Pakistani women, separate and unequal

According to recent meetings between academics and members of civil society participating in the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Country Gender Profile held recently in Pakistan's four provinces to assess the women's rights in the country, corruption, illiteracy, and patriarchal feudal systems in rural areas are key factors behind Pakistan's gender inequality. While ameliorating these problems sounds like a tall order, local non-governmental organizations are already working on these issues with help from local partners and international bodies. Previous governments' policies, such as the enactment of the Honor Killing Law of 2004 and the Women Protection Bill in 2006, have also led to increased protection of women's rights in Pakistan.

But this is not enough.

Pakistan is hindered by corruption on both systematic and societal levels.

In the professional realm, for example, when a woman competes for a position in the country's civil service, she is often held back by corrupt individuals who - whether through bribery or connections - promote their own preferred candidate. Capable women, who are relatively new to politics, are often unable to manipulate the system in this same manner.

In the healthcare sector, female civil servants who do not accept bribes are often overlooked for promotions; positions further along the "corporate ladder" are instead given to men who are considered more bribable. This not only affects women, but has an adverse affect on the country's overall healthcare performance.