Female Education and National Development: As Viewed By Women Activists and Advocates

The term development is very broad and may be interpreted in different ways by different individuals. It is a global process of societal change that is planned cooperatively by government and international organizations with the full and informed participation of the inhabitants of the area to be developed. In fact the progress of any society largely depends on the effectiveness of its educational system and the best educational system is that which gives equal opportunities of getting education to all its members. Female literacy plays a very significant and crucial role in the development of nation especially in the economic development of a country. But Female Education in Pakistan, its status and standard particularly is at the lowest ebb. Thousands of girls’ otherwise intelligent and capable enough to get education, but are deprived of because of multifarious socio-cultural and economic reasons and gender prejudices. Due to this reason they are unable to play active role in the development of society. This study reflects the views of women activist about the role of females in national development and suggests necessary measures for improvement of the situation.