Pakistani Women in the UK

Pakistani women in the UK, especially those above the age of 50, are one of the most marginalised groups in terms of access to higher education, economic advancement, and political participation. Historically, while other migrant groups to the UK have managed to integrate themselves into the society, the Pakistani communities have for a variety of reasons tended to remain on the fringes and have not actively integrated, nor have they historically been encouraged to do so.
 Global politics, the rise of terrorism and religious extremism have suddenly brought to the fore this schism between British Muslims of Pakistani origin and British society. There is a realisation from some within the community, as well as from the UK government that there need to be changes made in how the state/society treats this community. Of equal importance is how the community needs to revitalise itself from within. One of the main components of such revitalisation and change must be the emancipation of women from the cultural and religious dogma that prevents their active participation not only within their own communities, but within the larger economic and social milieu.