Considering above metaphors in defense of women, i got that writer is trying to equalize male and female and wants to eradicate sexual discrimination but she forgot that their are too many differences between them and she can't get rid of them by this shallow speech. I feel pretty much protagonist of "Aristotle", "who discovers that it's naturally with the male and the female; the one is superior, the other inferior, the one governs, the other is governed; and same rule must necessarily hold good with respect to all mankind."

Women are not age conscious? Well, the women I know must be aliens then :) On the desicive issue, I'd say women are more decisivde then men. Bad drivers .. well, Youtube is full of funny clips involving women drivers but men are bad drivers too. Basically, men are irresponsible. Most of the drink-drive offences are commited by men. However, a woman can take up to 20 minutes to park a car .. wrongly. Having said that, Pakistan is proud of its women pilots in the PAF. If they can fly fighterjets, what's a car? Oh and women love to shop!! I never spent more than 5 hrs in a shopping centre for an entire year before I got married ..

Well written article but doesn't mention the role Patriarchy plays in enforcing these myths.

On the topic of mothers, it seems that in many cases in Pakistan mothers hold back their daughters and limit their key objectives, even if they are educated, to getting off the shelf by bagging a suitable boy at the ealiest opporunity. Thus steroetypes are perpetuated. Many mothers just keep the systems going. In Pakistan men are not the only people who keep women down.

Hey Shagufa, Your 5 points are correct. But you missed out 1 important point Women love Whining and Nagging.

Come on I can tell you, my mother was the best motivator for me, my father and even my grand father. My daughter is a great leader. As a man I am proud of them. I felt and feel safe at their hands. Without them there is no meaning to this life. -Kulamarva Balakrishna

I thought you were gonna talk about myths but those are facts. They can be tested any part of the world . I am not gonna waste my time explaining . Nice effort ..I hope it change .00000000001% of people's mentality in world or at least in Pakistan. I hope this article made you feel good about yourself and your sex.

Haha Good one ! thumbs up for you Shagufta ! P.S I am a man.

Yeh it truly depends on the perspectives u choose to look at things.. Great write-up!

The day they start letting women drive buses and trucks, road accidents will cause more deaths in Pakistan than cancer. And most of them would be because of a "not-so-perfect-lipstick" being fixed in the rear view mirror.

Nice article but I believe you left one thing and I leave it up to you whether its a myth or a fact. Women loves to talk ..... :)

I am not writing this response to contradict the views expressed by esteemed columnist. She has every right to define her perception but unfortunately things are not that ideal in real world. Woman may or may not be age conscious but then they take every care of themselves by way of cosmetics to look young at least. Age surely does matter for all and that woman are no exception. Indeed its effect have more bearing on woman than man. It is established fact that woman are more of shopper stuff and like to spend on more. Well it is evident that they can do this with their own earned money or by support of guardian which could be father or husband as the case may be. Regarding driving, I believe woman are as safe drivers as any of the men. Fragility and being indecisive is the attribute that has been derived from ages old exploitation and injustice which woman were subjected to. To conclude, myth is a myth but being rationale is virtue of experienced people who somehow cannot change their belief.

Being not offensive at all, i would like to clarify some of the perceptions discussed above. When it comes to shopping, i would state that women do love to shop. It doesn't bother any man to wear the same pair of pants a number of times and no one would even care, but how frequently do women wear the dress that has been used before? Talking about driving, you gave a few examples of the fatal accidents we normally hear about, such as trucks, buses, vans, containers-involved, that are caused by men but just tell me would anyone even allow or have you ever seen any woman driving these types of vehicles, let alone causing an accident? When it comes to car driving in the city, i wouldn't agree to with common perception that women are bad drivers; in fact, i have seen some excellent drivers who are female. About being decisive, i agree with you that when making a decision , one must take as much time as possible to get the best possible thing, be it a cloth or a spouse! :P

Very nice.

Everything Said and done......I disagree the the author that women are not BAD drivers :D Have you even seen a man giving "left indicator and taking a sudden right" ?? ------NO; But I have seen many women portraying indecisiveness or lack of direction!! When they drive it looks as if they concentrating more on the staring than on the road etc etc etc etc ....... :D

You wrote "she can be beautiful or she can be brainy; rarely both" ... Very true. How dare you are Shagufta!

Nice one ... Age conscious - Yes , More so women being weight/figure conscious Best line is

Agreed. I ask the writer where we got women, driving buses and trucks? On the contrary if I look at the country I live in i.e Singapore, here we got lot of women driving buses and you hear it right jumbo buses and they never ever have been involved in an accident. The same case is with men drivers, so I believe its more related to the training, self responsibility and most importantly following the rules and regulations.

These are not Myths, these are realities of our lives and can be witnessed around us every day, at homes, in the offices, at the shopping malls and at get-togethers. Shaugufta should be appreciated for highlighting and understanding these realities of daily Life.

Great write up...she is witty for sure!! Mr. Kulamarva Balakrishna Your sentiments for your mother and daughter are admirable...we need more people like you around spreading positivity...good luck!

Article clearly depicts Pakistani society. Unless Women is given the same status as men in a society or country, that country has no future. In a country where hardly 5% of people are practically educated (i.e they talk science and not religion, they use rational for argument and not religion), We cannot afford to suppress any section of the society ..let it be women , minorities or anybody. Women are 50% of population and if 50% of population is not productive, minorities are suppressed, country has no chance to compete with any other country. Pakistani society is so consumed in Islam and misinterpreting it that there is no future left for the country.

Women are age conscious - just checked my facebook - almost all men have their birth year written - ALL women have just mentioned day & month. Women are bad drivers - no accident while driving a bus or a troller because they don't driver buses & troller in our part of the world. They love to shop - if the husband has money they actually shop - if he doesn't they do window shopping & keep on planning to shop when he'll money - bottom line they love to shop. Indecisive & Fragile you agreed yourself :)

Amusing ... But somewhat true .... Like the way you jotted the myths down and countered them with a proper justification. Yes, the women do have a way of approaching their life, may not be thoughtful, but is certainly a worth praising one. Well written Shagufta.

