Social Norms and Gender Inequality in South Asia
- Deeply rooted social norms about gender are responsible for a large proportion of gender disparities. Economic growth could not necessarily add to empowering women in society unless and until societal norms do not change. Therefore, there is a need to introduce a curriculum at the primary level that inculcates gender-sensitive social norms among children.
- Pakistan ranks 53 out of 184 countries in terms of maternal mortality and is third in South Asia. To prevent such losses, healthcare facilities should be accessible and quality oriented.
- Employing women should not be considered a taboo. Organisations should step forward to encourage women’s recruitment by providing them with daycare facilities and flexible work hours.
- There is a need to strengthen gender-sensitive policies instead of re-orienting the family structure or faith of the masses.
