Religion vs Culture: Perception of KP Universities regarding Women’s Rights in Pashtun Tribes

Abstract

This research focuses on the complex interplay of Pashtunwali (the Pashtun code of conduct), Islamic teachings, and the perception of women's rights among university students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.  The study aims to disentangle the often-confusing relationship between cultural practices and religious principles concerning women's rights, particularly regarding inheritance, education, marriage, and public participation.  Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research collected quantitative data through questionnaires distributed to 480 BS students across four KP universities (two women's universities and two co-educational universities), ensuring representation from diverse departments and Pashtun tribal backgrounds. Qualitative data was gathered from library research, including books, journals, and online resources.  The analysis reveals a significant discrepancy between the liberal rights afforded to women in Islamic teachings and the restrictions imposed by Pashtunwali, often leading to a misrepresentation of Islamic principles to justify cultural norms.  While a majority of students (approximately 75%) agree that inheritance practices in their families align with Islamic principles, a substantial portion (approximately 69%) disagree that the deprivation of women's rights in KP is primarily due to religion, instead attributing it to cultural traditions (approximately 73%).  The study also highlights the evolving perceptions of women's rights across generations, with younger students exhibiting more progressive views.  This research explains that KP universities, as centres of learning, exist to promote critical thinking and quell social compliance despite facing challenges like cultural barriers and insecurity.  The study suggests that the development of a better understanding of the relationship between religious concepts and cultural implementations is best done collectively by religious peoples, especially scholars, cultural indigenous leaders and educators in institutions for a positivist change of Islamic religious education for Pashtun women.  The study emphasizes the imperative of tailored approaches to redress the lifelong challenges to women’s rights and marginalization of women in KP.