It is saddening to observe how the Pakistani women working force is treated unjustly each day. They might be domestic workers, factory workers, or laborers, but they are given fewer wages than men, made to work for extended periods, and sometimes even harassed. Why is their effort equally valued as a man’s effort? If we stand with justice, then this must change.
Consider the case of Shabana, a 35-year-old domestic worker in Lahore. She toils for 12 hours a day, cooking and cleaning for a rich family, but she receives half of what the male driver working in the same household receives. If she is brave enough to demand her wages on time, she will be fired without receiving any compensation. Likewise, at Faisalabad’s textile plants, women garment workers sewing clothing for major labels receive 30–40% less than males in better-paid jobs, even though they do the same work.
In accordance with a report by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2023, on average, Pakistani women earn 34% less than men. Even at work within the household, 90% of the female labor force lacks employment contracts, making them susceptible to abuse.
Islam does not permit such unfair treatment. It is clearly specified in the Quran:
“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
This implies that all people deserve equal respect and rights regardless of their gender and social status. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said as well:
“Your workers are your brothers. Give them food and clothing like your own and do not burden them with work beyond their ability.” (Bukhari)
Yet, in reality, female workers in Pakistan struggle every day without basic protections.
What Can Be Done?
- Equal Pay for Equal Work – Women should receive the same wages as men for the same work.
- Stronger Laws Against Harassment – Employers must be held accountable for mistreating female workers.
- Improved Awareness – Individuals must be informed about Islamic values of justice and worker’s rights.
- Legal Protection for Workers – Female workers should be able to access lawyers and unions to protect their rights.
- Respect for all workers – Society must refrain from condescending towards women who perform heavy labor and begin respecting their efforts.
Women workers are the pillars of our society, but they are being treated as if they don’t exist. This has to stop. The government, companies, and individuals all have to do their share of making sure women receive the dignity, respect, and justice that Islam instructs us to provide.
RAHMEEN KAMRAN
