Chasing health in hidden spaces

Maintaining physical wellness and fitness is a basic human need. But for most women in my hometown, it is an inaccessible luxury, out of their reach. The rate of physical inactivity among Pakistani women is quite high, especially in small cities and towns. The only concept taught to women to remain active and physically healthy is to do household chores. This patriarchal notion completely ignores the connection between mental well being and physical well being.

In a town with a population of over 600,000, there is not a single designated public space for women to jog, walk, or perform any outdoor activity. Rather, it is seen as dishonoring to the family’s image if a woman steps out of the four walls without urgency, even for a small walk. There is only one gym with women designated hours, but even during those hours, hardly anyone joins, due to the pervasive patriarchal mindset and lack of awareness about the importance of physical activity among women.

However, with the rise of social media platforms and more discussions on these issues online, I hope for change. I hope that women in my town and throughout Pakistan will soon realise that maintaining physical well being is not a privilege; it is their basic right and I believe they will fight for it.