Shagufta, what is the point of your write up. Boys will be boys and the girls will be girls. A law of nature. Your dig that women are useless at some chores then men is not borne by facts. It is recognised they are more safe drivers then men. They pay lower insurance premium. They take time to dress up because men like pretty faces. Women likes confident and presentable groomed men without B.O as well. However men take time shaving unless they have untidy beard. Woman take time doing make up. There are also biological considerations. Why can't Pakistan society accept equality of sexes and treat women as persons without discriminatory perception. We have Thatcher, Clinton, Gandhi, Fauzia Wahab and staff at your News paper. Just convey to religious orthodoxy to change its mind set. Sexes are complementary so please stop discriminatory perceptions.

I don't argue, but to answer for driving, go to visit some developed countries and see professional female drivers are driving vehicles like trucks, buses etc. It's our social system that create hurdles in each and every job a female wants to do, by saying this and that.

Hi Shagufta Naaz, Look at your article, its totally biased. If all the men you bump into are fragile, one has to say that you are looking at the wrong place. Leaving that aside I think its rather a female dominant society and the way i like to call it is female chauvinismnism. Why I say that? look around: I could argue that women are treated much better than men on average. Any good try, but you got to work on your bias. Peace, Always!

I am sorry but almost all the myths are true. In addition , women get very confused while crossing the big roads and they become indecisive whether to go ahead or back and this all in the middle of road.

I agree with Mr. Viqas.

Ha! Just look at all these comments. Men can be real insecure. Anyway, great writing Shagufta - and thankyou! If women were bad drivers - as opossed to men being 'good drivers' (haha!) then I wonder why Saudi Arabia, of all countries, has "the world

" you rarely (make that never) hear of a woman bashing a truck into a school van, killing five children. Or a woman driving a container that overturns and crushes a family of four. Or a woman driving a bus on to a pavement, killing two pedestrians." Isn't that because women never drive trucks, containers or buses in the first place?

What about crossing the road without looking left or right, expecting everyone else to give a sudden stop so that her highness can cross the road?? :D

Hi, miss Shagufta, i would like to convey that women are careful and good drivers !!!!!!!!!

Hi this is hot topic, the writer has clearly touch upon some nerves in some people judging by the number of replies received in this blog, including mine. ( 1st time) This is always the big question through out the time, " battle of the sexes" Living in Western country for 30 years i have seen alot to changes / trends in attitudes towards women. Its is norm here that " women " can do anything a man can do, us men have accepted this and find no problem with this. there is give and take 50/50. Unlike Pakistan, number of women in employment in all sectors are far greater than man. The trend is men stay home, cook, clean, take kids to school etc whist they partners/wife go out to work. i'm not saying this is ideal or implying in anyway its just a fact. I'll let you ponder upon the pros and cons of such a society. God Bless.

LOL "Shagufta should be appreciated for highlighting and understanding these realities of daily Life" - Good One-How come I never thought of this. :D

Excessive nagging and complaining by Women leads to accidents in Saudi Arabia (my Source is better than WHO--i.e. Arab men themselves) combined with low safety upkeeps, terrain et all......That is why Women are not allowed to drive there, if they do allow them, then by your WHO report; Pakistanis would have to go and inhabitate the Kingdome as no arab would be left in one piece :D

HAHA............. Great analysis and yeah, I agree with it........... :D

A woman is the most beautiful creation of GOD, she showers respect as a daughter, cares as a sister, provides warmth in the form of a friend & protects as a mother. Why did God create man 1st before creating a woman? of course, because its always good to make a rough draft 1st before making a MASTERPIECE. Saluting all ...

A man parks a car, goes out to ATM machine. Pulls out his wallet and inserts the card in the machine. Punches the code, withdraws cash. Counts the amount, takes the card and reciept, puts it back into the wallet. Goes back to car and off he goes. A women parks a car, pulls her bag, takes out her lipstick, adjusts the rear mirror, make sure that the lipstick is there and properly wears out. Adjusts her hairs, goes out to the ATM machine. Took her quite a time to locate her ATM card from her bag. Finally when she has it inserts the card and now is unable to recall her code. With a beep, the card is ejected out; still unable to recall her code she calls her friend to see if she knows it. Thank God! a friend came handy this time. Re inserts the card, punches the code and recalls how much amount is to be withdrawn. It seems the cash is low, she goes out with a small figure. Takes out the card-money and is hardly bothered about the reciept. Eventually, with a successfull transaction comes out of the ATM booth with a long que of people waiting outside. Eventually as she approaches the car she realizes that the car is open and with car-keys still inside. Who cares! she drives away with a thirty minutes drill of simple amount transaction.

Brother you forgot one thing as well ....... " women loves to talk ..........and particularly about their own selves :)"

Imagine what if Saudi Arabia allows woman to drive.. It casualty figures will be more worse..

Not true. All pedestrians male or female, old or young are guilty of this.

Fair enough! For all the guys out there who think that women are bad drivers and they dont run over kids when driving heavy vehicles just because they dont have the opportunity, well perhaps promoting women to do such jobs would show the decline in road accidents. Something that will never materialize in Asia soon because of our norms. Even if we agree to an extent that they are not the ace drivers, they keep this in mind and are slow. How many times have you sworn at the slow driver ahead of you and cursed "You drive like a woman." Their slow speed ensures less impact in case of accidents and better fuel mileage. Women being fragile is challenged equally well by the growing number of guys being unable to fix simple things around the house-growing haughtiness or uselessness. All said and done- the article was in the same tone as its causative blog- Myths about men, although this one clearly displays more logic than the other which just relied on its wit and uber chauvinism.

Admirable sentiments. However, it looks like you either did not read her article or did not understand it. She is actually *disagreeing* with the common belief that women are bad drivers.

Having lived in three different Arab countries including the one under question and Pakistan, let me assure your biased self, the roads are far far better than what you have in Pakistan (upkeep, safety rules, terrain and vehicles included) or the most of the South Asian countries. Harmless banter for the sake of reasonable fun is good, using it as a basis for an argument is not.

Your comments touched me more than the original article did!

great piece of work...the sarcasm adds flavour to your write-up...

