We’re no strangers when it comes to experiencing sexism in Pakistan, whether it be in schools or on the sports field. We had thought that by now we’d have fewer instances of women being singled out on the basis of their gender but we guess we were wrong.
Apparently, if you have a uterus in Pakistan people are going to have an opinion about you and will feel like it’s their God-given right to shower you with unsolicited advice. Forget that you might be the best in your field or their equal at the workplace, the amount of mansplaining and misogyny knows no end.
We need to look no further to find men taking jabs at women. Recently, in a talk show hosted by Nauman Ijaz we saw Nida Dar being ridiculed by Abdul Razzaq and the entourage present on set, sadly, one of them was a woman and it’s really upsetting to see that no one paused for a moment to realise what the were saying. Sexism at its finest.
More shocking still, is realising that this aired on National television and no one in upper management had any issues with the outright display of sexism.
Nida Dar & Her “Manly” Hands
While talking about the role of women in sports a question was raised about the availability of resources for aspiring athletes in the country and naturally, as it eventually happens in any discussion involving women, the discussion veered off to marriage during which Razzaq made an unfortunate comment regarding Nida Dar.
“She aspires to come to the level of the men’s cricket team and believes that men aren’t the only one’s who can do everything, women can do these things as well. That’s why the feeling is gone. Shake her hands and you won’t even feel she’s a girl”, stated Razzaq.
Nida Dar remained unfazed and replied calmly that she works out, as is the need for her profession. However, that was not all. Further comments were made about her hairstyle, clothing of choice and on all accounts, it looked like Nida Dar was being cornered.
Let’s forget that Nida Dar is the first Pakistani cricketer to cross 100 wickets in the T20I format and that according to the ICC, she is only the sixth cricketer overall to achieve this. Moreover, she was also the first Pakistani woman cricketer to feature in a foreign league after she was selected by Sydney Thunder as their overseas professional player in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League. But no, let’s bring her on a talk show and laugh at her expense because that’s how we treat National heroes in Pakistan…
Will The Sexism & Moral Policing Of Women In Pakistan Ever End?
This was on Live television, where people felt entitled enough to comment on someone’s appearance and mock them for challenging the norms of society. Just imagine what must go on in private spheres… In a country where the opportunities for women in sports are close to being non-existent, instances like these further the sexist agenda.
Why are women only worthy of respect when they remain meek and in the shadows. Why is it, that whenever a woman excels in our country, we do everything to demotivate them and bring them down? Instead of championing Nida Dar and the Pakistani Women’s Cricket team, we’re bringing attention to how “unfeminine” our athletes look. Who gets to decide the ideals for femininity and for beauty? Where in 2021, it’s about time we start judging people solely on their skillset and what they bring to the table.
PCB Has Shown Signs Of Progress But When Will The Men?
In May, earlier this year PCB launched a parental support policy for all cricketers, where women would get 12 months of paid maternity leave and contracted women cricketers were guaranteed contract extension for the following year even after 12 months away.
“To have this policy for our women cricketers was even more significant. Women play a pivotal role in the development of society and our women cricketers have brought us laurels and recognition on the world stage. Now that we have a maternity leave policy, I am hopeful that it will attract more women and girls to take up the sport as this will help them strike a crucial work-life balance”, stated Wasim Khan, the PCB chief executive officer.
Pakistanis Aren’t Happy
After the interview clip went viral, Pakistanis had a lot to say regarding blatant sexism.
What are your views regarding the situation? Do you believe Razzaq’s comment should be taken in jest or does it signify a more sinister underlying problem in our society? Let us know.
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This article is the collaboration effort of several members of Team FUCHSIA.
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