From Ceilings to Skies: The Role of Family Planning in Empowering Women

Throughout history, women have embraced various roles – as students, professionals, mothers, and more. However, juggling these diverse responsibilities often comes with the burden of unpaid labour, particularly in the domestic sphere, where cultural values reinforce a gendered division of work. This unspoken expectation places additional responsibilities on women, who are not only expected to excel in their pursuits but also to care for others and manage household chores.

Astonishingly, the UN Women’s Organization reports that women perform at least two and a half times more unpaid household and care work than men. So how do we alleviate this burden and create a more equitable society for women?

The Glass Ceiling

In recent years, global population growth has worsened the challenges faced by women. Domestic expectations consume the majority of their daily lives, limiting their access to job opportunities and subjecting them to the metaphorical barrier known as the “glass ceiling.” This barrier restricts their choices and makes it difficult for them to advance in their careers.

Education is a Right 

These issues are exacerbated by various sociocultural biases which hinder women from obtaining and completing their education. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling women to realize their rights, transcend societal boundaries, and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to ensuring population management and empowering women to reach their full potential.

But there is hope amidst these challenges. Several organizations have stepped forward to tackle these issues, aiming to control population growth and uphold women’s rights. Among them is KhairKhwah, a dedicated communications platform with a mission to raise awareness of women’s rights and reproductive health, empowering women and fostering a healthier future for all.

Family Planning is The Key

Family planning is central to KhairKhwah’s work. By providing information and resources on access and usage of contraceptives, KhairKhwah is enabling women across Pakistan to choose when or if, they want to start a family based on their comfort level. This allows them to pursue their education, engage in the workforce, and prioritize their own goals and aspirations.

Moreover, family planning contributes to a more balanced society. By allowing women to plan and time their pregnancies in alignment with their life and career aspirations, population growth rates can be managed. This not only benefits women’s economic independence but also alleviates the pressure on them as homemakers and on men as sole providers.

In the pursuit of a fairer society, we must acknowledge and challenge traditional gender roles, ensure education access, and champion family planning and reproductive rights. Supporting organizations like KhairKhwah, which are dedicated to closing the gender gap and advocating for women’s rights, becomes vital in this journey. Together, we can forge an equitable world where women flourish, breaking free from societal expectations and embracing their true potential.