is impacting women's rights in the
country is “Culture”. Just like many other societies in the world, Pakistan has also a patriarchal
social structure. Such a cultural setting makes women secondary to their male folks. Numerous
studies have been conducted in different parts of the world that confirm a strong correlation
between culture and women's rights. This is because a person cannot be separated from the
culture he lives in. Cultural settings impact the behavior of individuals and they set a way for
the overall behavioral patterns of the people living in that society.
PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic and Social Sciences) 233
Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

While it is obvious that there is a great gender disparity in Pakistan, and women are
discriminated against in all spheres of life, there is a need to know and understand to what
extent these realities of the patriarchal structures are influencing women’s lives. It is also
important to investigate, whether it is the culture that is keeping women secondary to men or
there are some other factors responsible for the phenomenon.
This study focuses on the relationship between women's rights and culture, and it will discuss
the influence of culture on the lives of women living in the Patriarchal society. There is a great
need to conduct such studies so that the concept of gender can be understood. Different aspects
of women's rights and culture will be explored in the study.
Though this topic needs very deep research from all the possible aspects, this study will focus
on a couple of aspects including women’s right to education and right to equal employment
opportunities. This is to make the study comprehensive and authentic when it comes to these
aspects. This topic needs to be explored since it has a huge impact on women, living not just
in Pakistan but across the globe. Researchers must come up with their thoughts and ideas and
ideas on the said topic so that the laws, policies, and practices can be improved according to
the needs of the hour. This will not only bring ease to millions of people but will also help us
to ensure sustainable development.

Research Questions
The following research questions are designed for this study.
1. What is the perception of women regarding women's rights within the locale of
the study?
2. What is the community's perception regarding women's rights?
3. What are the cultural norms/practices that are influencing women's rights and that
can be used to transform the conditions of women's rights?
All the policies for development cannot achieve their desired goals, if they are ignoring half
of humanity i-e women. Mostly, cultural settings are said to be responsible for the gender
disparity in the country. So, it is important to study the relationship between culture and
women's rights to understand the extent of the problem and to provide possible policies and
practices for the solution of the problem. Since the second half of the last century, there has
been a great debate about discrimination against women and the measures that can be adopted
to achieve this goal.
Cultivating Equality: Women’s Rights in Rural Cultural Settings 234

Significance of The Study

There is a growing literature on gender and culture but very little has been done about women's
rights in Pakistani culture. The topic has been researched but the studies are Limited in scope
with respect to women's rights and culture. Furthermore, there also has been a great need to
look at the problem from an anthropological perspective to help various stakeholders from
academia, research, and policy makers’ viewpoint. It has been discussed already that Gender
functions are considered the organizing principle for every society this is because of the cultural
meaning attached to the sex of any individual in the society. There is no doubt about the fact
there is a huge difference between men and women when it comes to the physiology of women,
but discrimination based on gender in provision of the basic human rights is not justified.
This study will help to understand the role of culture in encouraging and maintaining gender
discrimination against women that has been prevalent for centuries. It will also explore the
cultural traits that provide a conducive environment for the women folk and what are the
aspects of the culture that limit women from achieving their life goals and prevent them from
living their lives to their full potential. It will be helpful to find out, whether culture is actually
responsible for the secondary status of the female half of humanity in Pakistan or if there are
other factors responsible for the same. It has not only damaged female half of the humanity
but now it is a huge hindrance in achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development.
United Nations Department for Women Development which is called UN Women reported that
Pakistan “75% of legal frameworks that promote, enforce and monitor gender equality under
the SDG indicator, with a focus on violence against women, are in place”(United Nations
Women ).
This study will help the readers to understand the social and political structures of the
developing world, and how these factors influence the gender disparities and the status of
women, living in such areas. This research can be read for a general understanding of Pakistan's
and other developing countries' cultural, social, and political structures. It can also be used by
students of anthropology, culture, sociology, human rights, and gender studies.