Come on guys - you've got to "Man up". Women are not some "alien creature". They are not the enemy. They want a 'real Man' who takes leadership, takes care of the things around the house, changes a flat for them, and appreciates their feminity. They don't care about the age or income or any other number as long as you do those things and are cool about it. Also I'd like to comment on an earlier post. He is right about the trend in the West where woman are going out and are being the bread winners for the family where as the man just sits around at home and take care the kids and the house and the dog and what not. But I have also noticed that those women deep down are extremely dissatisfied and unhappy about their lives and really long for a man to come in and take care of them.

Shagupta, I don't know what kind of men you are hanging out with that can't change a tyre or switch a bulb. I thought women were attracted to men that could do all the men work in addition to the super pay check they get every week or month. The only way you will understand how worthy you are if you get out of the men that date women half their age, can't change a tyre, can't switch a light bulb. I believe that women are perfectly legible to do everything they want but i will tell you one thing, I don't like gold digging tramps.

well its the most difficult and the most impossible thing to understand a woman in the world rest are all easy. cheers

Good article -- but I'm a bit confused - so what you're saying is that Women are strong, don't like to shop, and are good drivers - that sounds suspiciously like a man to me.

Ego Ego Ego but can any thing make any differences Boys will be boys and Girls will be girls it just all depends who ever starts the argument if Girls say "loser" to boys than girls are super losers and if boys start first and say "loser" to girls than boys are super losers. To make the long story short they cant live without each other.

Nice one! and offers good explanation about myths surrounding women. But the fact of the matter is these myths have been developed over the years, may be centuries, and will change only when most women change themselves and show to men the opposite of these myths. A good beginning in terms of writing about myths but one should explain why these myths have been created. We all have seen real life examples of these myths and that is why these myths are justified.

I hate to disagree. It is not because of Islam that the women in society are still regarded the stereotype. If that was the case, most Islamic women would despise Islam as a religion. Every society lives by some social values. Sadly but truly it is our culture in the sub continent where its is typically a man's world. Even in Hinduism women are still struggling to pave a way for themselves.

Without women there would be no men. Women deserve our highest respect, man was created to care for and respect woman, and a woman is a man's most precious adornment among other things. I say its past time for Muslim women to get out and work, play alongside men.

I think its the men who are stereo type and categorize women into the problematic column. Maliha's factual analysis should be an eye-opener rather than a joke - society needs to be balanced out and not ruled by men. We do not live in a age where this should /can happen anymore.

Well said Asad.

@ Shagufta You have rightly demolished all myths. From my experience I can say that women are not fragile, they are mentally much more tougher than man. Yes they are better drivers than men. Age thing women are conscious because in our society (South Asian) men prefer younger women to hang out with...hence women have to be conscious. This is social conditioning and not their fault.

Take it as a joke and you will never say that.

Women are beautiful gift from "GOD", but very hard to understand.

Pakistani women have changed a lot in the recent years, there are more women working, getting education, they are more independent then before, but they are still a mystery to many men. In my opinion it is hard to understand pakistani women, it may have to do with communication styles, and cultural norms, but it seems that they take longer to open up, people in our country in general both men and women have to walk a fine line.

Let them drive these vehicles then we will have a balaned comparision.

Where is the 'Myth' in it..... it looks like all truth............

I agree. Rough drafts were never equipped to handle tough household chores like cooking and cleaning. That is the master's piece. Rough drafts were only meant to watch TV and hang out with other drafts.

Adeel I am with you they like to talk ALOT. I have a question from all the readers, Women (Wife only) came in this world to give us (Husdands) Hardtime, Yes or No. Tell me what you think...............

As far as Mother, Daughter and sister, you got 100 percent points. but As someone said Life Realities not Myths.

Pakistan Society is way more open when it comes to women rights. Let see B. Bhotto (Prime), F. Jinnah (Prime) and a lot. In Pakistan, A women have a child after they get married and ave age is 20 plus. In US and Canada girls have childs at the age of 16-17 and if you ask fathers name, they have no idea. Off course no one in Pakistan need that kind of equal rights. Also the Authur is trying to tell us and asking from us if Women is a myth or Realities. So please don't take this seriously and enjoy this moment and always think positive. As far As women rights and/or Equality are concerns, Pakistani women enjoy their lifes why better then western women.

Hi this is really a good topic woman is best creation of God. The Woman is most respectable in over world. We respect all the women in the whole world. The woman has power to bear all troubles and can solve the matters.

No doubt about it. The stuff called women is the most amazing, fine and the lovely creature of god which has the most disturbing attributes at the same time. But without the women, ooh god even a day is hard to live.

By average all over the world, the number of men driving car is far far greater than women. Specially in Saudi Arabia you will rarely find women driving cars. that's y death due to driving is more in men than women.

I hv spent a good amount of time in UK, Dubai and Saudi Arabia working for some MNC's. In UK i hv rarely seen women in manufacturing, fishing, agricultural, military, minning, automobile, construction and software industry. Women were mostly found in customer services, teaching and advertisement industry. According to British Household Panel Survey regarding Gender Wage Gap, the above mention theme is the reason for the excessive gap in the wages of men and women during their life time. Women are widely used as a tool to please in all over west.. In UK i hv personally witnessed how women r widely abused in their work places.

XYZ - You are absolutely right!!! Women never drive trucks in the first place :)

Karuna, just by writing this article, she has also proved your point i.e. Women love Whining and Nagging. :)

Excellent article Shagufta...At least you had the courage to say what you wanted to say according to your perceptions. Man is not complete without female. The role of women which was perceived and practices in this region is more cultural than religion. The culture was mixed and finally we found a new kind of mindset. This attitude must be changed and you will have to continue fight against it. The women are good drivers here in USA> I am in states these days. All school bus drivers are women, very cautious and law abiding. Women here are performing roles which cannot be imagined in our country. Let us develop moderate society in Pakistan and continue our efforts to fulfill what needs to be fulfilled. People like Professor Mehdi Hassan, and other intellectuals should come forward and fight for women rights in Pakistan. Continue shagufta...My sincere prayers for you.

