OPPORTUNITY CENTER FOR WOMEN: Reintegration of Under-Privileged Women in Pakistani Society

Abstract

Long-term, sustainable development will only be possible when women and men enjoy equal opportunity to rise to their potential. It is beyond any doubt that women play a significant role in development of a nation. History bears the testimony to the greatness of women as vibrant members of society. Even in the current scenario women have stood shoulder to shoulder with men for the general cause of humanity. Women empowerment is a matter of key concern in national and international policy making and activities of social life. Nations cannot achieve their development goals if their women are discriminated. Women's empowerment is in fact necessary condition for socioeconomic development of a country. Women in most part of Pakistan are not enjoying the fundamental human rights. They are less healthy, less nourished and more vulnerable than men. Patriarchal nature of society in Pakistan, provide women fewer chances to acquire property, low level of legal support for justice and few opportunities for political participation. They have to cross a number of socio-cultural barriers when they want to work for income generation. Women are considered as mean of producing children, caring family members and providing them emotional satisfaction. As a result, their identity is lost under the burden of responsibilities and they do not have time to think about themselves. In their routine life, most of the women do not have their own goals but they respond to the need and demands of others. All powers are vested with the males of the family. Despite their long hours of work and sacrificing attitude towards their family and in-laws, their work is not recognized by their family as well as the society at large. Conversely in return most of the women receive unfair treatment of their near relatives and male family members. Their independent existence is denied and they are considered as subservient of man. Such stringent circumstances not only make women weak and dependent but also lower down their social status. This issue presents a dire need of a platform or institution through which such disadvantaged women and their issues can be brought under the spotlight. A solution can only be identified when their problems are highlighted. Lack of education and awareness comes out to be the biggest reason of all. Women are under confident and unequipped to stand up for their own rights and privileges. A Women Opportunity Center and architectural institution / community center that is focused on imparting these women with education and pushing them to bring their talents and skills up to the surface and get recognition is the primary target of this project. All the upcoming successful and renowned women of this country such as Sharmeen Oba id Chinoy and Malala Yousafzai already had a strong background in education and polished skills, therefore it was easy for them to get acknowledged. The only thing these underprivileged women lack is a podium, which can act as a stepping stone in bringing them forward with the same impact as men and all other successful women out there.