Situation and needs assessment of women in jails a case study of province of balochistan

ABSTRACT

Almost 50% of the population of Pakistan is women. They are not only poor but are doubly marginalized. Majority of them are illiterate and economically dependent. Social and economic indicators show that their condition is deplorable e.g. female literacy is only 15% in Balochistan. Data in various studies show high maternal, infant mortality and morbidity. Chronic malnutrition among girls, poor nutrition status and high mortality rate among the women is observed. Mostly women in the society are dependent and powerless. Their participation in various walks of life is limited due to prevalent cultural norms which carry with them specific cultural codes of honour and shame. The male dominance is a distinct feature all over the country and is specifically reflected with all its strength in all spheres of life in the tribal set-up of Balochistan. The male dominance in society is manifested in male female discrimination in all fields of life and specifically in the field of health and education. The province is otherwise far behind in all these fields and there are less opportunities available to the male population and, therefore, even lesser to the female