- By: Sabtain Hyder
Social barriers for girls can birth various challenges that limit their access to new opportunities, ultimate equality, and superior development.
In the period of digitization and rapid growth, in many Indo-Pak societies, girls still face obstacles in accessing quality education due to cultural norms, financial limitations, a lack of infrastructure, or safety concerns on their way to college and university.
Societal norms often dictate traditional gender roles, restricting girls’ choices, ambitions, and freedom. This includes expectations regarding behavior, career choices, and household responsibilities.
Girls are sometimes forced into marriage at a young age, cutting short their education and exposing them to health risks associated with early childbirth.
Girls face higher risks of various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, which not only harm their well-being but also limit their freedom to participate fully in society.
Gender discrimination in the workforce leads to limited job options, lower wages, and unequal access to resources and opportunities for career advancement.
In many sectors, women and girls are underrepresented in leadership roles, politics, and decision-making positions, limiting their influence and voice in shaping policies and societal norms.
Resolving these social barriers involves a multi-faceted and open-minded approach, including policy changes, education reform, community engagement, empowerment programs, family consultations, and efforts to challenge and change worthless traditional gender norms.