Just clarify one thing, were you trying to be funny? sarcastic? insightful? I can't figure out. Your generalized statements about men in Pakistan are irritating to say the least....

Wow, this is the dumbest attempt at refuting stereotypes Ive ever read. Im a man, for your info, but Im basing my opinions on logic. Before I begin, just because you dont think that something is the case Shagufta, doesn't mean that applies to all women. Women are age conscious. They are. Everyone is. Its a sign of your mortality and impending death. I love how you said age was less important than other numbers, and all the numbers you listed were money related ("like a guy

No, humanity is God's greatest creation. Neither man nor woman are above another. When will people stop with the sexist and just realise that both sexes are different but equal? And I honestly hope you never say that in front of your dad. Fathers sacrifice time with their families to go out and work, provide discipline and a role model, protection and love. Think of all the dads who got up and left the subcontinent to go to the US, Europe, the Middle East, in the hope of their kids having a better life than them. They put up with racism, sacrificed time away from their families, worked like dogs, gave all their money to the family, and no one ever thanked them or appreciated them (people are always mentioning a woman's sacrifice during pregnancy and child birth, and rightfully so, but think of your dad for a minute). Imagine for a minute what that would feel like and think about what you just said about women being the most beautiful. And then think about the fact that all the Prophets were men and what you just implied.

Response to your writeup Women are age conscious: ever heard of the word cougar or seen one? I have, and more than a few times a day. Women are bad drivers and bad cooks and bad tailors: how many race car drivers are women? or how many top chefs or designers are women. In fact I can't even make average designers or chefs who are women. The percentage of women driving a big vehicle is statistically insignificant and therefore you don't hear them crashing them in the news. Women are indecisive: next time count how many women are standing in the "returns" section. You wouldn't need to count because they will ALL be women.

This article is good way to celebrate women's day thats all I am sorry nothing is gonna change in near future. Even in US people rather accept black male than a white female. Whatever you tried to explain in this article is your opinion thats all . Women are bad drivers , women like to shop and women are insecure about their age ...this can be tested everywhere in this world east or west . I have lived in Pakistan, middle east and now in US , even in US people think they same way as men in Pakistan . There is no difference . This article is written just to make women feel good about themselves that's all . Nice try.

I totally agree with the author... Women are not age conscious .. its men who are ... the younger a women is .. the more a man's ego would be boosted .... Women are not fragile .. had they been so, how come they would manage to tolerate a man .. plus take care of his kids ?

Single women are more age conscious since they have a "biological clock" ticking because once they are above a certain age the prospects of their marriage decline. Married women may not be age conscious but they certainly want to look younger than their age.

That was a joke.

Women are a myth. And the woman I love is the greatest myth in this world. Maybe that is way I want her to be and that is why I love her.

There is NO doubt that women have been created weak by our Creator. It is not only in humans but in all creation of God. Man is a degree higher than women, rather males are a degree higher than females. This is ordained by our Creator. Therefore lets not indulge in a useless dialogue.

I think these myths are the very reason why we love women, they might be indecisive or love to shop, the fact is they are different from us and that is why we love them :)

Shagufta Naaz - How old are you? When was the last time you purchased a makeup article? And 3 times before last? How many times do you go back and forth when you park your car? Or pull out of parking?

The last accident I saw was when a male driver smashed his car in another trying to get out of the way of an indecisive woman driver, who thought that she was all alone on quite a busy road. :-)

What a waste of time.. How old are you Shagufta? Oh sorry, wrong question, you will not tell!

Happens very often on Shara-e-Faisal ... A group of women crossing the road will come to the centre of the road and then decide to call an emergency meeting to decide should they go forward or backward. They also assume that they are in some kind of Matrix movie so they just show full face of their hands to the on-coming vehicles at 60+kmph and expect that some mysterious force from their hands will stop the cars. One more thing ... the writer seems to fit perfectly into the "working women stereotype" when she suggested that working women are more sensible than the rest :)

lol .... the driving force of the article!

I am married for over 40 years. I can describe a woman who happens to be my wife " A wife is your shadow wherever you go she happens to be with you all the time" God bless her as she takes care of the entire domestic".

Shagufta - decent post. first - men only crash vans killing people because only men drive public transport services. we don't have women driving vans from swat to Islamabad, or from Rawalpindi to Multan. Men do it, therefore men have accidents. See the simple logic? women are, and will always remain horrible drivers. peace.

Yeah........The most beautiful creation of God...!!!

Ha, Good one Moin!

LOL - very funny

This is not true.

The myths--do not stand the test of time, they will evaporate, will they not? There has been a reconciliation to those small-times myth in the West. After the publication of a block-buster book name "Men from Mars and Women from Venus", Women seem less to be on the defense lately. They don't think that wearing an expensive and rare diamond ring means enhancing the man's prestige. There is an expression in Urdu translated in English: If being blessed with beauty, the refinements and social graces come with it. A rare and expensive diamond ring belongs to a rare woman. It complements the beauty of the woman. If the man of wealth takes the credit, so be it. What is most important is the happiness of the beautiful woman. And beauty is rare. So as the expensive and rare diamond.

I appreciate the style of writing. Shagufta you have brains and my admiration.

I am not sure how to approach this article and if it speaks to any truth from my perspective. Women, simply want to feel and be beautiful (at all times). Women if they are working, have to work twice as hard as men to gain recognition with half the amount of pay (in pakistan and picture does not change very much in Europe etc either). Women are stronger than men!!!! Think child birth fellas... I don't know any man that can feed a friend for 9 straight months let alone something in your body for 9 months. There is a reason why God choose women over men. Men are weak and more fragile, particularly Pakistani men... They have too many insecurities and particularly vanity issues. Ladies, just be gentle with spending the money, attend to it as you are with your hair and daily rituals. We men are mere mortals, money buys us integrity.

I think the best judgment made so far.... Good sensible reply Mr. Danish....I tend to agree 100%... its not the gender psyche.. its how far one is equipped with the required level of training and following the rules & regulations of the land....so crux is both the genders could be genius or....... vise versa.

The other guy with the blog wins.

