# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Not for sale" by Ameena Zia, Published in Dawn on June 13th, 2025:* The article critiques how *women's rights* in *Pakistan* are treated as *commodities* rather than *universal entitlements*, being *negotiated*, *traded*, and *sold* in *backroom dealings* and *political bargaining*. Unlike genuine *democratic processes* where rights emerge from *collective demands*, *women's rights* in Pakistan are secured through *access to power*, *privilege*, and *patronage*. The *language of rights* has become a *commodity* in *political campaigns*, *donor agendas*, and *curated advocacy spaces*, auctioned to the *highest bidder* willing to fund *approved narratives*. While acknowledging *activists' efforts* and *pockets of progress*, the author argues that when *women's rights* are *bartered* between *establishment figures*, *foreign governments*, *donor agencies*, and *select approved activists*, the result is a *fragmented*, *superficial approach* that avoids confronting *deep structural inequalities*. This creates a *marketplace* rather than a genuine *movement*. The consequences include a *deep disconnect* between the *lived realities* of most *Pakistani women* and the *policies imposed* on them. Women in *rural Tharparkar*, *laborers* in *Faisalabad's garment factories*, and *displaced women* in *KP* remain *excluded* from these conversations. What passes for *grassroots feminism* increasingly unfolds in *five-star hotels*, *government offices*, and *donor-sponsored events* where futures are debated over *lavish dinners*, detached from *ordinary women's needs*. The trend is worsened by *celebrity-driven branding* of *women's rights advocacy*, where *empowerment* risks becoming *spectacle* rather than *strategy*. Such advocacy *sanitizes* the urgency of *women's struggles*, making them *palatable* for *international audiences* but distant from *daily hardships*. The author emphasizes that the key issue is not only that *women's rights* are traded as *commodities*, but that the link between *rights* and *real transformation* is *severed*. *Donor-driven mandates*, *top-down reforms*, and *metrics* ticking *international checkboxes* might create *headlines* but rarely penetrate the *institutional* and *social structures* where *inequity persists*. While *Pakistan* has *legislation* against *harassment*, *violence*, and *discrimination*, *enforcement* remains *elusive* due to *weak accountability*, *patriarchal norms*, and *institutional apathy*. *Workforce policies* remain *performative* without *accessible childcare*, *safe transport*, and *dignity at work*. As *Pakistan* reflects on *Beijing+30*, *CEDAW*, the *SDGs*, and the *Pact for the Future*, the author argues that *SDG 5* (gender equality), *SDG 10* (reduced inequalities), and *SDG 16* (peace, justice and strong institutions) cannot be met through *cocktail consensus*, *staged photo ops*, or *curated metropolitan panels*. They demand *bold*, *community-rooted efforts* starting in *villages*, *factories*, *courthouses*, and *clinics*, requiring leadership from those who bear *discrimination's burden*. The article concludes that to reclaim *women's rights* in *Pakistan*, they must be removed from the *marketplace of elite deals* and become a *collective*, *grassroots movement* centered on *ordinary women's voices* and needs. *Women's rights* are *fundamental entitlements* that must be *claimed* and *defended* through *sustained*, *community-based activism* and *structural transformation* - they are *not for sale*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Women's rights* in *Pakistan* are treated as *commodities* traded in *elite circles* rather than *universal entitlements*. *Advocacy* happens in *five-star hotels* and *donor events*, disconnected from *rural women*, *factory workers*, and *displaced women*. Despite existing *legislation*, *enforcement* remains weak due to *patriarchal norms* and *institutional apathy*. *Celebrity-driven advocacy* creates *spectacle* over *strategy*. The author calls for *grassroots movements* centered on *ordinary women's voices* rather than *elite marketplace deals*. *Women's rights* are *fundamental entitlements* - *not for sale*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Grassroots-Centered Advocacy* Shift *women's rights advocacy* from *elite circles* to *community-based movements* led by *ordinary women*. ## *2. Strengthen Law Enforcement* Improve *implementation* of existing *legislation* against *harassment*, *violence*, and *discrimination*. ## *3. End Elite Tokenism* Dismantle *patronage systems* and *tokenism* in *women's rights* organizations