The entire society of Nasirabad district is male dominated and patriarchal. Since it is the man who has to face enemies and decides the political fate of the family and tribe, he assumes a dominant role in both community and family decision-making. The number of literate women is negligible. The role and status of women is ultimately subordinate to male chauvinism. Because of illiteracy and unawareness, women enjoy fewer civil amenities or fundamental rights. Violation of human rights is more frequent and of a more serious nature for females.

Women have a minor role in decision-making or any other matter. A woman bears part of the economic burden of the family, as she contributes to the household and productive work outside the house in fields, nonetheless, her household work is not considered an economic contribution, and seldom credit is given to her by her husband or elders for her significant contribution.

Throughout the district’s rural areas women look after the horses, camels and sheep, assist in cultivation and do traditional embroidery. The societal trends constrain them to remain illiterate and to endure problems related to polygamy, vulvar and a generally low social status.

Politically women are without any say. Their voting bank however has gained influence in the district. Special care has been taken in the last elections by the candidates to gain women’s votes. There is an increase in the percentage of votes cast by females since the first elections in 1985. There are 14 polling stations for women, 17 polling stations for men and 17 combined polling stations. There were two female members on the District Council, two on the Municipal Committee and two on each but one of the 13 Union Councils.

In the rural areas of Nasirabad polygamy is widely practiced. The first wife’s consent is not considered for the second marriage. A change in the female status in this respect is observed in the areas with more female literacy. Educated women have a stronger position in decision-making. The need amongst women to be educated is growing, but there are not enough schools. This can be indicated by the number of girls in boys schools. Women play an important role in household and agricultural affairs. Keeping household duties such as fetching drinking water, collecting animal waste for making dung cakes, and being a family asset with relation to the bride-price and exchange marriages are all considered as part of being a woman. The observance of the veil (purdah) is flexible in the district. The majority of the rural women do not cover their faces with a veil.

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