I think these are not myths , these are just had to swallow facts. This is one of the most biased article I have ever read. I think writer just wanted to feel good about herself and her sex by writing this biased article. She should have done some research before writing this article. Men do not like to be with older women because they can not give birth after certain age and men are fertile most of their life time. For Shoping , driving and fragile and indecisive facts , I would say just open your eyes and look around. These facts can be tested any part of the world . I am in California , US and even here these facts are as good as in Pakistan or in any middle eastern country. I have been to east and west ...they are not very much different when it comes to women driving , shoping and fragile stuff. I just want to wish "happy women's day " to writer and wish her good luck with changing the world.

They actually do. They have woman drivers for buses in Beijing. You may google.

Thank God for that, too!

I respect women as a Mother a Sister But Fact is fact :) That, Women are age conscious Women love to shop Women are bad driver's

Hahaha funny article But seriously, while there might (or might not) be some truth to the other claims, I've seen too many women who worry about their age and engage in insane buying sprees to not give due crediblity to THOSE particular 'myths'...:) Then again, I've seen so many men with various flaws that I can't see the point in poiting the finger at women too much either...:)

A friend of mine has a tested experiment. If he's on a motorbike and a woman is driving a car, waiting at a traffic light. He'll stare at her. It helps, too, that he has a big beard. She gets so confused (heaven knows why), that she hits something no further than the other side of the intersection, guaranteed!

Well said .... I enjoyed your realistic arguments.

Most things in life are defined by our perspective on it and since we men are presumed to look at women in light of the 'myths' mentioned above, it was good to have these out for discussion. Though I think that sterotypes need to be made a thing of the past as every person needs to be examined in light of there own characteristics.... For the women are bad drivers bit, although I did hear some years back of a woman slamming into the back of a truck while coming down Natha Khan bridge and some incidents at my brothers college recently, there are enough bad drivers out there regardless of their sex with their odd swerving and bad signalling. Keep writing because we need to eradicate such age old 'myths' from our culture at least.

Ummmmm Ms. Shagufta congrats you are honored to have my first comment of life :) You deserve to get appraised ... Women without her man is nothing. ( Its on us how to read it ) And thats for you Beyond every successful man there is a women (mom, sis, wife, aunt etc.) I really mean it :)

Well I think Women driving is no myth...women are protected by men even on the road so thats how no accidents for them...but when a woman drives away a certain isle the issues with the road are clearly a set off!

Perfect! Couldn't have said it better myself! :)

Great writing Shagufta, loved it. You can add one more men bashing traits if you like...forgetfulness "Did you say Alu, I heard it as Lauki". Cheers...

I Dont believe all this...its only a topics of weekly magazines, there is no linked in between these and real life. Yes you can say they are bad drivers and age conscious because these myths are temporary ,because once in life she will be a good driver and once she touch his old age , but if u talk abt fragile or weak or indecisive ... then If you see Mohammad Ali Jinnah with Miss Fatima Jinnah. What about former PM of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto. they all were women's Further you can see behind 1400 years ,you had found so many brave,sincere,decision maker,politicians etc. One thing to be asked you guys ?? You do not love Shopping ?? :)

A biased writing! an aggressive tone which apparently shows the inferiority complex which most of the females have in our society.

Women flying jets & parking car on the road are not comparable events - a good pilot can be a bad car driver, I have firsthand experience. I suspect that women expect other motorists to be little symathetic to them because they are driving a car or bike. It is a case of lack of confidence & control over the vehicle.

Most things in life are effected by perspectives of people. Since we men are assumed to hold women to these myths/stereotypes, its good to read abt them so that we may put these out for discussion. We all do sincerely need to move up from this and realize that everyone must be seen in the light of his own characteristics and not under such generalizations. Even though I have heard women (unmarried) also refer to shopping as their favourite sport and I do reacall an incident some years back on the Natha Khan bridge where a woman did slam into the back of a truck along with a recent incident of an overturned car by a lady student at a college in karachi, there are enough reckless and ill skilled drivers around karachi regardless of their sex. Women too sometimes like being classified under these for the nimble thought of being more feminine. So in all, keep writing and do keep reminding us of what our society needs to move past.

Overall its true that a MAN is incomplete without Women... in any face like Mother,Sister,Daughter of Wife... Goodbyeee

That isn't the point. The point is there are horrible drivers out there who are men. Why do only women get stereotyped? We really should get out of the habit of sidelining issues by making smart one-liners about it.

Well subjective article as all the good or bad qualities cannot be found in one woman.

The admission of 'Women are bad drivers' was enough for me to agree with everything in the article without reading it.

Great write up, Though I don't agree with all of it. Nice to see blog/articles other then politics/terrorism etc.

I don't tend to agree with some of the stereotypes facts that you have written about especially one that relates to women being not conscious of their age. From you pic you seem like a middle agreed women so i guess you 'perspective' might be relevant here but from my experiences one thing remains clear is that all women when they get the big word 'older' are very conscious of their age especially here in the west but maybe this myth might not be very applicable here given PK is not very developed or have reached the same level of vainness which you would expect from European and western cultures but nonetheless age for my point of view is just an number and nobody male/female should care.

Inferiority complex will not help these woman....get over it.

I don't completely agree with you lady. Why blaming men??? Its right men are not always right or whatever but to defend someone by blaming the other is perhaps not a fine thing as well.

Not women are bad drivers (when they are on mobile) and not all shop crazy, the real problem are (upper and upper middle class) women who don't work and spend time all their time gossiping and talking about jewelry and cloths, since they have servants to do their homework. Instead of spending time doing social work or teaching and guiding (social and moral values, education) their kids to be better students and future leaders who can help their country. When kids get bad grades they hire tutors, no personal involvement. If you go to a public library in the U.S, you will see a lot of Indian women with their kids, helping them in book selection, reading etc, you will hardly see any Pakistani women there. Because they like to wake late, watch Indian channels and talk about other women.

Ummmm, and what about an accident when backing up the car........forgetting her cell phone in the car to call her friend........ hahahaha. After all these incidents , we still like them.

Yes, You can't live with them and can't live without them, So it is better to live and enjoy all these myths (realities).

