Abstract
Patriarchal power relations between men and women pose serious challenges to the strategic interests of women. In Pakistan, the goal of women empowerment could not be yet achieved due to deeply embedded social, cultural, and institutional constraints to women. The present study intended to map the state of strategic gender needs, challenges, and prospects of these needs in Pakistan. A critical review of secondary data and information generated primarily by national, multilateral agencies and United Nations Organizations revealed that women face discrimination in all strategic priority areas including; 1) participation in decision making, 2) protection from domestic violence, 3) equal opportunities in employment, 4) equality for legal rights, and 5) increased reproductive choices. This study concludes that fulfillment of practical gender needs could not challenge unequal power relations between men and women. There is a need of affirmative actions at individual, community, and state level for achieving the goal of women empowerment. At the end, this study formulates an integrated conceptual model of Strategic Gender Needs in relation to women empowerment in Pakistan.
Keyword(s)
Gender Equity, Pakistan, Strategic Gender Needs, Women Empowerment