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Batool Ali

The writer is the Research Lead at UNICEF Pakistan, and has led research initiatives, designed behaviour change interventions, and managed complex projects. Email: [email protected]

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Hilal Her

Punchlines and Patriarchy

January 2025

The Healing Power of Humor for Pakistani Women
They say laughter is the best medicine, and for women in Pakistan, it might just be a lifeline. In a society where women are often expected to endure quietly whether as homemakers managing relentless household pressures or working professionals battling societal and workplace inequities—comedy has become an unexpected act of rebellion, therapy, and connection.


For years, the comedy scene in Pakistan mirrored the patriarchal structures that dominate so many aspects of life. It was a space where men ruled the stage, recycling tired tropes about women that reinforced stereotypes rather than challenging them, but the tides have turned. The internet, with its boundless reach and open platform, has given Pakistani women a mic, an audience, and a chance to rewrite the narrative—one punchline at a time.
In a world where silence is often seen as a virtue for women, humor has become a radical act. These comedians are not just cracking jokes; they are dissecting deeply ingrained societal norms, confronting taboos, and addressing issues that resonate with women everywhere.
From body shaming to street harassment, from impossible beauty standards to the crushing weight of expectations, these women use humor to shed light on the struggles they have faced—and continue to face. Their comedy is not just about entertaining; it is about empowering. It is about saying, "We see you, we understand, and we are laughing with you, not at you." For homemakers juggling endless responsibilities and working women navigating glass ceilings and double standards, this kind of humor feels like a shared sigh of relief—a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
Anonymity and Audacity
Some of these women choose to stay behind the scenes, crafting biting satirical content under the cloak of anonymity. Their words, raw and unfiltered, tackle everything from patriarchal double standards to political absurdities. It is as though they are saying, "You cannot silence us, even if you do not know who we are." This anonymity allows them to challenge the unspoken rules, turning their pens and keyboards into tools of defiance. Others have stepped boldly onto the stage, forming all-women groups that use live performances to create spaces where difficult conversations are wrapped in wit and warmth. These groups take on topics like workplace harassment, body image, and marriage pressures, blending sharp humor with heartfelt social commentary. Their performances feel like a sisterhood in action—a shared experience that reassures women in the audience that their voices and experiences matter.
Humor as Therapy
It is not just about the big performances or viral videos. For many women, humor has seeped into the everyday—into short skits, relatable anecdotes, and snippets of life that find their way onto social media. These snippets celebrate the mundane, turning the small frustrations of daily life into moments of shared hilarity. Whether it is poking fun at impossible in-law expectations or mocking the societal obsession with perfection, these jokes feel like a collective exhale for women who are constantly navigating unrelenting demands.
Laughter in Adversity
Some of these women choose to stay behind the scenes, crafting biting satirical content under the cloak of anonymity. Their words, raw and unfiltered, tackle everything from patriarchal double standards to political absurdities. It is as though they are saying, "You cannot silence us, even if you do not know who we are." This anonymity allows them to challenge the unspoken rules, turning their pens and keyboards into tools of defiance. Others have stepped boldly onto the stage, forming all-women groups that use live performances to create spaces where difficult conversations are wrapped in wit and warmth. These groups take on topics like workplace harassment, body image, and marriage pressures, blending sharp humor with heartfelt social commentary. Their performances feel like a sisterhood in action—a shared experience that reassures women in the audience that their voices and experiences matter.



Humor as Hope
Through their jokes, these women remind us that laughter has the power to heal, connect, and challenge the status quo. Women in Pakistan have proven that even in a society that often seeks to diminish them, they are known for their resilience, wit, and fierce creativity. Their comedy does not just make us laugh; it makes us think, question, and, ultimately, hope for a future where women are celebrated for their humor, their insights, and their unyielding spirit. For the homemakers, the professionals, the dreamers, and the fighters, this new wave of comedy feels like a gift. It is a moment to pause, to laugh, and to remember that even in the face of adversity, joy can be a revolutionary act. HH


The writer is the Research Lead at UNICEF Pakistan, and has led research initiatives, designed behaviour change interventions, and managed complex projects.
Email: [email protected]

Batool Ali

The writer is the Research Lead at UNICEF Pakistan, and has led research initiatives, designed behaviour change interventions, and managed complex projects. Email: [email protected]

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