Religion and religious ideologies have always managed to hold their place in all societies. In the recent past, religion has been used as a tool to promote terrorism and militancy by some interest groups globally. In Pakistan however, besides its use for promoting terrorist/extremist ideologies by the militant organizations, religion has often been used to subjugate women.

Pakistan has a significantly low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index 2020, placing it only ahead of Iraq and Yemen. Despite improvements over time, only half of the female population is literate, whereas 72.5 percent of males are literate. Similarly, female labor force participation stands at only 20.1%. With only 1 percent of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities as opposed to 21 percent of male population. Majority of women entrepreneurs are operating in the informal (SMEs) space, and the concentration of women led businesses is confined to traditional female sectors such as textiles, beauty, food, agriculture and vocational training etc.

This low performance of women in the economic arena is due to many factors. E.g. Pakistan is a highly patriarchal and conservative country in which gender roles are defined according to religion and culture be it social, political or economic. As per existing gender roles assigned, women are meant to be inside the four boundaries of the house, tending to ‘women’s work’ while men are meant to deal with the outside world of politics and economics referred to as ‘men’s work’.

The discrimination against girl child/females starts at home and often female children are deprived of opportunities of higher education and skill development, and as a result most of the times females are unable to explore employment as skilled workers besides having fewer business opportunities. The attitude of parents towards their daughters is getting them married as soon as possible.

Low levels of education, socio-cultural norms, patriarchy, fear of being harassed, and lack of female role models thus result in unemployment among females thus making them financially dependent upon their male members of the family.

Historically,under Jewish religious traditions women who were educated enough would work with their husbands in business or even run their own. They were even engaged in occupations like spinning and weaving and women from the society even later lent money to Christian counterparts across Europe. These examples clarify how there is no specific confinement for women when it comes to economic or business transactions. In Islam, under Shariah, Quran and Sunnah, women’s rights to education, marriage, inheritance, divorce, justice and property were not only introduced but strongly encouraged; something the previous religions had not explicitly spoken about.

A monumental example from religion Islam is that of the Prophet’s beloved wife, Hazrat Khadija, who was involved in trade herself and financed the Islamic movement in its infancy. As far as Quran is concerned, both men and women have economic independence (4:32) “for men is a portion of what they earn and for women is a portion of what they earn Ask God for His Grace”. Women, under these ideals, have full economic rights. Even upon marriage, they have full control of the dower ‘mahr’. Under the principles of Quran, overall women have been encouraged to give Zakat as well and they can make all sorts of economic and legal transactions, be it buying, lease, lending or mortgage. They can even set up their own businesses and companies, all at their own discretion. One may find it ironic as to how non-Muslim countries have taken a much greater role in promoting social and economic equality when it comes to women in the modern times. For example, Denmark is known to have female Imams in mosques. Interestingly, the concept of female Imam in China dates back to 1820.

Looking at the role of state for economic equality one feels that state is equally accountable for the dire and appalling economic condition of women in the country. It is to note that the Constitution of Pakistan has Islamic foundations and matters of human rights and freedom are very clearly stated, therefore, its ideals are quite in line with what the Islamic society set 1400 years ago. Broadly speaking, the Constitution highlights ‘Rights to Equality’ and ‘Rights to Freedom’. For the former Article 25 (1) clearly states equality of all citizens followed by (2), stating there shall be no discrimination on the basis of gender and (3), which enables the state to make special laws for women and children. Article 26, in detail sheds light on accessibility to public places and Article 27, about the equality of employment.  Article 34 is about ensuring full participation of women in ‘all spheres of national life’.

The problem lies in the patriarchal and reluctant culture which prevails in the social, economic, and political spheres. Institutions are dominated by men and driven by male leadership, catering to the patriarchal status quo.

In order to create the right situations for women’s economic growth and financial self-reliance in the rural and urban areas, a better and productive role must be played by the Chambers of Commerce and Industries at national and provincial levels. Moreover, consistent policies to facilitate female entrepreneurs. Must be formed by these chambers. Additionally, the best examples of role model women entrepreneurs must be supported and replicated from around the globe and across Pakistan. The cottage industries by both the private and public sector can be established and supported after proper surveys and research-based data collection in order to utilize skills. Women economic empowerment via digital space is also inevitable at the moment particularly in the wake of COVID -19. If this field is well planned, it will create an online sphere for digital innovation to improve entrepreneurship among women with skills. Digital empowerment also has potential to narrow the wage gap and create opportunities for women with greater access to markets, knowledge, and more flexible working arrangements.

Inclusive policies must effectively promote useful and meaningful content for women entrepreneurs via digital platforms to increase access and use of basic services. Progressive policies would work as driver for social inclusion and economic participation of women. Islam being a progressive religion doesn’t restrict the use of technology for the wellbeing of marginalized communities.  It is high time we stop this misuse and abuse of religion in the name of maintaining values and acknowledge that it is our patriarchal culture that has enabled such forms of oppression