Never take advice from women, about women. - Oscar Wilde

Not a very well written article. Totally unconvincing arguments. Totally unrepresentative of the majority of the middle class, at least. The article negates men to prove the fallacy of the prevailing beliefs, which is absurd. As for the driving comment, I am not saying that women are bad drivers; they don't cause bus and truck accidents (which kill people) because there are no females driving buses and trucks.

I agree with the some of the statements cited above but all in all a person is not really defined by their gender a person if she is a female doesnt really mean she will not be able to hit a roach and vice versa. a person is a person and create their own personality. I do agree most women are age conscious but so are some men. The article can not really state things as myths since some are applicable to some females. Females though are actually not that bad drivers and it is actually shown that a womens brain is matures earlier than males this may help with their lack of irresponisble behavior while driving, but women do cause accidents by their constant looking in the mirror or texting in the car. Women though often are more responsible since they often dont drink and drive and are aware not to make a mistake while driving since they know the response and constant nagging they will hear at from from you know who. Anyway not a very good article but the attempt is appreciated.

While I do agree with all your points, I do not agree to your first point regarding age concern. I am married to a woman 7 years elder to me and I am just like any other husband. Secondly, yes i find many women to be age consious. Atleast the women that i have encountered with. Be it my mother, sister, wife, friends, office collegues, ex-collegues, etc.

"a man

Yeah women are not age or beauty conscious - that's why magazines like Cosmo, People etc are sold in billions let alone all the money wasted on makeup, waxing (ouch) etc etc

heheh.. she will only after deducting 5 years.

Well nice examples, but these justifications can't change the fact, I can't say about you but as mojority the fact is that Women are age conscious Women are bad drivers Women love to shop =================== ===================

Welcome to 2010 Mr. Khokhar - a few things have changed - wives are still shadows but the kind that scare you at nights when you're a kid and as far as taking care of "domestic" is concerned - unfortunately women got liberated and think that is below them. So all in all we end up marrying a thing of beauty but in due time they turn into scary shadows who're self-obsessed. Oh and I'm not bitter.

"That is why you often see a man with a woman half his age, and rarely the other way round. Case closed." Nice logic, I never thought of it that way

Asad and Moin - please remind me - what year is this? Your chauvinism is obnoxious even for a guy. For the love of God guys - grow up and open your minds.

The article wasfun to read. Thanks. I also enjoyed the feedback esp. those who appeared so "highbrow" Come guys lighten up.Don't you know a tongue in cheek article when you read one? Life is serious enough,let's relax and take it easy. Shagufta, great job! Keep it up!!!

Could not agree more .....well said

God will revenge people who cheat other people

haha .. well written - I kinda agree with the writer .. These days you will probably see women driving with extra care and precaution than men... same goes for women being fragile .. I mean they aint fragile physically and yeah they have started to get all brainy and stuff .. anyways, A Nice read!

As a well educated woman, born in Europe, muslim, in late 20 of normal looks, I can be objective about myself and I can accept my nature and admit to own issues and weaknesses I might have. I won't look for excuses, lower men by showing their wrong perception of me nor look for sympathy or justification, like an author of this article. I don't think we should even explain ourselves, since anyhow one can't live with out another. I accept myself way I am even though my best intentions and determination to improve myself, I still carry typical "woman syndrome". I'm writer myself, I studied sociology, I observe women and men and truth is that stereotypes and myths are there not with out a reason. So let me comment on your main points: Women are age conscious -saying that we are not age conscious is the biggest lie ever. Age and beauty are the main courses of our daily vanity. WE put make up, creams, buy new dresses, diet, exercise, do plastic ops, go to beauty pawlors, we lie about our age and we do that all because we are very self conscious. The funny thing however is that all these things are not done for men, to catch their attention, but mostly for other women- to invoke jealousy in them, feel and look better than them. Very few women wanna look good just for themselves or their man. It's a matter of silent competition we do feel inside. Best proof- if we go to party and see, that some other woman wears same dress, and what's even worst she's thinner or younger that we are, our evening will be completely spoiled. Men don't have it- their vanity level is much lower. When they loose hair, it's not that they feel envy or bad for other guys, they are just being insecure of being rejected from women, as they can sense how competitive and narcissistic we can be. If they would see someone else wearing same suit, they wouldn't mind it at all. I even expect that man would feel more happy feeling that he didn't do any mistake coz someone else is also wearing same thing. Of course men like younger woman, it's their natural instinct to shine, trophy, own esteem, reason of pride and joy- it's like for us women really big diamond ring or new jewelry set, that we like to wear and make sure everyone understand how expensive it was. Besides we women also like handsome guys, though we seem to weight more over personality than looks. Women love to shop- we all know it's not myth but pure truth. And it doesn't matter whose money is it, your hubby, your own, your daddy, we all wanna spend it. If you say no, just check how many lipsticks you have, shoes, handbags or bangels. Another proof- wedding shopping. If it was up to man, he would marry wearing a jeans and not even bothered to shave but we women like to make it a big deal with party, dresses, gold and superb honeymoon. I don't say it's wrong, I just state that's the way we are, why saying we're not. Women are bad drivers- well i do believe we women are more careful drivers but I would give men the trophy of being better drivers. I know about accidents and some foolishness men are capable to, but looking objective and just calculating effectiveness of performance overall, I believe that if you have a distance from point A-B, whether in traffic, desert, snow, rain, man driver will reach to point B quicker than woman driver. I have my edgy attitude, I love to drive fast but I know and I see my hubby is a better driver. Plus don't forget that especially for us women, car companies invented auto parking pilot, and it's ok with me. Women are fragile- well I believe in a way it's true. We can cry over any reason: he called, he didn't call, someone said this or that, we get emotional over romantic movie ect. We have to be soft as we bring life though it has been proven that women are stronger mentally over men, as we can go to extend of many sacrifices men have even no idea about. Women are indecisive- it think it both true, we are indecisive and sometimes it is just a matter that we need to take time to decide on something. We can't figure what to wear, what food to order, we make some good decisions, some bad as driven by emotions, but hey it's just the way it is. Men are less complicated as everything what you have pointed negative about them, is really simple, naive or immature but through that closed to nature. In that sens we women are on more "artificial side". That's why in Qur'an men were being pointed to be the leaders especially in high political positions, as they can make quicker decisions with cool mind. I really don't understand why women always feel that they need to prove something to the world, fight with men, try to show that we are more superior. We are all unique and we all represent different value. They are things that only women can do, and another that only men are capable to. There's a beauty and cause in jin and jung, so last but not least advice to all: stop be superficial. It's good to have flaws, it's what make you real! Get real and embrace yourself!