Review of Literature
A review of the relevant literature is very important to make the research study stand out and
to be the best among others. It gives an idea to the researcher about what other researchers
have already studied and researched in the chosen field of study. A good literature review also
helps the researcher to find the research gaps in the relevant field of study.
PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic and Social Sciences) 235
Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

It also prevents the replication of the studies and brings a thorough understanding of the
research topic to the researcher.
Sometimes, finding the right topic for the research is very challenging, especially in the field
of qualitative research, this is because, since the start of the twenty-first century, researchers
have discovered a great deal of topics in the social sciences. So, finding an undiscovered field
of study is very difficult (Flick, 2009).
Though research in social sciences has a thorough background at the same time the area of
gender and especially women's rights is little discovered as compared to the other disciplines.
In this section, I will present a review of the literature about the area of study I have chosen.
The field of women's rights has not yet been much explored in Pakistan. There was not enough
literature available on the topic, however, there was enough literature available in the field of
culture so I reviewed the literature that was relevant to my study in some way or the other.
In Pakistan, the majority of the population lives in the rural areas. Where cultural values are
very strong. There is a close and complex relationship between culture and gender
roles/relations in rural settings. In urban areas, culture is comparatively less dominant.
Cultural and social settings play a significant role in the development of the nations.
Pakistan, In spite of being one of the first signees to the United Nations’, Sustainable
Development Goals charter which was an extension of the Millennium Development Goals
(1979), Pakistan could not attain the development goals as per plans. Although it made an
excellent plan of action, and a parliamentary committee was established in the National
Assembly to monitor and evaluate the process of development according to the plans in spite
of all these measures, not much has been achieved yet. The following statistics show the
alarming situation regarding women’s rights in the country,
According to the statistics by United Nations Women 2017, the adolescent birth rate is still
very high. It is as high as 54 adolescents per 1000 who are aged 15-19. (United Nations Women,
2017). There is also a huge gender gap when it comes to politics. According to a report by the
United Nations Women published in 2021, there are only 20.2% of seats in the parliament are
occupied by women parliamentarians. (United Nations Women, February 2021)
In order to close these gender gaps, Pakistan needs to come up with practical solutions to the
problems related to women's rights. Inclusive growth and sustainable development can be
guaranteed only when men and women participate equally in building the nation. Literature
shows that Pakistan is far behind in this quest. Studies in the field of women and gender also
show that the pandemic has also affected women folk differently as compared to their male
Cultivating Equality: Women’s Rights in Rural Cultural Settings 236

