In Karachi, one witnesses never before images of women filling up gas tanks in cars and motor cycles. Although women tend to keep covered, their very presence and ability to work in this male dominated job is creating new spaces for them in society. Pakistan still has the lowest participation of women in the work force, even for the region. In this context, reclaiming the public space is a story of resilience and determination. Gas station owners say they prefer to hire women because of the latter’s commitment to work and honesty in performing it. As such, they have been hiring women at different levels – not just to pump gas but also to work behind counters and different services provided at the station. While the private sector has inducted great numbers of women, the government’s openness to hiring women in every capacity and providing them public transport that is affordable, has also paved the way for women to taken on non-traditional roles in society.
