In today’s tech-driven society, technology not only makes everyday tasks easier, but it is often also a necessity. Scheduling doctor appointments, applying for jobs, and doing school assignments are just a few common uses.
However, the cost of most devices remains unaffordable for many people. Because of this, those without their own devices need to overcome extra obstacles to accomplish their tasks.
For instance, students without their own laptops may need to find and travel to public libraries and hope a computer is available when they need it.
For first-generation master’s student Amrita, this was her reality in rural Pakistan.
The Power of Perseverance
Amrita grew up in rural Kashmore in the Sindh province of Pakistan. This region of the country experiences frequent kidnapping and ransom activities from groups of armed bandits known as dacoits. The lack of law and order that allows this activity causes locals to only travel at night to avoid becoming victims.
Pakistani patriarchal norms subordinate women to men, placing women in stereotyped roles and granting them little to no decision-making power. Fathers, husbands, and sons make the majority of their personal and financial decisions for them. Women are encouraged to stay at home as caregivers and housekeepers, and discouraged from traveling due to added dangers.
Amrita is the first in her family to pursue higher-level education. In addition, she travelled away from home to pursue her degree, which is practically unheard of for women in Pakistan.
Inspired by Amrita’s perseverance in the face of unique challenges, Random Acts Regional Representative Hafeez Inam stepped in to help her buy her very own laptop.
Challenges Women Face in Patriarchal Societies
While pursuing her education, Amrita also works part-time. In a country where only 21% of the labor force is female, Pakistani society often holds negative stigmas toward the women who do work.
The low societal status of women, home care responsibilities, gender stereotyping, and lack of access to education all negatively impact women’s employment opportunities. For those, like Amrita, who overcome these obstacles and join the workforce, they then face even more challenges.
Lack of female role models, fewer opportunities for leadership positions, gender discrimination, lower wages than men, workplace harassment, and unfavorable work environments contribute to women following the patriarchal status quo.
By earning a master’s degree, Amrita has a better chance of overcoming her personal challenges as well as the societal challenges placed on women seeking good jobs in Pakistan.
Hafeez hopes, by helping Amrita acquire her own laptop, she can better focus on completing her studies. In turn, Amrita can become a much-needed role model to empower other Pakistani women.
