Our ancestors believed that sons should be the main heads or bosses of the household, responsible for all duties and expenses. In contrast, they viewed daughters as only suitable for domestic work.
This mindset has persisted through generations, with few efforts made to change it. This raises a
significant question: why do our parents and society prioritize the education of sons over daughters?
Several reasons explain the mentality of parents. Some parents believe that by providing higher education and freedom to their sons, their sons will take care of them in their old age. Conversely, they think that if they educate their daughters, they will not reap the benefits, as daughters typically marry around the age of 20-22 and contribute to their in-laws’ families instead.
In rural areas, girls’ education often stops after primary school (grades 1-5), after which they are expected to care for their siblings and help with fieldwork. Meanwhile, their brothers are given opportunities to grow and progress. This harmful mindset needs to be eradicated from our society. We must recognize that daughters, too, can progress and grow beyond domestic duties.
It is time to bring about a change in society, giving daughters the same status and opportunities as sons. There should be no difference in the matter of education between sons and daughters.
Writer: Iqra Hussain
