The term “justice” is often associated with public law and policy, yet its connection to “gender” has gained prominence in discussions on women’s rights, empowerment, equality, and equity. Through my recent exploration of this concept, I have come to understand why gender justice has emerged as a preferred term among those who believe that existing frameworks advocating gender parity have failed to yield meaningful change. In conservative contexts like Pakistan, the stigma surrounding gender equality makes it a contentious issue, whereas gender justice offers a more strategic and acceptable alternative. This realization compelled me to critically examine what gender justice means for Pakistani women and why shifting the focus from equality to justice may be a more pragmatic approach.

As we mark Women’s Month, it is crucial to recognize that gender justice provides a practical framework for addressing women’s rights without immediately inviting cultural or religious backlash. While widely used in feminist and social justice discourse, it is most notably associated with Nancy Fraser, an American theorist, who defines it as a multidimensional process rooted in participatory parity. She argues that true equality is only possible when societies ensure women receive equal respect, economic opportunities, and representation in decision-making bodies. Adopting this framework can lead to greater recognition of women in both domestic and public spheres, increased economic independence, and enhanced decision-making power. When women can support themselves and their families, they gain financial autonomy, reducing economic dependency. Furthermore, their inclusion in governance and policy-making ensures that more women-centred policies are enacted, fostering their well-being and empowerment at all levels of society.

My interest in gender justice stems from its neutral and culturally adaptable appeal, particularly as a researcher from an Asian Muslim context, where discussions on gender equality are often dismissed on cultural and religious grounds. In such settings, framing the conversation around justice, a principle deeply valued in Islam, creates a safer space for dialogue on women’s marginalization. This marginalization is starkly reflected in Pakistan’s statistics. For instance, despite comprising 48.51% of the population, women hold only 16.2% of parliamentary seats. According to the Global Data of National Parliaments, the number of female voters and elected female candidates remains alarmingly low, directly limiting women’s representation in decision-making bodies. Without greater female participation in politics and governance, policies favoring women’s rights remain underrepresented and deprioritized. This exclusion from political power has a ripple effect, restricting women’s access to economic opportunities and leadership roles. As a result, women remain underpaid, overburdened with unpaid domestic labor, and disproportionately pushed into early marriages, increasing their vulnerability to domestic violence and systemic subjugation.

The absence of gender justice in Pakistan is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal crisis that hinders national progress. This Women’s Month should serve as a reminder that addressing these disparities requires structural reforms, greater female representation in governance, and a shift toward a justice-oriented discourse that aligns with cultural and religious values. Only then can Pakistan move toward a more equitable and just society.