GENDER INEQUALITY IN PAKHIWAS COMMUNITY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Traditional gender roles in Pakistan typically portray men as providers and protectors and women as homemakers. owever, women are often forced to balance their outside work anddomestic chores due to financial constraints.this particularly happen in marginalized communities such as Pakhiwas1 , who are semi-nomadic and nomadic communities, often lack of regular jobs and stable housing. To support their families, women in the Pakhiwas community act as street vendors, domestic help or garbage collectors. Despite their contributions, they can witness trauma, verbal, sexual and physical abuse from their husband and the extended family. Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18 revealed that 28% of married women between the ages of 15-49 have experienced physical abuse, and percentage even more in communities like Pakhiwas. These women vulnerabilities get worst by embedded with patriarchal norms and financial difficulties. Due to patriarchal cultural and social norms societal pressure to fit traditional roles, where the idea of security often translates controlled and exploited. Due to divorce and separation being highly stigmatized, it makes these physical and mental health worse. Despite all hardships, many of these women are used to this abuse that they do not find it strange. They have accepted this as their fate and even found happiness in the small corner of their world. This uncertainty further highlights the intensity of the abuse. While Pakhiwas communities face enormous obstacles, other marginalized communities across Pakistan face comparable challenges Communities in disaster-prone areas, urban slums and landless rural workers all struggle with a cycle of poverty, abuse and lack of support networks. Due to nomadic lifestyle women of Pakhiwas are more isolated and have greater difficulty accessing legal or psychological support. Even with all the difficulties they face, many Pakhiwas women continue to live with amazing strength. Even with all the difficulties they face, many Pakhiwas women continue to live with braver and strength. Some have faced abuse for so long that it feels normal to them. Still, they manage to find small moments of happiness in their lives. This mix of quiet joy and deep suffering shows how strong they truly are inside. Through this research, author would like to show the world how powerful and talented these women are the world through my work. They have skill and potential. By giving them opportunities to develop and learn, hope to promote their confidence. They are more worthy than just existence. They have the right to be seen freedom, security, help and support.