Sir: Education is the right of every human being but in Pakistan unfortunately, women are still deprived of education, especially in the rural areas. The conservative and superstitious mindset still prevails in the country where parents are reluctant to send their girls to school. The situation has further deteriorated in the conflict zones where extremists are burning down girls’ schools, thereby completely shutting the door of knowledge to them. In addition to this, some parents do not like their daughters to acquire education from co-education institutions, thus depriving them of higher education. In a society that largely remains patriarchal, there is a dire need for women to step into the arena of education. But in order to achieve this level of participation of women, the government should provide opportunity and safety to its every citizen, especially women. NATASHA SHAFI SAAND Via Email