I believe that women’s education is the foundation of empowerment. It is not just about the growth of an individual; it is the growth of entire communities.
I am Dr. Rajwanti Kumari, born and raised in a small, underprivileged area of Sindh, Pakistan. I come from a family of six siblings—five sisters and one brother. Due to cultural traditions, my eldest sister was married off at just 17 years old. Growing up, I was fortunate to have the support of my immediate family and teachers, who always motivated me to work hard. Being one of the first women in my community to pursue higher education, I carried a deep sense of responsibility to succeed. In 2014, I was accepted into the M.B.B.S. program at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro.
During my studies, I became increasingly aware of the severe gender discrimination women face in rural Sindh. In many families, the birth of a girl is rarely celebrated. Cultural taboos dictate nearly every aspect of a woman’s life, from education to marriage and even personal freedom. Early and forced marriages are common, and many believe that educating women goes against tradition. As a result, a vast majority of women in Sindh remain illiterate. Many are not allowed to leave their homes without permission, let alone make their own choices about marriage or family planning.
The struggles of women during pregnancy and childbirth. Many of them had no understanding of their marital and maternity rights. I met women who had given birth to 11 or even 13 children without any access to family planning.
Currently, I work as both a lecturer and a clinician, striving to understand and dismantle the myths and barriers that prevent women from accessing education and healthcare. Over the past few years, I have worked at various hospitals, including South City Hospital Karachi, Hashmani Hospital, and Civil Hospital, to broaden my expertise in women’s health issues.
Looking ahead, my goal is to develop practical solutions to educate girls and women about their marital and maternity rights, empowering them to stand up for themselves and build a future where they are no longer confined by outdated traditions.
Education is not just about personal success, it is the key to transforming communities. When women are educated, they uplift their families, their societies, and future generations. And I will continue to work toward that vision.
About the Author
Dr. Rajwanti Kumari, born and raised in a small, underprivileged area of Sindh, Pakistan. I come from a family of six siblings, five sisters and one brother. Due to cultural traditions, my eldest sister was married off at just 17 years old. Growing up, I was fortunate to have the support of my immediate family and teachers, who always motivated me to work hard. Being one of the first women in my community to pursue higher education, I carried a deep sense of responsibility to succeed. In 2014, I was accepted into the M.B.B.S. program at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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