Ayesha Zaka

For decades, the role of women in traditional societies has been shaped by religious practices, cultural norms, and societal expectations. Women were often limited to domestic roles -handling household chores and childcare. We have seen the traditional societies across the world place women in an inferior position governed by patriarchal norms. The women were only assigned to domestic and nurturing roles with less opportunity for leadership or any independence outside of the home. In numerous cultures, women were supposed to marry young, manage the household, and bear children. Their education was often bounded, and career ambitions were not a priority.

Many traditional religious structures placed women in a position of spiritual obedience to men. In these kinds of societies, cultural and religious teachings often add to the notion of women’s inferiority, ordering their behaviour, dress, and roles in family and society. Secondly, women often played an engaged role in farming and food production, frequently working alongside men. Nevertheless, their work was generally considered as an addition to their domestic positions instead of a legitimate economic contribution. Thirdly, women oversaw food preparation, arranged shelters, and child reared. Their purpose was recognised as supportive rather than independent, and men almost solely held positions of leaders. Overall, in traditional societies, the role shift of women can be ascribed to a diversity of economic, social, and political factors. Gender roles can be traced to several historical events and key movements.

The first notable change came with the rise of the women right's movement in late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Promoter fought for access education, ownership of property, right to vote and workplace rights. Prominent figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth helped catch global conversations around gender. These movements resulted in appreciable victories such as; legal access to education and employment, the right to vote(suffrage) in countries around the world, and changes to marriage and family laws. The two World Wars performed a pivotal task in changing the dynamics of gender. As men went to war to fight, women were given the roles that were earlier off-limits to them. They served as nurses, worked in various factories, and sometimes took on leadership in certain parts of society. After those wars, some women returned to their traditional domestic roles, on the other hand, many had tasted independence and fought for the capability to sustain their recently discovered social and economic status. The rise of feminist movements, especially in the 1960s, concentrated on issues like reproductive rights, the fight against domestic violence, and equal pay. This period marked as more women entering the workforce, chasing higher education and looking for leadership roles in politics and business.

Some remarkable transformations happened, such as changes in law regarding divorce. Gender equality and reproductive rights play a major role. As the importance of gender equality has been recognised rapidly in societies, attempts have been made to ensure equal rights for women in politics, the workplace, and the family. Countries that have made progressive laws, including equal pay, maternity leave, and anti-discrimination policies, have helped in creating a stable environment where women can thrive.

Technology has had an intense impact on women’s role in society. The development of household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines relived the burden of domestic chores, allowing women to have a greater focus and participation in the workforce. Moreover, the rise of digital technologies and the internet has given more access to a global stage to express their opinions, uphold for change, and assemble professional networks.

In Today’s world, women hold significant positions in government, international organizations, business, and civil society, breaking all those limits that once seemed impossible to overcome. They are not just participating but leading the countries, influencing global policies, and shaping the course of history. One of the visible changes in recent decades has seen the rise of female leaders at the highest levels of government. Many countries have elected women as prime ministers, presidents, and monarchs, manifesting that women are just as capable of leading as men. Indira Gandhi was the first and only female Prime Minister of India. She served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her execution in 1984, authorizing a period of economic and political convulsion. Jacinda Adern became the Prime Minister in 2017 and was generally praised for her determined leadership, especially in the shooting of the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings and her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. And Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to serve as Prime minister of the UK, serving from 1979 to 1990, and was known as the “Iron Lady”. She led the country during a period of major economic reform and geopolitical change.

In recent decades, the presence of women in parliaments and national legislatures has grown considerably. In various countries, women now hold great numbers of seats in legislatures, helping in shaping policies and laws that affect every aspect of society. For example, Rwanda has become a global leader in the political representation of females, with women making up 60% of the seats in parliament. Likewise, Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway have the highest number of women in their national legislatures, where gender equality is equally emphasised in both social and political spheres.

Education also plays a vital role in changing the role of women. Access to education enables women to make more informed decisions, engage in public life, and pursue careers. Among women, the literacy rates rise globally and so does their ability to control political and social change. The initiatives like Sustainable Development Goal 5 of the United Nations aim to provide equality and empower all girls and women and have contributed to providing access to education for girls in many developing countries. Education helps women to secure good and well-paid jobs. For example, women with higher or secondary education are more likely to get work in well-paid sectors like law, business, technology, and medicine as compared to those without formal education. The women with good education presumably to start their businesses and become entrepreneurs. With skills and knowledge, they can create jobs, support local economies, and become the idol for other women in their communities. Women who are educated are more likely to address the societal norms that limit their freedom and opportunities.

Despite the notable progress, females still face challenges. Gender inequality remains common in many forms; gender- based violence, gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, early marriages, and limited educational opportunities. The role of women in traditional societies continues to change. on one hand, significant efforts were made, but there is still much of work to be done. As modernisation is coming to societies, the struggle for gender equality must be a global priority. The future guarantees a more comprehensive world where women are free to make decisions, define their ways, and live life on their terms.

Global movements like #MeToo paved the way for reproductive rights, and continued pushing for education and economic chances for women are adding to a more equal and brighter future. Women are no longer their caregivers or nurturers, they are leaders, innovators, thinkers, and entrepreneurs. As more women gain leadership roles, they are paving the way for the future generations to imagine a world where leadership is described by vision and ability, not gender. The growth of women in politics is a significant step toward a more fair, just, and equal world for all.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Himalayan Research Institute Pakistan - (THRIP)

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Ayesha Zaka is student of Political Science at Kinnaird College University Lahore and she writes on gender politics.