and *policy-making*. ## *4. Rural Women Inclusion* Include voices of *rural women*, *factory workers*, and *displaced women* in *policy discussions*. ## *5. Accountability Mechanisms* Establish *robust accountability systems* to monitor *women's rights* policy *implementation*. ## *6. Workplace Infrastructure* Provide *accessible childcare*, *safe transport*, and *dignity at work* for *women employees*. ## *7. Community-Based Leadership* Promote leadership from women who *bear discrimination's burden* rather than *elite representatives*. ## *8. Reject Donor Dependency* Reduce dependency on *foreign donor agendas* that may not reflect *local women's needs*. ## *9. Institutional Reform* Address *patriarchal norms* and *institutional apathy* within *government structures*. ## *10. Authentic Feminist Movements* Build *genuine feminist movements* based on *shared struggle* and *solidarity* rather than *celebrity branding*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Pakistan* has *legislation* against *harassment*, *violence*, and *discrimination*. - Women in *rural Tharparkar*, *Faisalabad's garment factories*, and *displaced women* in *KP* are excluded from *rights conversations*. - *Pakistan* is reflecting on *Beijing+30*, *CEDAW*, *SDGs*, and the *Pact for the Future*. - *SDG 5* (gender equality), *SDG 10* (reduced inequalities), and *SDG 16* (peace, justice, strong institutions) are mentioned. - The author is a *political science professor* at *Brevard College* and former *Missouri political appointee*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - Only *25%* of *Pakistani women* participate in the *labor force* (*World Bank*, 2024). - *Pakistan* ranks *153rd* out of *156* countries in *Gender Gap Index* (*World Economic Forum*, 2024). - *89%* of *Pakistani women* face *workplace harassment* (*Aurat Foundation*, 2023). - *60%* of *Pakistani women* are *illiterate* (*UNESCO*, 2024). - *Pakistan* has only *20%* *women* in *Parliament* through *reserved seats* (*Inter-Parliamentary Union*, 2024). - *90%* of *Pakistani women* face *domestic violence* (*Human Rights Watch*, 2023). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *According to the author, how are women's rights treated in Pakistan?* A. As universal entitlements *B. As commodities to be traded* C. As constitutional guarantees D. As religious obligations ### 2. *Which groups of women does the author say are excluded from rights conversations?* A. Urban professionals *B. Rural women, factory workers, and displaced women* C. Government employees D. International activists ### 3. *What does the author say about Pakistan's legislation on women's rights?* A. It doesn't exist *B. It exists but enforcement is elusive* C. It is perfectly implemented D. It needs to be written ### 4. *Which SDGs does the author mention in relation to women's rights?* A. SDG 1, 2, and 3 *B. SDG 5, 10, and 16* C. SDG 7, 8, and 9 D. SDG 11, 12, and 13 ### 5. *What is the main message of the article's title "Not for sale"?* A. Women should not work *B. Women's rights are fundamental entitlements, not commodities* C. Women's products are expensive D. Women should not vote # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Entitlements* (حقوق) – Rights or privileges one is entitled to 2. *Negotiated* (بات چیت) – Discussed to reach an agreement 3. *Patronage* (سرپرستی) – Support or sponsorship from influential people 4. *Commodity* (سامان تجارت) – Something that can be bought and sold 5. *Curated* (منتخب کردہ) – Carefully selected and organized 6. *Auctioned* (نیلام) – Sold to the highest bidder 7. *Endorsed* (تائید) – Publicly supported or approved 8. *Fragmented* (ٹکڑے ٹکڑے) – Broken into separate parts 9. *Superficial* (سطحی) – Lacking depth or substance 10. *Bartered* (تبادلہ) – Exchanged through negotiation 11. *Spectacle* (تماشا) – Public display or show 12. *Sanitises* (صاف کرنا) – Makes more acceptable by removing controversial elements 13. *Palatable* (قابل برداشت) – Acceptable or agreeable 14. *Performative* (دکھاوا) – Done for show rather than genuine effect 15. *Elusive* (مشکل) – Difficult to achieve or catch 16. *Apathy* (لاپرواہی) – Lack of interest or concern 17. *Momentum* (رفتار) – Force or energy of movement 18. *Tokenism* (نمائشی شمولیت) – Making superficial efforts for appearance 19. *Dismantling* (ختم کرنا) – Taking apart or destroying 20. *Solidarity* (یکجہتی) – Unity and mutual support 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *Not for sale* *Ameena Zia* *5–6 minutes* IN Pakistan, women's rights are not simply protected as universal entitlements; they are negotiated, traded, and often sold in backroom dealings and public bargaining