Anaphora: Journal of Language, Literary, and Cultural Studies
Volume 4 Number 2 December 2021
170
Page 170-188
Copyright © 2021 ANAPHORA E-ISSN:2656-3967
ARTICLE INFORMATION:
Received: 20 December 2021
Accepted: 17 January 2022
Published: 31 January 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30996/anaphora.v4i2.5578
PATRIARCHAL OPPRESSION ON WOMEN IN PAKISTAN
REFLECTED IN MALALA YOUSEFZAI AND CHRISTINA LAMB’S
I AM MALALA
Danu Wahyono
Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Email: danuwahyono@untag-sby.ac.id
Abstract. The study explores the patriarchal oppression on women reflected in Malala Youefzai and
Christina Lamb’s I am Malala. The study aims to identify the forms, the cause, and the impact of the
patriarchal oppression on women especially on the Pashtun women of the Swat Valley, Pakistan. The
research designed used is a qualitative research. Meanwhile, the approach employed is psychological
approach. The study shows that there are some forms of patriarchal oppression on women: cultural
dominance, powerlessness, exploitation, violence and marginalization. The women are discriminated and
mistreated in many ways. The patriarchal oppression on women is the result of the regime of General
Zia’s government and also the rules set by the Taliban group. Pashtun women are marginalized. It is an
excuse of keeping the Chasity and dignity that the civilization had changed. Culture and tradition play a
role as the cause of patriarchal oppression on the Pashtun women where many families dictate a strong
preference of sons over daughters. Meanwhile, there are two impact of patriarchal oppression on Pashtun
women, physically and emotionally. Many women become illiterate, have no skills except doing
housework and end up depending on men for their survival. They also suffer of excessive fear and anxiety
and the worst impact is being killed.
Keywords: Patriarchal oppression, Women, Malala , Taliban, Burqa
INTRODUCTION
The oppression on women
becomes a constant trend throughout the
world. Women have always been subject
to excessive social pressure and
expectations. They are facing violence,
slavery and discrimination. This oppression
can occur in various fields such as race,
culture or religion. They are oppressed by
the authority, law, or physical force to
prevent them from being free or equal. This
force tends to hold and block the women
for having an equal life. They are always
being treated as second class citizens. They
are oppressed in various sector of life,
especially in developing countries. For
example, women in Pakistan have been
controlled by patriarchal discrimination.
They are denied from their own identity.
They are examined as a property owned by
the male legal escort. They has no right to
choose or make any decision for their own
life. They are also mistreated and kept
away from education. They has no access
to schools and colleges and usually become