For my Final Year Academic Research Report, I conducted a study on the topic of “Conflict in Civil Societies and its Impact on Governance: A Case Study of Women’s Status in Tribal Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” My findings revealed that in tribal areas, both modernist and traditionalist civil societies act like two opposing grindstone parts, with women caught in the middle. These conflicting civil societies have different values and views that directly affect governance. The government often supports one group over the other, leading to unpopular decisions and a trust deficit in government legitimacy.
Both modernist and traditionalist groups exist in all sectors of life and exert pressure on government policies. They hold contrasting opinions on issues such as health, inheritance, women’s education, hijab, choice of life partner, women’s political participation, and women’s economic empowerment. The status of women in tribal districts varies depending on their kinship and social, political, and economic background. Local customs and traditions in these areas establish male superiority and authority, resulting in extreme practices such as selling or exchanging women to settle disputes between tribes. These practices contradict the principles of Islam, national laws, and international norms.
The Intricate dynamics between modernist and traditionalist civil societies in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa present a complex governance challenge, particularly affecting the status of women. This clash of ideologies shapes societal norms and significantly influences governance decisions. The conflict resembles a tug-of-war, where the government’s alignment with one group often leads to decisions lacking popular support, fostering a trust deficit in the legitimacy of the government.
In these tribal areas, both modernist and traditionalist groups exert substantial influence on various aspects of life, exerting pressure on government policies. The divergence in values becomes evident in critical areas such as health, inheritance, women’s education, hijab, choice of life partner, women’s political participation, and economic empowerment. This ideological clash not only sets societal norms but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the status and agency of women in tribal districts.
The status of women in these areas is far from uniform, influenced by factors like kinship, social standing, political landscape, and economic background. Local customs and traditions upholding male superiority contribute to extreme practices, such as the sale or exchange of women to settle disputes between tribes. These practices starkly contrast Islamic principles, national laws, and international norms, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to address gender inequality.
Adding complexity is the role of the jirga system, a traditional tribal assembly with significant influence in dispute resolution and decision-making. The jirga system, deeply rooted in tradition, often adheres to conservative values that maintain hierarchical social structures. Unfortunately, this adherence can result in negative rules and practices that exacerbate gender inequalities. However, the application of jirga rulings can perpetuate gender inequalities. Analyzing how the rules and decisions within the jirga system impact the rights and status of women provides a comprehensive understanding of the broader socio-cultural context.
The jirga system may fail to provide adequate protection for women against harmful customs and practices. Decisions made within the jirga may not align with international standards or national laws designed to safeguard women’s rights, leaving women vulnerable to abuses sanctioned by traditional norms.
The jirga system, being deeply entrenched in tradition, may resist reforms aimed at promoting gender equality. Attempts to challenge discriminatory rules and practices within the jirga may face resistance from those who view any deviation from traditional norms as a threat to community cohesion.
In tribal districts, out-of-caste marriages are uncommon and considered taboo. In Lower South Waziristan Tribal District a young Angel like beautiful girl’s experience adds a poignant layer to this narrative – despite engagement occurring in childhood, her refusal to marry her cousin led the jirga to decree that she must marry outside her caste and from another district. This decision has left her in a state of suffering, illustrating the difficulties faced by those challenging traditional norms in these communities.
The multifaceted challenges faced by women in tribal districts highlight the intersectionality of factors contributing to their varied experiences. Conflicting civil societies have significant implications for governance, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive policies navigating modernist and traditionalist perspectives to promote gender equality and human rights.
Rules of Modernist and Traditionalist Civil Societies:
Modernist Civil Societies:
Modernist groups embrace progressive values and ideas, advocating strongly for gender equality and women’s rights. They support inclusive governance structures, value education, and emphasize economic empowerment for women. Modernist perspectives tend to align with national and international norms.
Traditionalist Civil Societies:
While traditionalist groups uphold conservative values rooted in local customs and traditions, they maintain hierarchical social structures with a focus on male authority, adhering strictly to traditional gender roles. Traditionalist perspectives may resist external influences, including modern education and societal changes, often prioritizing community cohesion over individual rights.
Steps for Government Intervention:
1. Inclusive Policy Formulation: Develop policies that recognize and address the diverse values within tribal districts, ensuring inclusivity and fairness.
2. Community Engagement: Foster open dialogues with local communities, encompassing both modernist and traditionalist groups, to understand their concerns and aspirations.
3. Education Initiatives: Implement education programs promoting gender equality, challenging harmful customs, and emphasizing the importance of women’s rights.
4. Legal Reforms: Review and update existing laws to align with International standards, ensuring the protection of women’s rights and prohibiting harmful practices.
5. Jirga System Reform: Work towards reforming the jirga system to ensure it upholds principles of justice and equality, particularly regarding women’s rights.
6. Economic Empowerment: Implement initiatives that empower women economically, providing opportunities for financial independence.
Addressing the root causes of gender inequality in all eight tribal districts requires targeted interventions considering diverse cultural and social factors. An inclusive and informed governance approach, coupled with a critical examination of the rules and practices within the jirga system, holds the potential for positive change in the status and rights of women in these tribal communities. The path forward involves navigating the delicate balance between tradition and modernity to foster a more equitable and just society.
