FOR a country where nearly two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30, the true meaning of freedom cannot be confined to the ballot box. To a generation raised in an era of rapid change, liberty is a daily, practical expectation. It means the ability to walk safely down a street, find gainful employment, express an opinion online without fear and experience a predictable legal system. Yet, a deep look into the structural reality of the country reveals a persistent gap between the grand promises written in the constitution and the actual, lived experiences of ordinary citizens.

The most glaring of these challenges lies in the deep socio-economic exclusion of women. Despite various legislative updates over the years, female labour force participation remains stubbornly low at just 20 to 25 per cent, compared to over 65 percent for men. A vast majority of women are trapped........

© Pakistan Observer