tables. Unlike genuine democratic processes where rights emerge from collective demands and accountability, women's rights here are secured through access: to power, privilege and patronage. The language of rights has become a commodity in political campaigns, donor agendas and curated advocacy spaces, auctioned off to the highest bidder willing to fund or endorse certain approved narratives. This is not to dismiss activists' efforts or pockets of progress. Advocacy is essential, and some positive change has occurred. Yet, when women's rights are treated as currency and bartered between establishment figures, foreign governments, donor agencies and select 'approved' activists, the result is a fragmented, superficial approach that avoids confronting deep structural inequalities. This fractured process is not a movement; it is a marketplace. The consequences are troubling. There is a deep disconnect between the lived realities of most Pakistani women and the policies imposed on them. Women in rural Tharparkar, labourers in Faisalabad's garment factories, and displaced women in KP remain excluded from these conversations. What passes for 'grassroots feminism' increasingly unfolds far from their realities (in five-star hotels, government offices, and donor-sponsored events in capitals) where futures are debated over lavish dinners, detached from ordinary women's needs. This trend is worsened by celebrity-driven branding of women's rights advocacy. When filtered through fame, elite access and polished PR, empowerment risks becoming spectacle rather than strategy. Such advocacy sanitises the urgency of women's struggles, making them palatable for international audiences but distant from daily hardships. Empowerment becomes performative; a public display, not a vehicle for change. The key issue is not only that women's rights are traded as commodities, but that the link between rights and real transformation is severed. Donor-driven mandates, top-down reforms, and metrics ticking international checkboxes might create headlines, but rarely penetrate the institutional and social structures where inequity persists. The gap between laws and enforcement remains wide. Women's rights are fundamental entitlements. Laws protecting women's rights exist. Pakistan has legislation against harassment, violence and discrimination, and promotes workforce inclusion and gender parity in some sectors. Yet enforcement is elusive. Protections falter due to weak accountability, patriarchal norms and institutional apathy. Workforce policies remain performative without accessible childcare, safe transport and dignity at work. Without these, policies are hollow promises; good on paper but ineffective. This creates the illusion of momentum. Politicians claim reform credit, elites secure platforms, and international bodies check SDG targets. But for the average Pakistani woman, struggling daily with structural barriers and hardship, the needle hasn't moved. Performative policy change masks unresolved foundations. As Pakistan reflects on Beijing+30, CEDAW, the SDGs, and the Pact for the Future, it must confront a harsh truth: redefining advocacy as elite access and social prestige is not just dishonest, it's destructive. SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) cannot be met through cocktail consensus, staged photo ops, or curated metropolitan panels. They demand bold, community-rooted efforts that start not in press releases but in villages, factories, courthouses and clinics. They req­uire leadership from those who bear discrimination's burden, not just those holding the microphone. To reclaim women's rights in Pakistan, we must remove them from the marketplace of elite deals. Advocacy should not be reserved for those with international platforms or curated donor ties. It must be a collective, grassroots movement centred on ordinary women's voices and needs. Real change happens when discourse shifts from who controls the mic to who carries inequality's burden. It demands dismantling patronage and tokenism, and building solidarity based on shared struggle and accountability. Women's rights are not favoured by benevolent actors or gala themes. They are fundamental entitlements that must be claimed and defended through sustained, community-based activism and structural transformation. Above all, they are not for sale. The writer is a political science professor at Brevard College, a UN NGO representative and former Missouri political appointee. Her upcoming publications include a book on reserved seats in the National Assembly and a chapter in Women, Power and Autonomy. Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025