members of the family. It has been reported that women faced more domestic violence during
the times of pandemic. They felt more insecure with their houses during that time. A research
study conducted in 13 different countries of the world including Jordan, Kenya, Morocco,
Nigeria, Pooled, Colombia, Cameroon, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Côte d'Ivoire, Albania, Thailand,
and Paraguay showed alarming statistics.
The data for the above report was collected from 13 different countries. These countries have
significantly different cultural settings but all of the cultures have shown almost similar
statistics about the violence against women. (United Nations Women, 2021)
This report shows that all cultures have similar behaviors when it comes to gender. This report
further argues that whenever men and women share space, be it public or private, women are
on the verge of violence. Be it Psychological, Physical, Sexual, verbal, or emotional. There is
a greater need for study than there was ever before; to find out whether it is nurture (or in
nature) that inculcates such behavioral patterns in humans. So there is a dire need to study
culture and its influence on gender relations.
Multiple studies have been conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) about gender disparity and women's rights in various cultures. Gender
and development experts have shown particular interest and have raised serious concerns about
the culture being a great hindrance in the process of development and gender equality. Program
Officers of humanitarian organizations and partners of development argued that acquiring
gender equality is a real challenge where the cultural settings are very strong. This is because
promoting gender equality interferes with the local culture, this is usually not accepted by the
locals, and achieving gender equality becomes impossible for ethical reasons.
Materials and Methods
Data can be approached in two different ways by the researcher. These two approaches are
called inductive and deductive (Dewey). If a researcher plans to conduct the study by using the
deductive approach, he takes his work from more general to specific. The study may be started
by using a theory and then relating the same to the research problem. After that, a specific
hypothesis is developed by narrowing the theoretical framework related to the study. In the
end, the hypothesis is tested (Donnelly, 2006).
In other words, a theory related to the topic of investigation may be selected by the researcher
and then it is broken down into a hypothesis that is tested on the next stage. (Donnelly, 2006).
PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic and Social Sciences) 237
Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning is the opposite of the deductive reasoning. In the Inductive approach, a
researcher starts from broader generalizations and moves to the specific observations.
Observations are the basis of the inductive reasoning. In this approach, a researcher starts the
study from the observations and explores the area of study. At the end of such a study, a
generalization or a theory is expected to emerge (Donnelly, 2006).
The research will employ the inductive research approach to conduct the study. I chose this
approach since the study is exploratory in nature. The inductive approach is also reflected in
the methods that I use to collect the data for the study. I plan to use semi-structured interviews
and focus-group discussions (FGDs). I plan to ask open-ended questions from the respondents.
It will allow me to understand their perspective on the topic. I will study the culture and its
relation to women's rights. In order to do this, I will be using a specific cultural setting (Locale)
to see what factors have an impact on gender roles and stereotypes in society and are
consequently influencing women's rights. I will be moving from general observations to a
specific result which makes this study approach “inductive” in nature.
In the inductive research study, a researcher just takes ideas from the preexisting theories to
understand the phenomenon and does not relate the theories to the research problem at the
beginning of the study. Observations are the basis of such a study. Moreover, no researcher
can be free and empty-minded from his knowledge, beliefs, and interests. Since my research is
also inductive in approach during the course of my research, I will not be trying to approve or
disprove any theory rather I will be exploring the culture and its impact on women's rights, and
will try to reach an understanding about the data.
During the course of data collection, I will also use the archival studies that have already been
done in different regions of the world about the impact of the culture. It is also important to
mention here that no research study has been done yet in the locale of my study. This is going
to be the first study of this nature in my study locale. Online resources (websites of the
governments and research organizations will also be used for the purpose of data collection.
Results and Discussions
Locale of Study
A village named “Maira” which is near Tehsil Kahuta, District Rawalpindi is selected as a
locale of study. It is location is at 33°30'48"N 73°23'9"E at an altitude of 2555 feet (778
meters).
Cultivating Equality: Women’s Rights in Rural Cultural Settings 238

It is located almost 65 Kilometers East of Islamabad. It has a population of just a few thousand.
This information was gathered by consulting the union council of the village and other
community-based welfare organizations during the data collection phase.
The exact number of the population is not available.
People live in small clusters called “Dhoke”. Agricultural land is in abundance. Wheat and
corn are the main crops, cultivated in the region. There is an obvious trend of migration in the
rural population. People migrate to bigger cities and even foreign countries for the sake of
employment and for children’s education. A good number of people are employed outside the
village, in bigger cities. The rest of them are either in business or engaged in agricultural
activities. Some of the people are also settled abroad.
Rationale for Selection
The locale (Village Maira) that has been selected for this study has a very rich historical
background. This village was ruled by the Sikhs before the partition of the sub-continent. There
was also a Hindu population living in the village. Both Hindus and Muslims lived in harmony.
There was a strong culture of mutual respect and brotherhood between Sikhs and Muslims.
Later, the Sikh population moved to India after the partition happened. The village welcomed
some migrants from India. Those migrants were allotted the houses and property of those Sikhs
who left the village and migrated to India, as per the laws of the Government of Pakistan. There
are still many Monuments of the Sikh community in the area. The village is also very famous
for its Sufis and shrines. Maira has a rich historical and religious background.
When it comes to art and artists, there is so much more to be explored. One can find a great
deal of folklore, poems, and other literature, written by the locals. There are many local singers
who sing poetry written in the local language. Wooden art is also very famous in the area;
carvings are done by the locals on wood and stone.
The majority of the female population is well-versed in the art of threadwork, embroidery,
stitching, sewing, and knitting. These prospects show the significance of the village in the field
of art. The female population of the area actively participates in agricultural practices along
with their male family members. So, the economic contribution of women is also significant.
A small number of women in Maira are in formal employment. They teach at local schools.
Female participation in the political affairs of the area is also very encouraging, though not
satisfactory. The role of women in the village is quite prominent in identifying and interpreting
local cultural heritage and customs. They are not only influenced by the culture, but they are
also the ones who influence the culture.
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Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

