Sir: No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side you; we are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are forced to keep their mouths shut as if they are some prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live, because the society in which we are living has numerous people who has conservative mind around us, according to them this society just belongs to ‘men’. No doubt Pakistan has taken many measures to enhance the participation of women in economic sphere but instead of all this, there is dire need to upgrade the status of women in society and it is only possible through giving them protection legally and mentally. Subject of gender studies should be introduced from secondary level in the cause curriculum, provision of women friendly infrastructure and environment at workplace, research and documentation on the achievement of women and launching of awareness rising campaigns among citizens on gender and development. GOHAR ISHRAT Karachi Published in Daily Times, April 23rd 2018.