This year’s global theme for World Children’s Day prompts us to reflect on the kind of world we are creating for the next generation. The dreams, hopes, and challenges of children today will shape the future we leave behind, and it’s crucial that we listen to their voices and ensure that we create an equitable world where every child, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed.

In Pakistan, gender inequality remains one of the country’s most persistent issues. Ranked 145th out of 146 countries on the 2024 Gender Gap Index, the disparity between men and women is glaring. The labor force participation rate for women stands at just 24.6 per cent far below the global average of 66.7.6 pc, highlighting the limited opportunities for women in various sectors of society. This inequality doesn’t just appear in adulthood—it’s rooted in childhood, where societal norms begin shaping the future of children.

Gender inequality is frequently rooted in the earliest stages of a child’s life, particularly within the home. In many families, boys receive preferential treatment—whether in education, resources, or everyday privileges. These subtle yet persistent biases sow the seeds of inequality, limiting girls’ opportunities for a lifetime.

The key to addressing gender inequality lies in tackling these biases from the ground up. It starts with creating environments where both boys and girls have the same opportunities to grow and succeed. As campaigns like Peek Freans Sooper and EBM’s “Aik Jaisee Bachpan Ki Seedhi Saadi Khushi” highlight, parents play a crucial role in challenging these entrenched societal norms and offering equal support to both their sons and daughters. By encouraging reflection on behaviors and promoting gender equality within families, we can create a more equitable future for the next generation.

Education as the great equaliser

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for dismantling inequality. Access to quality education can transform lives, offering children—especially girls—the opportunity to break free from cycles of poverty and gender bias. However, for many girls in Pakistan, accessing education is still a challenge due to various societal and systemic barriers. To bridge this gap, we need to focus on ensuring that schools are inclusive and accessible to all children. More importantly, we must ensure that teachers are equipped to promote gender equality in the classroom, fostering an environment where both boys and girls feel equally empowered to learn and succeed.

Pakistani women who defied the odds

1. Parveen Saeed - She founded Khana Ghar, an initiative providing meals for just Rs3. Her work began in Karachi, aiming to ensure that no one would go hungry due to poverty. Through her compassion and resolve, she has become a beacon of hope, feeding thousands and inspiring others to address social injustices with kindness.

2. Shazia Parveen - Pakistan’s first female firefighter, defied societal norms to serve her community. Her courage and determination now inspire women to pursue unconventional careers and challenge stereotypes.

3. Khalida Brohi - Brohi, from rural Balochistan, founded the Sughar Foundation to empower women through education and traditional crafts. Her work promotes economic independence and gender equality, transforming countless lives.

4. Rukhsana Parveen and Sofia Javed - Both these women broke barriers in women’s boxing, representing Pakistan internationally. Their determination and success defied societal norms, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

5. Malala Yousufzai- She grew up in a small village in Pakistan, where access to education for girls was limited by poverty and societal norms. Despite the challenges, she became a vocal advocate for equal education, believing in its power to uplift communities.

Building an inclusive future

While awareness is essential, real change comes from action. It is critical that we create opportunities for girls to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. This includes offering scholarships, mentorship programs, and workplace policies that foster gender equality. More businesses and organisations are now prioritising gender parity, and this shift is essential for creating a more inclusive society.

Furthermore, the next generation must be empowered to lead. By investing equally in the education of both boys and girls, we ensure that the future is shaped by capable, educated leaders—regardless of gender. The work done by organisations like English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), which continues to challenge societal norms through their campaigns, shows us that promoting equality starts early and requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.

The future we must build

The future we create for our children depends on the choices we make today. If we listen closely to the future, we will hear the call for a world where every child, regardless of gender, is given the chance to succeed. This future will not be shaped by outdated traditions but by a society that champions equality and provides equal opportunities for all children to thrive.

This World Children’s Day, as we celebrated the potential of every child, let us reaffirm our commitment to breaking down the barriers that limit their growth. Let us build a society where both girls and boys have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a brighter future. Together, we can create a world where no child is held back by their gender, and every child is empowered to fulfill their dreams.

This content is produced in paid partnership with English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM).