Stereotype # 7 - Pakistani women are forced to cover themselves

Pakistan is not as repressive as you take it to be. It has evolved to great heights. True that three to four decades back, the Pakistani society was more open and culturally diverse than it is now but things are not on a constant downhill either!

Covering themselves up is a choice that each and every woman has. In fact, many would argue that wearing a Hijab is not in the religion but is a culturally imposed tradition. I don't mean to get into such a debate. But the point here is, women cover themselves if they feel the need to do so and as per their personal choice. They are certainly not forced to do so in this day and age.

However, exceptions exist. In certain families, it's a tradition for their women to cover themselves when they step outdoors. The subsequent women in the family tend to follow the tradition. Conservatives exist everywhere. There's nothing all that bad about it. Just like there's nothing wrong about covering yourself. But unlike what the stereotype implies, women are not punished beyond expectations if they don't happen to wear a dupatta (scarf) on their head!

Some of the more prominent cities of Pakistan are modern, are open to change and enthusiastically welcome the mainstream fashion! The locals here dress however they like and there is certainly no question anywhere over whether women have to cover themselves or not.

If you're taking a set of incidences that prove otherwise, and forming your assumptions on them, then I'm sorry - You're just going along with a stereotype that need serious busting.

Pakistan is fashionable!

Watch out, Paris! Here we come!

Stereotype - Pakistani women are forced to cover themselves. Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 3 - Pakistani women are subservient to men

Quite the contrary.

Pakistani women have always been a force to reckon with. They have dominated the music industry, film industry, political circles and the corporate arena. They have ventured into predominantly male professions like the Armed forces and are more recently, also signing up for odd jobs like Rickshaw driving!

Those who are privileged enough to be studying in good schools and universities are ambitious and are curious about what the future holds besides two sets of children and a husband.

The status of women in Pakistan is not just that of a subservient wife/sister or mother. Each and every woman in Pakistan has an identity of her own. Whether she spends her afternoon proposing a marketing plan or buying the latest lawn outfit.

Pakistani women are colourful, loud, cheery, well-groomed, bossy and even a little obnoxious at times.
They have learnt to stand up for each other. They have self-taught each other the art of defending themselves and the people they call their own.

Pakistani women are super moms, battling nagging relatives and handling bratty children at pretty much the same time.

Pakistani women are smart and they are sporty.

They are independent and self-reliant and can do PhD's, laundry's and diaper changing.

In short, they pretty much rock.

Stereotype - Pakistani women are subservient to men. Status = BUSTED!

PS: Make your own sandwich. :P