Women's societal role has always been a part of the gender study debate. For that purpose, every year on March 8, the world celebrates Women's Day to pay tribute to women for their services and regard them as equal rational- beings. In Pakistan, there are a lot of restraints and ethno-cultural barriers in the shape of patriarchy. Baluchistan, Pakistan's largest province, is often regarded as the most undeveloped part due to various factors, but the resilience of Baloch women is genuinely admirable. The Baloch women, for years, have been breaking the established stereotypes and participating in the country's progress parallel to males.

During the last two decades, the literacy rate has significantly improved from 15% in 2001 to 32% in 2021, a remarkable achievement. The above figure is not just a statement but shows the seriousness with which the Baloch women have negated the alleged propaganda and narratives that could hinder their way. The federal and provincial governments have improved infrastructure and created a suitable environment for education. These developments include establishing the Universities of Turbat, Gwadar, Loralai, and the University of Makran, constructed in 2010's. These opportunities were no less than hope's beacon for Baloch women, which provided them a bedrock for their journey.

For instance,, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pari GUL Tareen, Tahira Safdar, Balochistan High Court Justice's first female chief justice, and Batool Asadi, who became Quetta's first Assistant Commissioner. In addition, Tareen is another iconic figure. She passed the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam and now offers services in the Juvenile Facilitation Centre. These are the women who break every stereotype and, with dedication and commitment, offer services in Balochistan's development.

The resilience of Baloch women does not stop here; it is also extended to the Armed forces of Pakistan. Saira Batool, the first female fighter, and Zakia Jamali, the first female Commissioned naval officer from Balochistan, mirror the strong determination and bravery. The separatist groups and other such entities will not let it happen to promote education as, in either case, it will topple their false propaganda, which misleads young Baloch people. Another inspiring story is of Shazia Sarwar, a Baloch woman from Bolan who was also affected in the Mach attack and now serves as a District Police Officer (DPO) in Layyah, Punjab. The exemplary figures of Baloch women highlight their dedication and portray a paradigm shift in the Balochistan cultural landscape within a few years.   

Education is the key to success and is regarded as a powerful weapon. There is no doubt that Baloch women still face obstacles and barriers, but they still progress in transition. Separatist elements such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BNA) are making it hard for the Baloch people to get an education because an educated mind is complex to be deceived. The separatist groups and local leaders, through their false rhetoric, make fools of their people and provoke them against the state, which ultimately serves their interests. Young girls such as Mahrosh Baloch, a suicide bomber Sharri Baloch's daughter, are held under BLA custody, representing the exploitative nature of women and children. These groups fear that an educated and empowered generation will reject their extremist ideologies, preventing them from offering education and development opportunities to Baloch women.

Baloch women in Pakistan are overcoming several issues, personified by torchbearers such as ASP Pari Gul Tareen, Justice Tahira Safdar, and Batool Asadi, who have excelled in their chosen professions. However, the exploitation of women by terror outfits is a significant issue. In February 2023, Mahal Baloch was exploited by the BLA for carrying a suicide vest, which shows her vulnerability to such exploitation. Despite such adversities, the resilience of Baloch women can be seen in their educational, governmental, and military success. Their success is a counter-narrative to the propaganda disseminated by terror organizations, which shows their resilience and capability to engender change in Pakistan.

In Balochistan, separatists and other entities like the BLA and local leaders have taken advantage of the "US vs. THEM" debate. In such debates, creating opponents is essential, and in the case of Balochistan, the BLA and other groups accuse the state of hiding manipulation tactics. Education could be a great way to challenge and dismantle these false narratives; education is a powerful weapon. There is also much domestic violence that local leaders tend to overlook, trapping people in a tough cycle. Prioritizing education is pivotal, and awareness campaigns and legislation are needed to address the underlying issue.

Dialogue is the way forward to deal with any grievances; however, in the time of techno-feudalism, education is the way to break the shackles of slavery and can foster Balochistan's progress and development.

Abdul Mussawer Safi is a Pakistani international relations graduate keen on South Asian regional politics. He has been affiliated with think tanks such as Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad (IPS), Pak- Afghan Youth Forum (PAYF), and South Asia Times (SAT). He Twittets at @MussawerSafi1999.