Empowered Women, Balanced Societies [ENG-URDU]

Society, Gender Roles, and the Question of Autonomy

No society can survive without the mutual union and cooperation of men and women. Generally, it has been observed that men take responsibility for affairs outside the home, while women manage domestic matters. In this way, through this two-way convergence, both society and the household continue to function. However, in today’s modern era, where many age-old traditions are being questioned, this traditional social structure is also under scrutiny. As a result, the concept of women’s autonomy has become a highly important and expansive topic in contemporary intellectual and academic circles. Its branches have spread so widely that it is no longer limited to a specific society but has become a global issue.

We must also keep in mind that this topic is no longer confined to economic or political domains alone. Rather, it is now deeply connected with intellectual, social, educational, moral, and cultural dimensions as well.

Meaning and Limits of Women’s Autonomy

Respected readers, in today’s discussion we will examine this social structure and the concept of women’s autonomy at an intellectual level. Along with this, we will try to shed light on its meaning, effects, boundaries, and true significance.

At this point, we observe two extremes. On one side are those individuals who become agitated as soon as they hear the term women’s autonomy and interpret it as complete lawlessness for women. On the other side are those who take autonomy to mean unlimited ease and freedom in every matter. Therefore, before discussing autonomy, it is essential that we fully understand its meaning and concept.

Remember, when we use the word autonomy, what do we actually intend by it? Certainly, autonomy does not mean that a woman becomes free from every relationship, responsibility, or value. Rather, it simply means that she is empowered, has the freedom to make her own decisions, can resolve her own matters, utilize her abilities, and move forward in every field of life with dignity and equality.

Education, Values, and a Balanced Approach

Here an intellectual question arises: is women’s autonomy possible while remaining committed to traditions and values? Or in other words, can autonomy exist in balance with moral responsibilities?

In my view, the answer to this question is yes, very easily. Autonomy and traditions, values, or moral responsibilities can move forward together. So what is the way to achieve this? The answer is education. Yes, education is that fundamental pillar upon which the structure of women’s autonomy can stand, while at the same time preserving traditions. An educated woman is not only aware of her rights but also possesses the ability to make better decisions for her family and society. Research conducted around the world proves that where women are educated, the entire family remains stable. In such places, children’s health improves, family income increases, and social awareness rises.

Respected readers, the summary of our discussion so far is that women should be empowered. This autonomy is a source of societal growth, but this freedom should not be left unchecked. Rather, it should be tied to education and training so that it can have highly positive effects on our country and nation.

If we study religious teachings at this point, we find that in a justice-based religion like Islam, women have been granted rights to education, business, opinion and consultation, property, and even political participation. For example, among the women of the early generations, Hazrat Khadijah رضي الله عنها was a successful businesswoman, Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها was a teacher and jurist, and Hazrat Shifa رضي الله عنها held an administrative position. All of them belonged to the era of Prophethood صلى الله عليه وسلم and serve as living examples of practical autonomy that was in harmony with religion and culture. This shows that women’s autonomy is not a Western concept but a human and natural right, granted both by nature and by religion. Its correct meaning is that a woman should be educated, live a dignified life, make her own decisions, and develop her personality without fear or coercion. When women’s autonomy is adorned with knowledge, forbearance, and wisdom, it has the power to transform generations. However, it is essential to connect this freedom with intellectual balance, moral foundations, family relationships, and cultural awareness, otherwise this autonomy can turn into disorder itself.

After this, another difficulty arises. Earlier, women were deprived of their rights by denying them freedom, but now, in the name of freedom, they are exploited. Thus, economic autonomy may apparently empower women, but sometimes it places double responsibilities on them, that they must earn money and also manage the household. Many times, women are given this freedom in environments where they are not granted equal rights as men, yet are burdened with greater responsibilities. This is outright injustice, and it becomes a double problem instead of a cure for the issue for which we raised the voice of women’s autonomy and freedom.

Therefore, I believe that women’s autonomy can only be made intellectually sustainable when society accepts it wholeheartedly and protects women’s rights from being violated in every direction. In this way, this freedom will be connected with values, responsibility, and spiritual awareness, and every individual in society will be able to accept it sincerely. In other words, merely taking the name of freedom in society is not enough. Along with it, awareness, purpose, and the determination of limits are also necessary. Only then can our society truly progress.