Are Gen Z Men Healing Pakistani Society?

This is merely the writer’s personal opinion, a subjective reflection on her life circumstances. Readers may interpret the content differently or hold views that differ from those expressed here. The purpose is to share a personal perspective, not to present it as a universal truth or the only way of understanding life.

I have traveled by public transportation all my life (rickshaws, buses, you name it). And any other woman who lives in Karachi and travels via shared transportation would know the struggle of the daily commute. Those stares as if you are an alien, the once-over as if we’re walking nude on the street, and on top of everything, the anxiety of being followed by a stranger.

We have all been there, I guess?

But over a few months, I’m not getting that street anxiety voluminously, not every day, not every minute. Despite being a hypervigilant 23-year-old woman, my paranoid thoughts have become a little calmer.

Gen Z, Literate Men are Making an Impact!

When staring at a woman becomes the norm in our society, who would have thought that Gen Z men would be debating online and in person? Who would have thought that one day a man would not argue on “aurat ko ghar bethna chaiye apni hifazat k liye,” and would rip the thoughts into shreds with one beautiful concept:

“Both men and women are being clearly told about their do’s and don’ts. Despite what a woman has worn, how she carries herself, and her character, it’s the Men’s duty to keep their gaze lowered.”

The second a man said this to me, something inside me healed. In that moment, I questioned myself: “Is society healing? Are we finally leading to the betterment?”

Caught up in this whirlwind of questions at 1 PM at my university’s gate, leaving for home, a group of friends (including Gen Z men aged 22-24) were heading in. I was weaving my way through, looking here and there, clearing my way, and these guys instantly lowered their gaze at any woman they passed.

And I got some of the answers, or maybe we can call it a ray of hope towards a better society.

Where’s the Change Coming From?

Being the youngest and only Gen Z sibling, I have had a different life. I started working early; I was decently aware of the circumstances I’m in, where I want to be, and most importantly, where and what I DO NOT want to be.

Gen Z’s life experiences, way of living, and the future ahead of us – everything is peculiar compared to previous generations.

This brings responsibilities: the 3 AM thoughts of “What do I want to become?”, maybe I should enrol in a course, switch my current job, change my career, and there is no end to it until the prefrontal cortex tells you to shut up.

People my age, we are all in the same boat. So consumed with these thoughts, the urge to prove ourselves and generally just do better in life – these aspects keep us focused. After everything from studies to job, personal development, updating ourselves – the little energy left is dedicated to our loved ones.

And I think that contributes to this reasoning. I often do not see a goal-oriented, career-focused Gen Z man who genuinely wants to build and get into these things.

Let’s Focus on the Positive Perspectives

From men for women – our society indeed is vile. But simultaneously, we need to highlight the positive angles too. Focusing solely on the negative will not do any better. Even the slightest act can create ripples of change.

If anything similar has happened to you, please let me know in the comments below. I’ll be reading your experiences wholeheartedly!

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Opinion Desk.