Producer Humayun Saeed is working on another production, this time tackling a key social issue in Pakistan. The rather normalized and unnoticed social issue of ‘doctor brides’ in Pakistan.
The Mere Paas Tum Ho star took to Twitter to raise his voice about the practice of female doctors that don’t take on their professional roles after getting married. He added the need to highlight this issue in order to have more women participate in the working economy.
“Disappointed to find out that only 1 out of 4 female doctors practice after graduation in Pakistan because of family pressure. Thinking of a new project, maybe to highlight this issue. Let’s encourage women to pursue their dreams. #DoctorBahu.”
Disappointed to find out that only 1 out of 4 female doctors practice after graduation in Pakistan because of family pressure. Thinking of a new project, maybe to highlight this issue. Let’s encourage women to pursue their dreams. #DoctorBahu
— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) January 31, 2022
Many people voiced support for a drama serial to highlight the issue. With some people even sharing their own experiences.
“My aunt, MBBS graduate, a gold medalist, married to a doctor obviously, settled in America, but never ever did her medical job after marriage and that too willingly. She had the option but she choose to be a housewife in America.”
My aunt, mbbs graduate from Fatimah Jinnah medical University, a gold medalist, married to a doctor obviously, settled in America, but never ever did her medical job after marriage and that too willingly. She had the option but she choose to be a housewife in America.
— literary cupcake (@hiechorchy) January 31, 2022
People even talked about the trend of pushing girls to enroll in med school for better suitors.
“Honestly speaking medical profession for girls these days is primarily opted to get potential rishtas. Beti doctor hogi tou rishta bhi acha aye ka, khandaan mein izzat bhi kaafi hogi. Bas Dr. ki stamp honi chaiye. This is the typical mindset of Pakistani parents.”
You are absolutely right, and the poor girl is forced to study medicine even if she doesn't want to. Then she is threatened that she will be married of to some inferior guy.
— Calming Nature (@chrysanthemom43) January 31, 2022
Another Netizen added how this problem of ‘doctor brides’ even extends to Pakistani communities abroad.
“Yes in UK too, quite a lot of Pakistani female doctors not willing to work and to be honest no pressure from husbands. It’s easy to stay at home.And not only doctors but in other professions as well, after leaving Uni not interested to work.”
Yes in UK too, quite a lot of Pakistani female doctors not willing to work and to be honest no pressure from husbands. It’s easy to stay at home.And not only doctors but in other professions as well, after leaving Uni not interested to work
— AatishEchinar (@AEchinar) January 31, 2022
As the owner of Six Sigma Production, Humayun Saeed has churned out many hit dramas like Dil Lagi and Mere Paas Tum Ho, aside from all the films created under this banner.
I think it depends on the in-laws and/husband. Whatever works for you as a family. I got my degree and Masters AFTER marriage and children. I’m now working whilst still doing further postgraduate studies. Women can do it and must speak up for themselves, getting support from their families is vital.