ince 1911, every year on March 8, women worldwide have celebrated International Women’s Day to raise their voices for gender equality, increase awareness about discrimination and celebrate women’s achievements. The day holds particular importance for Pakistani women, serving as both a symbolic and practical moment in the country’s ongoing struggle for women’s rights and empowerment.

The 2026 global theme of the day, Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, emphasises dismantling legal and societal discrimination so that women can enjoy equal rights, justice and opportunities. This global theme strongly resonates with the ongoing challenges faced by women in Pakistan, particularly women in rural areas.

Many women in Pakistan continue to encounter structural and cultural barriers, including limited access to education and healthcare in rural areas; low economic participation; and societal constraints on mobility and decision-making. Women from minority communities typically face double pressure due to their faith identity. Events such as women’s marches, seminars and discussions held on this day help spotlight these issues and maintain public focus on inequality, which can be addressed through democratic practices. The day is also used by institutions, civil society groups and the media to celebrate women’s achievements in education, health, politics, arts, science, business and public service, reinforcing their vital role in national development and progress.

Gradually, International Women’s Day in Pakistan has evolved into a platform for grassroots action and increased visibility for women’s rights movements across the country. These efforts focus on improving girls’ education, enforcing protective laws, expanding employment opportunities and transforming societal attitudes. For example, since 2018, not only major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, but also many smaller towns and remote areas have witnessed Aurat Marches: public demonstrations where women demand respect, justice and an end to patriarchy, despite facing opposition, criticism and counter-protests.

Under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, gender equality is recognised as a fundamental human right and a key factor in achieving social justice and sustainable development. Pakistan has international commitments in this regard. Despite constitutional guarantees of equal rights, women, particularly those from marginalised groups including Christians and Hindus, continue to face discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, political participation and decision-making processes.

Sadly, despite commitments from the government, Pakistan continues to rank low in global gender equality indicators, such as the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. The report highlights significant disparities in economic participation, literacy rates, access to health services and political empowerment. For example, women remain under-represented in parliament, with only around 20 per cent representation in the National Assembly and the Senate. Clearly, without meaningful female representation in leadership and policymaking, inclusive governance and balanced decision-making cannot be achieved. These inequalities limit not only individual potential but also national progress. When half of the population cannot fully participate in social and economic life, the country cannot reach its full development capacity.

Raising one’s voice for women’s rights is not easy. Many illiberal and misogynistic groups seek to roll back gains in women’s rights through constant rhetoric and social pressure. Guided by patriarchal ideologies, they criticise professional and working women because they do not view women as equal human beings. They confine women to traditional roles such as marriage, motherhood and housekeeping. To justify these roles, they invoke family values, cultural traditions, religion and national identity. Often, they feel threatened by women’s autonomy. As a result, they carry out ideological attacks not only against individuals but also against women’s groups, using intimidation and false propaganda.

Challenges such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, economic dependency, early marriage and under-representation in leadership are deeply interconnected. In addition to legal protections and enforcement, changes in social and cultural mindsets through public awareness are essential 

Despite these illiberal voices, women are gradually gaining space. However, it is fundamentally the moral and legal responsibility of the state to provide equitable opportunities for women in order to build a truly democratic Pakistan. Without women’s participation, Pakistan cannot achieve true progress. The state must take immediate and concrete steps toward women’s empowerment, which is essential not only for women’s rights but also for a progressive Pakistan.

Beyond poverty, women face lower literacy rates, a lack of adequate healthcare facilities, limited access to property ownership and inheritance, early marriages and pregnancies, malnutrition, restricted freedom of choice, domestic violence (often under-reported), honour killings and harassment in public spaces and workplaces. Christian and Hindu girls are particularly vulnerable to kidnapping, rape, forced conversion and forced marriage. Due to their weak social position, they often struggle to obtain protection and justice.

Addressing women’s issues in Pakistan requires coordinated efforts across law, education, the economy, culture and governance. Challenges such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, economic dependency, early marriage and under-representation in leadership are deeply interconnected. Therefore, in addition to legal protections and enforcement, changes in social and cultural mindsets through public awareness are essential.

The Constitution of Pakistan emphasises dignity and justice for all citizens. Addressing gender-based violence, discrimination and harmful cultural practices aligns with the state’s legal and moral responsibilities. As a member of the United Nations, Pakistan has committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. It must fulfil its obligations under these international commitments.

Empowering women through education and employment will not only increase household incomes but also strengthen the national economy. Research consistently shows that countries with higher female workforce participation experience faster economic growth. Gender equality also reduces poverty, improves child health and enhances overall community well-being. Educated and empowered women are more likely to invest in their children’s education and health, creating a positive cycle of development.

To take practical steps, such as effectively enforcing protective laws, it is necessary first to understand the challenges comprehensively. Only then can a fair and progressive society be built. March 8 carries special significance for Pakistani women. Many view it as an opportunity to address their concerns and work toward a brighter future. The day is not only observed by ordinary women and civil society; organisations and government institutions also use it to announce or accelerate efforts toward gender equality. Notably, Pakistan plans to launch its first National Gender Parity Report on International Women’s Day 2026, signalling a move toward more structured policy development and institutional accountability.

According to human rights organisations, women in Pakistan continue to face significant social, economic, legal and cultural challenges. While progress has been made, particularly in urban areas, many critical issues remain unresolved. These inequalities are deeply rooted in structural barriers and entrenched traditional practices. For Pakistani women, March 8, 2026, is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a day of recognition, protest, celebration and reflection. It provides an opportunity to highlight persistent obstacles, honour achievements, strengthen advocacy for legal and social reform and connect local struggles to the broader global movement for women’s rights.

Aftab Alexander Mughal is a British-Pakistani freelance journalist based in UK. He is a former executive secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission of Major Superiors of the Catholic Church in Pakistan. He can be reached at   [email protected]