Women’s education in Pakistan has been a concern for years. The opportunity to study and work is becoming better but we’re still far behind.
The issue is especially prevalent with those studying to become doctors. As per the Medical Council of Pakistan, 77% of women are unable to practice medicine after completing their degree, out of which many end up becoming homemakers without getting the opportunity to practice.
Shan’s TVC
There is already a shortage of doctors in Pakistan. This issue was also recently raised in a campaign by Shan, which brings awareness on the topic and encourages people to let women make their own choices.
The ad, starring Ushna Shah and senior actor Saba Faisal, shows a married woman, supported by her mother-in-law to practice The ad, starring Ushna Shah and senior actor Saba Faisal, shows a married woman, supported by her mother-in-law to practice medicine even after having a child. This is unusual in our society, where the majority of female students in medical colleges, do not end up becoming a part of the workforce. It is due to the many responsibilities they have, that they need to handle on their own, and do not get much say in whether they can pursue a career or not. Shan’s TVC has emphasised on their right to choose.
Celebrities speak out
Recently, Humayun Saeed and Dr Shaista Lodhi spoke out on this issue on Twitter. The latter shared how thankful she was to be able to practice medicine, and how she wished all women could get the opportunity to pursue it after studying.
Humayun Saeed also express his disappointment on the issue and said that he would even consider making a project to highlight it.
Shan bringing awareness
Being a housewife is not an easy task, and no single choice is more important than the other. It is essential that whatever a woman chooses is out of her own free will. And that will only be possible if the older generation understands and supports them, which is shown in Shan’s TVC.
