Television is still one of the most important sources of entertainment for a large number of women in Pakistan. They rely on television dramas to know about the world. With the increased social vices and the never-ending discrimination against women, television dramas take to bring revolution in the thoughts of the public. Times have gone when women were shown beaten, humiliated, persecuted, felt inferior, and like objects. Now, the dramas are showing females as equal to their fellow human beings. So, female Pakistani dramas are empowering the women of our society by putting women in the centre of the plot rather than as insignificant objects.
Female Pakistani Dramas that Empower Women
It was necessary for the makers to realize the need for female-centric dramas in a phallocentric society. Things that national televisions show through their dramas have an eminent impact on the psyches of people. Therefore, the portrayal of women as leading ladies can bring about a positive change. Women can feel empowered. While for men, it could be a way of modernising their thoughts and evading them from their male-dominant hegemonies. Take a look at a few Female Pakistani dramas that empowered women.
Akhri Station
The director and creator, Sarmad Khoosat brought a masterpiece drama for the females named, Akhri Station. Amna Mufti has written its script. The cast includes Anam Gohar, Nimra Bucha, Sanam Saeed, and Malaika Zafar. With their collaborative efforts, they brought a revolutionary plot to the public which touched the hearts of both females and males.
The plot shows the story of 7 girls who have suffered sexual abuse in their lives. They all belong to different walks of life but what makes them common is the abuse. Also, their determined stand against violence is another aspect of all these women. This is a visual representation of the issues faced by all women in society. Whether it is about problems in Susral, girls considered burdens or males being oppressive, there is nothing that they have left unaddressed.
The main purpose of this drama was to highlight the fact that no women stood back at the time of speaking against wrong. They all are powerful and stood for their rights. It strongly gives encouragement to all the women in our society.
Sinf-e-Aahan
Something about female Pakistani dramas which impresses the viewers is the equality between women in all sectors of society. Spreading the message of Sinf-e-Aahan (women of Steel) instead of Sinf-e-Naazuk (delicate) is the main motive of ISPR behind this show. The makers with the collaborative efforts of ISPR have created a completely female-centric drama in a cadet environment.
Who does not love the army? This drama highlights the importance and capabilities of women as equal to male cadets. It breaks the stereotype about leniency with female cadets in the Pakistan Military Academy. All of the candidates are shown to perform tough training without any reluctance in giving them punishments. It is a perfect way to encourage women of Pakistan to step out and apply to the army.
Along with showing a cadet environment, it also highlights the condition of our society. It rings women from different sectors of society with their own struggles. From the wealthy Mahjabeen to Arzoo, a Christian, to Shaista and Pariwesh from the stereotypical families, all these girls represent the women of their society. They go through their own struggles in their family. Despite the struggle, they get along in a unified struggle for their country.
Baaghi
Baaghi was a strong drama with a controversial topic. It highlights the topic of honour killing by a brother. It is based on a true story of a rebellious girl, Qandeel Baloch, who elopes her family in search of a career in the acting industry. She breaks all the stereotypes of her stereotypical belongings and is eventually killed.
Besides making her career by hook or by the cook, she had also faced physical, mental and emotional abuse at the hands of her family and husband. It mocks the idea of honour killing. Baaghi highlights the independence, honour, and strength of women.
Khudgarz
This list of exceptionally strong women Pakistan dramas, this one is based on the common circumstances of women in Pakistan. Khudgarz revolves around two married couples. The roles are played by Amina Shiekh and Syed Jibran, and Mansha Pasha and Sami Khan. This drama goes on the domestic level and in the marital hemisphere. It highlights how the women have to go through psychological and physical abuse in their relationship.
Khudgarz creates discrimination between strong and weak women. It shows how one chooses to step out of her relationship and break free. While the other remain in an abusive relationship to cope with the norms of society.
