Women and Girls’ Rights in Turbat, Kech

Balochistan is renowned for its rich culture, bold past, beautiful landscapes, and dedicated people. But behind its mountains and customs, there is a harsh truth that is often neglected: the challenges faced by women and girls. While men in Balochistan also face numerous problems like unemployment and lack of progress, women and girls face double challenges. They face the same problems of poverty and underdevelopment, plus additional barriers due to their gender.

The women of Balochistan are capable and resilient. They work in homes and fields, take care of their families, and protect the culture. Many girls are intelligent and dream of becoming teachers, writers, doctors, and leaders. However, many of them are unable to accomplish their dreams because they do not receive equal opportunities. To establish a stronger and more modern Balochistan, we must give serious attention to the rights of women and girls.

The biggest problem is education. Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. But in several remote and rural areas of Balochistan, women do not have easy access to schools. According to many reports, Balochistan has one of the lowest female literacy rates in Pakistan. There are many factors behind this. In some towns, there are no girls’ schools. Where schools exist, they frequently lack boundary walls, rooms, clean bathrooms, water, furniture, and female teachers. Numerous parents want to educate their daughters, but they are nervous about sending them far away because there is no safe transportation and no nearby high school or college. As a result, many girls have to leave school after the 5th grade. When a girl is denied education, not only is her life affected, but the future lives of her entire family are also affected. An educated girl can educate her children, improve her family’s well-being, and contribute to the economy.

The second major issue is healthcare. Women in Balochistan face serious healthcare problems. In several remote areas like Shapuk, Zamuran, Buleda, and Dasht, there are no proper hospitals, no lady doctors, and no childbirth services. Women have to travel many kilometers to Turbat even for basic checkups. During childbirth, this gap becomes a matter of life and death. Many women die during childbirth or face serious health difficulties because they cannot reach a hospital on time. There is also a lack of awareness about nutrition, family health, and women’s mental health. Girls often suffer from deficiencies because their health is given less importance.

Early marriage is another critical challenge. Due to poverty, lack of education, and cultural pressure, many girls are married at a young age. When a girl is married early, her education comes to an end, her health is put at risk, and her dreams are cut short. A young girl who should be in school becomes responsible for a household. This not only harms her but also continues the cycle of poverty. Girls should be given the opportunity to complete their education and make their own choices about their future.

Unemployment and dependence also limit women’s rights. Very few women in remote Balochistan have careers or their own income. There are few skill-development centers, technical training programs, or job opportunities for women. Even talented girls who complete their education struggle to find employment. When women have no financial independence, they have to rely completely on others and cannot raise their voices for their rights. If we provide skill centers, sewing centers, computer courses, and small-business support for women, they can become self-reliant and support their families.

Security and freedom of movement are also concerns. Many girls cannot go to college or work because there is no safe and affordable public transport. Parents worry about the safety of their daughters. Good roads, safe transportation, and secure hostels for girls in cities like Turbat and Gwadar can help more girls continue their higher education.

Even with all these problems, there is also hope. The situation is changing. Today, more girls from Balochistan are going to schools and colleges than ever before. We see girls from Turbat, Panjgur, Gwadar, and Quetta becoming doctors, teachers, reporters, and workers. They are writing articles, speaking on social media, and representing Balochistan on national and international forums. This shows that if girls are given even a small opportunity, they can achieve great things.

What should be done? The solution demands combined efforts from the government, community leaders, parents, and the youth.

First, the Government of Balochistan and the Government of Pakistan should give top priority to girls’ education. More girls’ schools should be built in every town with good facilities and qualified female teachers. Scholarships and free books should be provided to girls to encourage them.

Second, healthcare facilities for women must be improved. Every tehsil should have a hospital with female doctors, maternity units, and emergency services. Mobile health units should visit remote villages.

Third, strict action should be taken against early marriage, and awareness programs should be organized in towns to educate parents about the importance of girls’ education and health.

Fourth, employment and skill-development opportunities should be created for women. Skill-development centers, libraries, and study spaces for girls should be established in all districts.

Finally, we as a society must change our attitude. We must understand that educating a girl is not a burden; it is an investment. A girl is not only a sister or a daughter. She is a future doctor, teacher, and mother who will build the nation. When we educate a boy, we educate one person. When we educate a girl, we educate a whole family and a whole generation.

The girls and women of Balochistan are not asking for kindness. They are asking for their fundamental rights: the right to health, the right to safety, the right to dream, and the right to education. If we give them these rights, Balochistan will become more peaceful, more developed, and more successful. The future of Balochistan depends on its daughters. Let us give them the opportunity to shine.