Marriage and career have become two opposing forces for women, especially in the Asia region; as they struggle to balance their traditional roles as wives and mothers with their aspirations for professional success. In many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia, women are expected to prioritize their responsibilities at home over their careers, and this expectation is deeply ingrained in the culture and society.
In a country like Pakistan, one of the main reasons for this is the lack of support for working women. Despite a growing number of women entering the workforce in recent years, the country still lacks the necessary infrastructure and policies to support working mothers. Childcare options are limited and expensive, and many women are forced to choose between their career and their family. This is particularly true for women in rural areas, where opportunities for employment are scarce and cultural norms are more traditional.
Moreover, the toxic in-law’s culture in Pakistan can have a significant impact on women’s dreams and aspirations. This culture can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, manipulation, and control.
One of the ways in which the toxic in-laws culture can ruin women’s dreams is by limiting their freedom and autonomy. Many women in Pakistan are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and are not encouraged to pursue their own interests or goals. In-laws may actively discourage women from pursuing education or a career or may make it difficult for them to maintain a balance between their familial responsibilities and their aspirations.
Another way in which the toxic in-laws culture can ruin women’s dreams is through emotional and psychological abuse. In-laws may belittle, criticize, or control women in an effort to assert their own dominance and power. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-doubt, making it difficult for women to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Another major factor is the limited opportunities for women in the workforce. Gender discrimination is still prevalent in many industries, and women often face barriers to advancement and equal pay. This makes it difficult for women to maintain a successful career while also fulfilling their traditional roles as wives and mothers.
Additionally, the lack of education and training for women in certain fields, such as technology and engineering, also limits their career options. Despite some progress in recent years, the overall percentage of women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is still low.
Despite these challenges, some women in Pakistan are breaking the mold and achieving success in both their personal and professional lives. However, this is still the exception rather than the norm, and much more needs to be done to support working women in Pakistan. This includes implementing policies that support working mothers, such as affordable childcare, and providing education and training for women in non-traditional fields.
In conclusion, marriage and career are two opposing forces for Pakistani women as they struggle to balance their traditional roles with their aspirations for professional success. The lack of support for working women, limited opportunities for women in the workforce, and traditional societal expectations all contribute to this struggle. Despite these challenges, it is important to support and empower Pakistani women in their pursuit of both personal and professional fulfillment.
