The PTI government in KPK issued a notification that imposes a complete ban on men dignitaries taking part in Government Girls Schools as Chief Guests. The notification also directs that any functions / events in girls schools will not be aired or social media or covered by the media. And people are not happy.
There was of course the expected bashing from all sides asking was this the Naya Pakistan that had been promised?
Dear PM @ImranKhanPTI,
Is this the “Change” and “Naya Pakistan” you promised us?
Institutionalisation of Talibanisation?!“ No male minister, MNAs,MPAs & officers shall be invited to the girls schools as Chief Guests. Entry …strictly banned” pic.twitter.com/iYhzi49v7o
— Ziauddin Yousafzai (@ZiauddinY) October 29, 2018
While others were quick to bring back Taliban Khan references.
No media coverage of functions held n girls government schools…is it a Taliban regime????….u pti should be ashamed,Gender discriminationn
— Irfan (@Irfanaldario) October 29, 2018
Many rightly pointed out that this undermines women empowerment by not allowing accomplishments of women to be recognized.
Statement of Women Democratic Front (@wdf_pk) on the banning of media & social media coverage of all events in girls’ schools in KP
This ban means no recognition for the girls and their achievements. Basically invisibilizing the girls. #shame#GenderSegregation pic.twitter.com/bm5Dqol81J
— Tooba Syed (@Tooba_Sd) October 29, 2018
Others could just not get their head around it? Could this be real? Is this fake news? What the heck is going on?
🙄 Hoping this is “fake news”. Not sure what productive purpose this serves. Would this ban also apply2 women chief guests at boys schools too? A social media ban also means we deny due recognition2 talented girls & young women. On a more selfish note-how do I perform my job now? https://t.co/WsAJO0cDSz
— Jamshed M Kazi (@JKaziunwomen) October 29, 2018
Some even wondered whether it was because there were no good men left in KPK.
There is no legit reason gud enough for imposing ban on inviting Male chief guests to the girl schools in KP. I agree with the media bit but Ban on Male Chief Guests is ridiculous. It's like saying tht there are no decent men in KP while further isolating girls from society.
— Dr Arslan Khalid (@arslankhalid_m) October 29, 2018
Not everyone is unanimous in their condemnation though and few argued that it could actually be a positive thing given the culture of the region.
What I see, that you refuse to, is that KP Govt. is taking away excuses from all those parents who refuse to send their girls to schools/colleges. This is a brilliant step to make sure more girls get educated. Step out of your ‘political’ caccoon, so you can see. https://t.co/iUWfiyN7sO
— Meher Khan (@ArtByMeher) October 29, 2018
KP culture hai. Rural/tribal areas mein parents don't even send their daughters to schools for such reasons. Now you either confront parents and create further chaos or remove males and let the girls get education.
— Shaisahmad (@shaisahmad) October 30, 2018
They pointed out that this was done at the request of parents committee who approached the schools for this.
It's only for all girls schools. Decision was taken when parents committee approached schools. So it's actually a working system where parents + schools were able to come to a decision and get it implemented. Keeping in mind the issues in #Punjab from recent history.
— Nadir Khan (@NadirKatana) October 30, 2018
Some even thought it could actually help women empowerment.
Isn’t that women empowerment ?
It will give a chance for women leaders to gain space and mentor the girls instead of having male ministers occupy that space.
There are Missionary Run Girls Convent schools even in Europe where men are not invited as Guests Of Honour. https://t.co/Dd4xA7q1Hh
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) October 29, 2018
The majority however remain unconvinced.
So sad to see people supporting the stupid and backward notification by KPK government to ban media coverage of events in girls schools! Shouldn't girls be recognized for the work and achievements?
— Ali Moeen Nawazish (@am_nawazish) October 29, 2018
What do you think? Will the ban alleviate fears of parents reluctant to send young girls to schools or is it another slap in the face of women empowerment?