Some of the people in the area are well-educated and financially stronger than others in the
area. It provides a good chance for the comparative study of people with different socio-
economic backgrounds when they live in the same culture.
There is also a strong caste system still operating in the area. People still believe in the caste
system.
All the above-mentioned features of the village make the cultural setting very strong. Since it
is a rural setting, people are highly sentimental about their cultural values and norms. Due to
the use of the latest technologies (television cable network, mobile phones, and internet),
people of the area are well-informed but local culture is still very strong.
These facets of this village make it interesting and worth studying. Furthermore, despite being
so rich in culture, history, art, morals, and customs, no research study has been done in the area.
These are the reasons; why this village is selected as the locale of the research study.
Data Collection and Analysis
“Data collection” was very challenging during the study. Union councils and Community-
Based organizations do not have sufficient data on population. This study mainly relied on the
primary data that was collected during the study. It is worth mentioning that elderly people of
the area provided very useful information about the historical aspects and cultural evolution of
the area.
The exploratory nature of the study provided a good chance to study the culture in detail
through in-depth interviews. Four Dhokes (Population living in small clusters), and 10 people
from each Dhoke were selected (4x10=40 people in total).
Cultivating Equality: Women’s Rights in Rural Cultural Settings 240

Then data collected from the selected sample was analyzed. The main source of data remained
interviews.
Women’s Right to Education
The village of Maira provides a poignant backdrop for the study of women's right to education.
Nestled in the heart of tradition, this community has undergone a transformation in recent
decades. The stark contrast between the older and younger generations highlights the profound
impact that education can have on women's empowerment.
Bridging Generational Gaps: An Evolution in Mindset
The study unequivocally underscores the shift in attitudes towards women's education in Maira.
The older generation, predominantly women, were often denied the opportunity for formal
education due to deeply entrenched societal norms. However, their experiences of being
marginalized from educational opportunities instilled in them a fervent belief in the power of
learning. As they witnessed the changing tides, they became fervent advocates for education,
particularly for girls.
In stark contrast, the younger generation in Maira has embraced education with unprecedented
zeal. The classrooms, once dominated by boys, now boast a significant representation of girls.
This transformation marks a departure from age-old norms, signaling a new era of education
in Maira. It is evident that the advocacy of the older generation has resonated deeply with their
successors.
The Empowering Nexus: Education as a Catalyst
Education emerges as the linchpin in the empowerment of women in Maira. It is the tool that
has facilitated economic independence and expanded the horizons of possibilities. By acquiring
knowledge and skills, women have transcended traditional roles, engaging in diverse
occupations that were once considered beyond their purview.
Moreover, education has endowed women with awareness and agency. In Maira, women are
now cognizant of their rights and equipped to challenge discriminatory practices. This has
resulted in a palpable reduction in instances of gender-based violence and the dismantling of
archaic norms that once stifled progress.
Intergenerational Collaboration: Forging a New Narrative
The interplay between the older and younger generations in Maira is a harmonious convergence
of values and aspirations. The older generation, having borne witness to the transformative
power of education, has ardently championed its cause. They serve as living testaments to the
enduring impact of education, dispelling misconceptions and nurturing a culture of learning.
PAKISTAN ISLAMICUS (An International Journal of Islamic and Social Sciences) 241
Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