Sounds like century old arguments, Man Vs Woman....who cares...

hahahaha..i can just laugh..:)..but please don't say that women are not bad drivers..uhh.

Great writing Shagufta!! especially I loved the women are bad drivers part! Hope to see more coming from you!

By and large, good comparison. Shakespeare says "frailty thy name is woman". While his hero (Hamlet) have just planning and no actions. So: It is required wisdom to understand wisdom, If the audience are deaf then music is nothing.

Dear Shagufta, What you wrote is true but remember all the five fingers are not the same.

These or other kinds of myths which are far different from reality are just the outcome of surface- thinking. We actually find means to express our anger or false emotions by sex, race or things like that. Even this article although well written and well addressed is attacking another sex and trying to bury males under the rubble when we draw the conclusion out of this. It should draw the conclusion that these myths are wrong and nothing to do with either sex. This is just the BLAME GAME.

So true man.

I suggest you have a discussion with your so-called "Creator". I think SHE would disagree and tell you that all human beings are born equal in HER eyes. (Equal is not the same as identical.) And it's not a useless dialogue, it's your attitude that is.

So men having accidents and killing people... To this you should have research more before actually writting an article... If you take out the percentage of women truck or cargo drivers in pakistan or all over the world, what do you think it would be? And it would be zero is pakistan. So obviously if there is an acident then it has to be a man in pakistan and very very highly likely to be a male in any other part of this world for that matter. Another important point is the normal cars which women drive. They are usually over cautious and drive slow and most of the time under the speed limit. This in pakistan is very common as women won't look left or right and just drive slow in their lane, be it the slow moving lane. This causes the others to overtake and also causes frustration to the traffic. Thus, yes then a male driver who is in vast majority in pakistan has an acident while over taking. Maybe the second point wasn't as strong enough but it is true for what i have noted although a lot of my friends who are women drive really well. This phenomena is seen in aged women though, well in pakistan atleast. I agree with everything else. I know it is a sterotype that women are bad drivers, but hey you could have come up with better supporting arguments. Reast of the points i totally agree with you. Well written nevertheless.

Women are "NOT AGE CONSCIOUS"?????? If its true, then what are these treatments for? Face Lifting, Botox, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, and number of Makeups and Creams like Anti Wrinkle Cream etc. Aren

Great post, here is what I think Women are age conscious : well said Women love to shop: Don't completely agree with that, women love to shop clothes..lol.. Women are bad drivers: agree, that's what happens in Pakistan.

The way u transform your thought in this article is excellent. Good piece of writing

Commenting on the age point and women myths; writer has shown this myth in wrong perspective. Indeed, women are age conscious thats why they always tell their age atleast 2 years less and sometimes in media personnel it reach upto 10 (hahahaaaa). This is reality women are age conscious they lie to men that they have less age, so that they can seduce men and be a wife of tycoon to live in a wealthy mystique. Case Opened.

Really Fun, thought it was great. As the author of the man and the myths piece I figured that I ought to get in on the action. Just for you I've placed an entire response on my own blog! Though I have to say, it sounds alot more anti gal than I'd expect. but, hey, when guys are awesome, we are Awesome!

In the title, it should read "Women and myths," not "The Women and The Myths."

" In Pakistan men are not the only people who keep women down." Exactly. The oppression of women is not possible without the cooperation and participation of women themselves - this is also true in the U.S.

We love our women. Paradise lies at their feet.

Yar, let go. That is their beauty.

I think it is not the age complex that leads men to marry younger women, it is something else. Normally men have their desire even at older age, while women become less interested earlier in their lives.

I have observed that women are more glamor oriented than men. It is also true there are few low lives among men who brag about their wealth, real property etc; flaunt their wealth by loading their wives with gold & diamonds. Such people are generally from a typical background, where their parents & other family members may have been cheap & not educated.

Quaide Azam conveyed to masses of Pakistan that think thoroughly, however, once you have made up your mind, stand by your decision. Therefore, it is okay to be picky. Women are picky. However, once you make up your mind, even if it has taken longer than men, don't go back.

I wasn't impressed with the article. I think author lacks objectivity and topic itself is so boring. It has been there over and over again. Constant fight between Venus and Mars, nothing new has been said nor discovered! I enjoyed however the comments one in particular- AMina, I think you really nailed it! Respect!

This is way better than article itself! Wish more women would be so open minded and intelligent!

I agree with you sister Amina. We are ruled by our vanity and have no reason to cry over it, look for excuses and walk over men. We are what we are, and no one is perfect. At the end, men love us because of what we are, and we love them for what they are...and this subject is really so broning as our tv dramas.

What an essay !! :)

Yeah it's True :)

I think you missed something :) am I right?

Shagufta, I liked how you defended women, but not all women have all the drawbacks you've mentioned here. So well, talk about the few who actually don't care or think before spending in pricey diamonds or don't know how to reverse the car or change gears, etc etc. I believe those are the women who really need to work on their flaws, for you cant take pride in imperfection.

The truth is these articles have been done to death. I guess Pakistan is just waking up to them. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad. But the problem with these articles is that it's all based on generalisations and cliches. As long as it's for good fun that's fine, but I'm hoping no one is taking these articles seriously. For one thing, I'm dissapointed about how many women are agreeing to the fact that women are fragile. I'm assuming that all the women are equating fragility with feminity- untrue. I'm married, but when I was student in england, I was perfectly capable of carrying all my grocery bags and walk for the mile home, and so were all my friends. Currently, I'm perfectly capable of helping my husband move furniture and beads around. I can get up on a seat and change a lightbulb. And I'm 5.2 and petite. And in England, there were far more slender girls, with chicken arms who understood how to change a tire, and pick things double their weight. The fact that women can not do any lifting is only because they desire to feel rescued either by their fathers or their husbands. It's simply a choice, not a natural fact.

