Causes and Consequences of Gender Discrimination against Women inQuetta City

Abstract

Discrimination against women is a global issue as even in developed Western nations women experience biasness on the basis of their gender. In developing countries like Pakistan, gender discrimination is more rampant in both rural as well as urban areas. The study aim is to find out the causes of low education, poor socio-economic conditions, societal trends, religious influence, culture and participation in decision making that have led to gender discrimination in Quetta. A quantitative research approach has been taken to fulfill the objectives of this research. A mixed sample of illiterate and literate, male and female respondents was chosen at random and data was collected through questionnaires distributed among the literate population while the illiterate population was interviewed. The findings reveal that gender discrimination is rampant in Balochistan and girls are not allowed to pursue education, denied good healthcare and their social relationships and social behavior is also controlled by men. Illiteracy, rigid customs and traditions, patriarchal society and influence of religious personalities were the main causes of gender discrimination in Quetta. Discrimination is present at all levels and among all classes; however the type and level of discrimination varies with the educational background of the respondents. The illiterate respondents had more rigid views about gender discrimination and were more under the influence of religious personalities. In fact majority of the respondents desired an end to gender discrimination and considered it a cause of socio-economic deprivation in the province. Study explores the various issues women face in their daily lives in education, health care, social relationships and decision making in context of gender discrimination.