Conversely, the younger generation personifies the tangible outcomes of this advocacy. They
stand as beneficiaries of the struggles waged by their predecessors, seizing the opportunities
education affords them. Their pursuit of knowledge is marked by a profound awareness of the
broader societal implications of their empowerment.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While commendable progress has been made in Maira, challenges persist. Socioeconomic
constraints and deeply ingrained gender norms continue to impede progress. Access to quality
education remains uneven, particularly in remote areas. Addressing these challenges requires
a multi-pronged approach involving community engagement, policy initiatives, and
infrastructural development.
In conclusion, Maira's trajectory towards gender equality through education is a testament to
the profound impact of empowering women with knowledge. The intergenerational exchange
of values and aspirations has been pivotal in propelling this transformation. Looking ahead,
sustained efforts are imperative to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender, has
unfettered access to education, thereby unlocking their full potential and contributing to the
holistic development of the community.
Women’s Right to Empowerment (Employment)
The village of Maira serves as a compelling microcosm of the transformative journey towards
women's empowerment. The profound transition witnessed between generations illuminates
the potential unleashed by granting women their rightful place in economic and societal
domains. This study dissects the intricate web of factors underpinning this transformation,
examining how education and economic participation have been instrumental in fostering
empowerment.
A Generational Shift: From Contribution to Empowerment
The older generation in Maira exemplifies silent contributors to the village's economy.
Engaged in a multitude of activities - from care work to intricate handicrafts and farming -
these women played pivotal roles in sustaining the community's economic fabric. However,
their contributions largely went unnoticed, obscured by the prevailing norms that relegated
them to the private sphere. While their efforts were indispensable, they operated within the
confines of tradition, without reaping the rewards of formal recognition or economic
independence.
In stark contrast, the younger generation in Maira stands as a testament to the potential
unleashed through education and formal employment. With a significant representation in the
Cultivating Equality: Women’s Rights in Rural Cultural Settings 242

teaching sector, these women have ventured beyond the confines of their immediate
community, establishing themselves as professionals. This generation is not only economically
independent but also wields newfound agency in decision-making processes, both within and
outside the household.
Education: The Catalyst for Transformation
Education emerges as the fulcrum of this transformative journey. It is the gateway through
which women in Maira transcended traditional roles and accessed opportunities previously
denied to them. The younger generation, armed with formal education, has shattered glass
ceilings, venturing into sectors that were once considered inaccessible. This not only augurs
well for their personal development but also enriches the intellectual capital of the entire
community.
Furthermore, education has engendered a paradigm shift in mindset. It has instilled in these
women a newfound confidence and awareness of their rights, enabling them to challenge
regressive norms. This has a cascading effect on societal perceptions, gradually eroding deeply
entrenched gender biases.
Economic Empowerment: A Catalyst for Agency
Formal employment, particularly in the teaching sector, has been a cornerstone of the younger
generation's empowerment in Maira. It has afforded them economic independence, bolstering
their confidence and decision-making capacity. Moreover, these women serve as role models
for the wider community, dispelling the notion that certain professions are inherently gendered.
Their presence in formal employment sectors challenges stereotypes and normalizes the idea
of women as professionals.
Preserving the Legacy, Paving the Way
The interplay between generations in Maira is a harmonious blend of tradition and progress.
The older generation, with its rich tapestry of skills and experiences, serves as a reservoir of
wisdom. Their contributions, though often undervalued, form the bedrock upon which the
younger generation builds. The younger generation, in turn, stands as torchbearers of change,
embodying the potential unleashed through education and economic participation.
In conclusion, Maira epitomizes the transformative power of education and economic
empowerment in the journey towards women's empowerment. The intergenerational dynamics,
characterized by silent contribution and visible agency, underscore the potential that lies within
every woman. This study serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and
empowered future for women in Maira and beyond.
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Vol 03, Issue 02 (July-December 2023)

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, Maira stands as a beacon of the transformative power of education and economic
empowerment in the journey towards women's empowerment. The intergenerational dynamics,
characterized by silent contribution and visible agency, underscore the boundless potential
inherent in every woman. This trajectory towards gender equality through education is a
testament to the profound impact of empowering women with knowledge. The exchange of
values and aspirations across generations has been pivotal in propelling this transformation.
Looking ahead, sustained efforts are imperative to ensure that every individual, regardless of
gender, has unfettered access to education, thereby unlocking their full potential and
contributing to the holistic development of the community. This study not only sheds light on
the remarkable progress in Maira but also serves as a guiding light for communities far and
wide, illustrating the tangible benefits of investing in women's education and economic agency.

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