The next article you must be writing is about Islamic Women and Other Women. Driving in Saudi Arabia is banned for women. (They probably are terrible drivers...that must be the reason) They can't go to stores without a male companion (who can only be husband, father or brother)....! Age............They certainly are age conscious........that's why they wear Burqa.

Very well written Amina.....Perfectly explained!!! I wish we have more women like you around

When A woman writes, it is a woman's perspective but when a man writes, it is Pakistani man's perspective. Is it a superiority or inferiority complex, dear Mansoor ?

Oops, Sorry Murtaza.

And men are to blame for this complex.

Well, aal is well ... if it is for the sake of humor and debate. But by nature what is true is the truth. Why women are so conscious about all these myths (so called). Why they want comparison.. I guess it is just because women are nothing without men. Adam and Eva is the best example, Eva was part of Adams body. So I think no debate on this and we (men) always admire women in all roles of life.

L O L ....talk about being totally in denial on part of the writer. This article is very hard to take seriously. These are certainly not myths. The BIGGEST LIE in this article is that women are NOT age conscious, what utter feminist propaganda. By the way, men are pathetic in some ways, but so are women in other ways.

Thank you guys for kind words and support. I agree with you all, subject is boring to death and i wouldn't even bother to comment on it but my natural drive against nonsense and hypocrisy, took over me and I had to say my 3 cents. I didn't want you all guys either to think that all of us women are so shallow about our shallowness :p .

To comments that were posted earlier.. These sort of articles always provoke healthy and constructive discussions on what we eventually talk about in our drawing rooms so I guess its not bad to be a little less judgmental and a bit more accepting of the truth and that goes for both genders... The writer has done justice to the article..NO OFFENSE TO THE MALE READERS.. as stereotyping is a BIG PROBLEM in this part of the world.. Stereotyping women is a societal problem that usually starts from one household before it crosses over to the male gender and I guess that is where the change needs to come.. But keeping rest aside... its pitiful to witness such a high rate of infidelity in our society ..And who is to blame? Obviously the guy who picked one from a bunch pf pictures and asked , 'Whats for Dinner?..Cheers

I think women who write such articles and anyone ("gals") who follows suit, think themselves to be too important. The world does not revolve around you. Your opinions lack orginality and are nothing more than a mindset that has deceived itself into painting a fake cultural personality.

I like this Shugufta.

''you rarely (make that never) hear of a woman bashing a truck into a school van, killing five children. Or a woman driving a container that overturns and crushes a family of four. Or a woman driving a bus on to a pavement, killing two pedestrians. No, it takes a man to cause an accident of such magnitude. But these are minor details'' - What causes the man to do so? - "WOMEN" :) There you have it if they are directly involved , they 'll do it indirectly :)

Nicely written, women is not frail but she made by our society...

This only proves woman's insecurity issues. here is a womanish reply :D enjoy! AGE But wisely speaking a woman in our society has to care about her age because of many reasons like marriage, pregnancy and other similar issues. Women deteriorate physically faster than men and they value their physical appearance more than men do so its totally untrue that women is not conscious about her age. Western woman is not conscious much about her age that is why they reject men faster than our women, but they suffer to consequences like being single for life and changing partners more than usual, which if you ask them they dont really like but its too late to realize. Western men do this too but since they have longer time to think they are able to save themselves before women can. and as they say "Men are like wine..The older the better" :D To Shop Oh c'mon 99 out of 100 women love to shop, actually i think they are more selfish about their own money so they shop from husbands money. most men are wise spenders and they dont appreciate heavy buying because they work hard for it. but women they compare alot between themselves, havent you heard ""Suniyay jameela kay husband nay naya TV khareeda hay ghar k liyay, aap bhi khareedain na". and this is just the beginning. :D Bad Drivers Well Its good that women dont drive tankers and buses cuz the disaster would have been double. Its not that i doubt the skills, they just make silly mistakes. "Pressing accelerator instead of brakes" to be very precise :D Fragile I dont know what men you know who dont know how to change a Tyre. Women play their women card a lot. They want things to be done for them and they call it to be treated as a woman. for crying out loud would you like to be treated as a man by a man. ofcourse Not!! Why because you are fragile! Indecisive Well you didnt complete the story women take 2 hrs to decide what to wear and after they have decided they are still not sure if its right or not, why? because they think too much actually they over think everything that get them confused, because they are never happy about anything. Men on the other hand choose and they live with what they have chosen or they learn to live with it rather than complaining and being doubtful about the decision

... the other day someone wrote about how men are misunderstood and now we have someone from the women's side fighting their corner; this is all so late 20 century stuff. Grow up people; men and women are different. There are certain things women are good at, that men just cant get their heads around and in other cases its the other way round- its a given and lets just leave it at that. There is nothing inferior or superior about being a man or a woman- in our society even men have to be strong to get their right (it doesnt just fall in their laps), therefore if women are to work in the same environement as men, they actually have to overcome more obstacles them men face. But all this talk about who is better just drives me up the wall.

Thank Allah for making us so different! Also please don't be surprised at women's intelligence or intellect. Probably you don't see them that often as you do in the West. Women are forced in their seclusion and once they are allowed to come out then they will be equal in everything. Some differences will of course be there. But both men and women appreciate those differences as marks of their femininity and are attractive. Allah be praised.

Yes, she is a good writer.

Modern Woman myths 1. Women are age conscious no beauty conscious 2. Love to shop no Keep shopping for love 3. Bad drivers no in foreign countries they care more about themselves so drive most of the cases four wheel drives. 4. Woman are fragile no affair with good looking woman may make men fragile 5. Women are indecisive no too selective sometimes.

Nice article. Women are the beauty of our society.

congratulations, raazi, there is always a "first" in life bro :)

I wonder if you are aware of how refreshing it is to peruse what you have done domain or if you take pause to even enjoy the sunshine of what has been conveyed. In any case, I appreciate that you are doing a great job. You are making a difference!