Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The paradox of old societies converting to a new religion is that religion is interpreted, translated, and transformed to conform to the norms of tradition and custom. Issues of women’s empowerment and dependency are often decided by customary practices assumed in the name of religion. It is particularly evident in the case of Pakistan, where local customs of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sind, and Baluchistan decide the set patterns of life, gender roles, and behavior as well as their subject status in relation to male relatives of their family. The myth of women’s subordination becomes more rigid when implemented in the name of religion. The civil liberties ordained to women through state legislation are contested by society in general. The paper gives an overview of women’s status defined by Islam and legislation in corroboration of Islamic teachings as Pakistan is an Islamic Republic and no law can be made contrary to the teachings of Islam, in contrast to customary practices like honour killing and marriages to settle disputes (Wani) prevalent in society making women subordinate status as given not to be challenged. A representative survey to measure the perception of people about women’s status will be conducted in this regard.