مشرقی عورت کی سماجی فعالیت: معاصر اردو افسانے کے تناظر میں شناخت اور خودمختاری کے مباحث

The Social Activism of the Eastern Woman: Debates of Identity and Autonomy in the Context of Contemporary Urdu Fiction

Abstract

This article examines women’s social agency in Pakistani society within its historical, cultural, and ideological context. It highlights that, unlike Western feminist models, women’s agency in the East has traditionally been shaped by religious values, family structures, and social norms. The study critically analyzes contemporary feminist movements, particularly the Aurat March, and points out the tension between global feminist narratives and local cultural sensitivities. It further explores the role of technology in expanding women’s voices and participation in the digital age, enabling them to express, resist, and redefine their identities. Additionally, through an analysis of contemporary Urdu fiction by female writers, the article demonstrates how women are portrayed as autonomous, conscious, and socially active individuals contributing to societal transformation. The study concludes by advocating a balanced, culturally grounded approach to women’s agency that aligns modern aspirations with indigenous values.