By: Zia ul Haram
PESHAWAR:
Women empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is gradually transforming from a slogan into a visible movement, as increasing numbers of women step into education, entrepreneurship, media, and public service despite social barriers.
In a province long shaped by conservative traditions, women historically faced restrictions in mobility, employment, and decision-making. However, the past decade has witnessed a notable shift. Girls’ enrollment in schools has increased in several districts, and more women are pursuing higher education in cities like Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, while gender disparities still exist, awareness about women’s legal rights has grown significantly. Campaigns against harassment, domestic violence, and early marriages are helping women understand their constitutional protections.
Government initiatives, including vocational training programs and microfinance schemes, have enabled women to start small businesses from home. In rural districts, women are now running tailoring centers, beauty salons, and handicraft enterprises, contributing to family incomes and gaining financial independence.
Civil society organizations such as Aurat Foundation and UN Women are actively supporting women through leadership training, legal aid, and community awareness programs. These efforts aim to create an environment where women can participate equally in social and economic activities.
The media has also played a crucial role. Female journalists and activists are raising voices on issues once considered taboo, challenging harmful traditions and advocating policy reforms. Universities across KP are producing confident young women ready to enter competitive fields including law, medicine, information technology, and journalism.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Cultural resistance, security concerns in certain districts, and limited employment opportunities continue to hinder full empowerment. Experts argue that sustainable change requires stronger law enforcement, gender-sensitive policies, and community engagement, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
Social activists emphasize that empowering women is not only a matter of rights but also of development. “When women are educated and economically independent, families prosper and communities grow stronger,” said a local development worker.
Women empowerment in KP is still a work in progress, but the direction is clear. From classrooms to newsrooms and from small businesses to public offices, women are steadily claiming their space in society. Their determination signals a future where empowerment is not an exception but a norm.
