EFFECTIVENESS OF FEMALE MADARISIN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENTIN PAKISTAN
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Date
2009
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Department Of Sociology, University Of Peshawar
Abstract
This study explored the role of female Madaris (Islamic seminaries) in women’s empowerment
in Pakistan. Primarily, it was designed to examine whether Female Madaris empower women or
perpetuate women subordination in Pakhtun Society. It is an attempt to highlight the status of
Madrassah graduates in local community. Furthermore, efforts are also made to understand the
perceptions of Madrssah stakeholders regarding gender equality/an egalitarian social structure.
The study was carried out in two districts (Nowshera and Peshawar) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
Pakistan, employing qualitative research methodology. The respondents consisted of three
groups i.e. Muhtamims/teachers, students and students’ parents. The relevant data was collected
through in-depth interviews (both individual and group) and personal observations in field. With
an insight from interpretivism/hermeneutics, the data was analyzed and presented thematically.
The overall claim that the study makes is that female Madaris produce a cluster of females for
perpetuating patriarchal structure of society underthe garb ofreligiosity. The teachings in female
Madaris are based upon selected knowledge that is controlled and interpreted by menfor their
hegemonic interest. This teaching and interpretation of knowledge from men’s perspective and
its internalization by female students leads them to adopt false consciousness. The study finds
that female Madaris strengthen patriarchy and male hegemony instead of empowering women.
Thus, it is concluded that female Madaris of Pakhtun society are reproducing the existing
Pakhtun patriarchal normsandstructures. These institutions receive financial support from local
and international actors coupled with access to political power structure. These Madaris, in
return, promise to keepintact the vested interest of the actor/donors implicitly.